The holidays are filled with family and friend get-togethers. More people will be visiting your home, celebrating throughout the end of the year.

It’s a beautiful time of the year, decorations creating a warm glow, and aromatic smells wafting from the kitchen as you prepare your home.

The last thing on your mind should be the condition of your floors once your guests have said goodbye. There are a few simple tips you can do that will easily protect your floors from the most common damage.

Tip 1: Use Felt Pads
Moving furniture and hardwood floors never mix. With guests coming and going all season long, it’s commonplace to move furniture to change the layout of your room. Be sure to place felt pads under the legs of all furniture that may be moved: tables, chairs, sofas, and loveseats. Sticky felt pieces can be found at most hardware stores and can be cut to size, so they are completely unnoticeable. This will save your hardwood floors from scratching and dents that will have to be repaired later.

Tip 2: No Shoes Policy
Wearing shoes inside can track in dirt, moisture, and other debris from outside. This can scratch hardwood flooring, or grind in dirt into carpets. And if your guests wear high heels, those tiny pinpoints can sink into vinyl and dent or tear. Creating a no shoe policy means your flooring will stay looking its best throughout the holiday season. You can request guests bring a pair of inside shoes or a pair of slippers, or consider having a basket of various sizes for your guest to choose from when they arrive.

Tip 3: Choose Floor Runners
Invariably there is always certain areas of your home that are busier than others during a party. Consider placing holiday rugs and floor runners in these areas to protect the floor underneath. The will prevent spills from soaking in and staining, and protect your flooring from dirt and debris being tracked and ground in.

Tip 4: Maintenance
No matter what type of flooring you have, regular maintenance is a necessity to keep it looking its best. Be sure to vacuum, sweep and clean before every get-together to ensure its clean. As soon as guest leave, clean all flooring again, paying close attention to spills that may have gone unnoticed. Call in a professional as soon as possible to work on tough stains and problem areas.

Protecting your floors doesn’t have to be a difficult process. By adding it to your checklist of party planning items, you’ll keep your flooring in great shape throughout the year.