Stairlift rentals are one of the smartest ways to make your home ready for family visits this fall, especially if a loved one is recovering from surgery, managing a health condition, or simply needs a little extra support on the stairs. With the holidays approaching in the coming months, now is the right time to think ahead, because getting a rental in place takes a little preparation, and your home may need a few simple adjustments before installation day.
Why Rent Instead of Buy? A Quick Word First
Sometimes a stairlift is needed for a defined period, maybe a parent is visiting for several weeks, or someone is healing after a hip or knee procedure. Renting gives you the flexibility to have the equipment in place when you need it and returned when you don’t. We work with families across Roanoke, Lynchburg, Danville, Martinsville, Rocky Mount, and surrounding areas who find that a short-term rental is exactly the right fit for their situation. And if you later decide a permanent installation makes more sense, that conversation is always open.
Getting Your Staircase Ready
The good news is that most standard staircases need very little done to accommodate a stairlift. That said, a few simple steps before your installation appointment can make everything go more smoothly.
Clear the staircase and any storage underneath it. Items stored on the stairs, or in a closet directly beneath them, may need to be temporarily relocated. The track runs along one side of the staircase, so there needs to be enough clearance for the seat and armrests to move freely.
Check the outlet situation. Most stairlifts plug into a standard wall outlet near the top or bottom of the stairs. If there isn’t one close by, you may want to have an electrician add one ahead of time. Our team can tell you exactly what’s needed during the consultation so you’re not caught off guard.
Think about the landing space. At both the top and bottom of the stairs, there should be enough room for a person to step on and off the stairlift safely. A little open floor space goes a long way. If there’s furniture crowding either landing, it’s worth rearranging before the visit.
Measure doorways and hallways nearby. This matters especially if your guest also uses a walker or wheelchair. The stairlift handles the stairs, but you want a clear, accessible path from the front door all the way to wherever they’ll be sleeping and spending their time.
Schedule the Consultation Sooner Than You Think You Need To
This is probably the most important piece of advice we can offer. September is a great time to get a rental arranged, because October and November fill up quickly as families start preparing for the holiday season. We’ve been helping people throughout this region since 1993, and every fall we see a rush of last-minute calls. Getting ahead of that makes the whole process calmer for everyone.
We offer free, no-obligation in-home consultations, so there’s no pressure and no cost just to have someone come take a look and tell you what’s involved. Our team is on call 24/7 by phone, which means if a question comes up on a Sunday afternoon or late in the evening, you don’t have to wait until Monday to get an answer.
A Few Other Things Worth Knowing
If the rental is for a family member with a specific medical condition, it’s worth checking with their doctor, as some products we carry may require a prescription, and some costs may be covered by private health insurance. We’re happy to help you sort through those details so nothing is a surprise.
Also, if your staircase is curved rather than straight, don’t assume a stairlift won’t work for you. We install ACORN stairlifts, which are available in curved configurations, and our team can assess your staircase during the consultation to let you know exactly what your options are.
Whether you’re in Roanoke, Danville, Rocky Mount, or anywhere in between, we’re here to help you get your home ready so the holidays feel comfortable and safe for everyone who walks through your door. Give us a call or drop us an email and we’ll get something scheduled at a time that works for you.