End-of-Year Checklist for Tradies Before the Holidays

The holiday season is almost here, and for many tradies, it’s time to down tools, take a well-earned break, and prepare for a strong start in the new year. But before switching off, there are a few things to tick off your end-of-year checklist for tradies—from securing worksites and chasing payments to setting your goals for 2026.

Here’s everything you need to know before heading into the holidays.

1. Communicate Your Closure Dates

Let clients, suppliers, and subcontractors know when your business will be closed. This prevents confusion, last-minute calls, or missed opportunities.

• Send a quick email or text update to regular clients.
• Update your ServiceSeeking.com.au profile with your holiday dates.
• Change voicemail and email auto-replies with your return date.
• If you manage a team, ensure everyone knows who’s on call, if anyone.

Keeping communication clear means your clients know when you’re back on deck—and ready for new work in January.

2. Follow Up on Outstanding Invoices

December can make chasing payments tricky, so it’s best to stay ahead. Send invoices early and set reminders before the holiday rush begins.

A good rhythm might look like this:

• Reminder 1: A few days before the due date.
• Reminder 2: On the due date itself.
• Follow-up: Two weeks later with a friendly nudge.
• Final call: Three weeks late, confirm a payment date by phone.

If you haven’t already, consider e-invoicing or accounting software to help you automate reminders and speed up payments. No one wants to spend their Christmas break chasing overdue bills.

3. Secure and Shut Down Worksites

Before taking time off, ensure your worksite is safe, secure, and compliant. Take shutdown procedures seriously—not just for compliance, but for community safety.

Here’s a quick checklist:
✅ Switch off all power sources.
✅ Remove debris and clear pathways.
✅ Lock gates and fences.
✅ Empty water drums and fuel containers.
✅ Secure all tools, chemicals, and plant equipment.
✅ Cap exposed reinforcement bars.
✅ Cover pits, trenches, and pier holes.
✅ Display an after-hours contact sign.

It might seem like a small thing, but taking the time to secure your site protects your tools, your reputation, and the public.

4. Back Up and Power Down Your Equipment

Before the shutdown, back up all your business data—including client contacts, invoices, and project plans. Store them in the cloud or on an external hard drive.

Then, check all devices and office equipment:

• Shut down computers and unplug printers or copiers.
• Turn off modems, routers, and power boards.
• Check for any glowing lights—a sign that a device is still drawing power.

Even small electronics can cause power surges or consume energy while idle. A quick sweep around the site or office before you leave can save you headaches later.

5. Review Your Safety Procedures

The end of the year is also a good time to review safety measures. Are your harnesses, ladders, and tools still up to standard? Are first aid kits stocked?

You can also take this time to refresh your safety documentation—incident logs, certifications, and licenses. That way, when 2026 starts, you’re already compliant and ready to work.

6. Reflect and Plan for the New Year

Once the work boots are off, take a moment to reflect on the year:

• What went well?
• What projects brought in the most value?
• Which areas can you improve?

Set small goals for next year—whether it’s upgrading your ute, hiring another apprentice, or expanding your service area.

You might also want to update your ServiceSeeking.com.au profile with new photos, reviews, or services. The holiday period is one of the best times to refresh your business listing so you’re ready when clients start posting new jobs in January.

7. Tidy Up Your Marketing

Before you switch off, set aside an hour to tidy up your marketing:

• Schedule social media posts wishing clients a Merry Christmas.
• Prepare a simple New Year promotion.
• Write a short thank-you message for clients who supported you this year.

This keeps your name visible while you’re away and reminds clients you’re ready for bookings once the new year begins.

8. Take the Break You Deserve

The lead-up to Christmas can be full-on for tradies, especially with tight deadlines and unpredictable weather. So once everything’s wrapped up, take that well-earned break.

Recharge, spend time with family, and return refreshed. You’ve earned it.

Once you’ve ticked off your end-of-year checklist for tradies, make sure your business is ready for the new year rush. Listing your services on ServiceSeeking.com.au helps clients find you quickly—whether you’re a plumber, electrician, painter, or builder.

More visibility means more work coming your way when things pick up after the holidays.