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.
Let clients, suppliers, and subcontractors know when your business will be closed. This prevents confusion, last-minute calls, or missed opportunities.
Keeping communication clear means your clients know when you’re back on deck—and ready for new work in January.
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:
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
Once the work boots are off, take a moment to reflect on the year:
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.
Before you switch off, set aside an hour to tidy up your marketing:
This keeps your name visible while you’re away and reminds clients you’re ready for bookings once the new year begins.
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.