Thanksgiving is a month away, and the calendars of the best local cleaners, caterers, stylists and pet sitters are already filling up. If you're hosting family, traveling or throwing a party this season, the smartest thing you can do this week is book holiday services early, before the good time slots disappear and you're left calling around on December 20th.
Here's a rundown of the local services that tend to book up first, roughly when to call each one and how to pick someone you can trust.
Why holiday services fill up so fast
Most local service businesses are small. A cleaning company might have three crews. A salon might have four chairs. A caterer can only handle so many parties on one Saturday. When everyone wants the same week before Thanksgiving or the same weekend before Christmas, there simply aren't enough slots to go around.
This year, Thanksgiving is Thursday, November 27, and Christmas falls on a Thursday too. That means many people will take Friday off both weeks, and the days just before each holiday will be the most crowded on everyone's schedule.
Book holiday services early: a simple timeline
A rough guide for when to call. Busy areas and popular businesses may need even more notice.
Book now (late October to early November)
- Catering and party venues for holiday parties, especially office parties on Fridays and Saturdays in December.
- Holiday family photos, if you want outdoor fall light or photos back in time for cards.
- Chimney sweeps and furnace tune-ups, before the first cold snap sends everyone to the phone at once.
- Pet boarding and pet sitters for Thanksgiving and Christmas travel. Good sitters and kennels often book up first for the holidays.
Book by mid-November
- House cleaning and deep cleaning for the week before Thanksgiving or the week before Christmas.
- Carpet and upholstery cleaning, which often needs drying time before guests arrive.
- Hair, nail and beauty appointments for the days before Christmas and New Year's Eve.
- Handyman jobs like hanging shelves, mounting a TV, assembling furniture or fixing that guest-bath faucet.
Book by early December
- Holiday light installation if you don't want to climb a ladder in the cold.
- Car service before a long holiday drive.
- Post-holiday cleaning for the days after Christmas or New Year's.
The local services that fill up first
House cleaners and carpet cleaners
A deep clean the week before guests arrive is one of the most requested jobs of the season. Book a time a few days before your event, so there's a buffer if anything comes up. For carpet cleaning, ask how long the carpet needs to dry and plan around it. Xtra Touch Carpet Care in Vancouver, Washington, listed on Listings Junkie, says it has been cleaning carpets in the area since 1997, the kind of track record worth looking for when you're letting someone into your home right before a big gathering. Browse more cleaning services by state.
Caterers
If you're hosting a big group or an office party, call caterers now. Ask about minimum orders, delivery and setup, dietary options and their deposit and cancellation policies. Browse local catering businesses to start your list.
Salons, barbers and nail studios
The week before Christmas and the days before New Year's Eve are among the busiest of the year for many salons. If you have a regular stylist, book your holiday appointment at your next visit. If you're trying someone new, look at recent photos of their work and read reviews from the last few months. You can find salons by state on Listings Junkie.
Pet sitters and boarding
Holiday travel means a rush on pet care. Book early, schedule a meet-and-greet or a trial stay before the holiday, and make sure your pet's vaccinations are up to date. Many places require proof. Love and Kisses Pet Sitting in the Charlotte area, listed on Listings Junkie, describes itself as offering dog walking and pet sitting since 2006. See more options under pet grooming and boarding, and our guide to choosing a pet groomer you can trust covers the questions worth asking any pet-care business.
Chimney sweeps and heating companies
If you're planning a fire on a holiday evening, have your chimney checked well before then. The same goes for your furnace. Once cold weather hits, heating companies get busy fast, and a tune-up appointment can be harder to find.
Handymen
Small jobs pile up before guests arrive: a loose railing, a running toilet, a TV to mount, a bed frame to assemble. Group them into one visit and book it early. Handy Dandy Tech in the Milwaukee area, another example listed on Listings Junkie, describes same-day handyman and tech services including TV mounting, computer repair and furniture assembly. Even businesses that offer same-day service get busier in December, so a little notice helps.
How to choose someone you can trust
Booking early gives you time to choose well instead of taking whoever's free. A few quick checks:
- Read recent reviews, especially ones that mention holiday or last-minute jobs.
- Check that the business is real and local. A clear listing with a name, phone number and service area is a good sign.
- Ask about price up front, and get it in writing, even if it's a text.
- Ask about cancellation and rescheduling. Plans change during the holidays, and it helps to know the rules.
- For licensed trades, like plumbing, electrical and heating, check that the business holds a license in your state.
You can browse local businesses by category and state on Listings Junkie, or see all businesses. Listings are checked before they go live, and customer reviews are confirmed by email.
Questions to ask when you book
- What time window should I expect, and will you call if you're running late?
- What do I need to do to get ready? (Clear counters, move furniture, put pets away.)
- How long will the job take?
- What's included, and what costs extra?
- Is a deposit required, and is it refundable?
Write the answers down and put the appointment in your calendar with the business's phone number.
A gift idea while you're at it
Many of these services make great gifts, too. A house cleaning for a new parent, a massage for a tired caregiver, a car detail for the person who has everything. Our guide to buying gift cards from local businesses covers how to choose one and what to check before you buy.
Frequently asked questions
How early should I book a house cleaner for Thanksgiving?
A few weeks ahead is a good idea, and earlier if you want a specific day close to the holiday. Call by mid-November at the latest.
What if everyone I call is booked?
Ask to be put on a waitlist for cancellations, ask whether they can recommend someone else, or book a date a few days earlier than you wanted.
Is it rude to cancel a holiday booking?
Not if you give plenty of notice. Small businesses can often fill a canceled slot if they hear from you early, so call as soon as plans change.
Should I tip holiday service providers?
Tipping customs vary by service. For cleaners, stylists and similar services, a holiday tip or a small gift is a kind gesture if you use them regularly.
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