Carrying a hot drink up the stairs is one of those everyday tasks that's easy to take for granted, until a wobble sends tea down the carpet, or worse, you lose your balance. Keeping one hand on the bannister is one of the simplest ways to stay safe on the stairs, but that's hard to do when you're holding a mug or a tray.
Here are some practical tips for carrying drinks up and down the stairs safely with one hand.
1. Always keep one hand on the bannister
This is the golden rule. Whatever you're carrying, make sure it only needs one hand so the other can hold the rail. If you have handrails on both sides, use the one on your stronger side.
2. Don't overfill your cup
A cup filled to the brim will spill with the slightest movement. Leave a good gap at the top, especially with hot drinks.
3. Use a lid for hot drinks
A travel mug or a cup with a lid is a simple way to reduce the risk of burns if something does go wrong.
4. Keep the stairs clear and well lit
Shoes, bags and piles of washing on the stairs are a trip hazard at the best of times. Keep steps clear and make sure the stairway is well lit, with light switches at both the top and bottom if possible.
5. Take your time
Rushing is when accidents happen. Take the stairs one step at a time and pause if you need to.
6. Make more trips, not heavier ones
If you're carrying things by hand, two careful trips are better than one overloaded one.
7. Use a single-handed serving tray
A single-handed tray like the Topple Tray is designed exactly for this. You hold it from above by its stainless steel handle, and your drinks hang below your hand. Because the tray moves with the drinks instead of against them, the liquid stays settled as you climb, while your other hand stays on the bannister.
The Topple Tray carries up to four glasses, so you can take tea for two, or drinks for the whole family, upstairs in one careful trip. The non-slip neoprene mat keeps cups from sliding, and the folding handle means it tucks away neatly when you're done.
How to use the Topple Tray on the stairs
Place your drinks towards the centre of the tray, hold the handle, and let the tray hang naturally. Keep your other hand on the rail and walk at a steady pace. There's no special technique to learn. The balance does the work for you.
Safer stairs, one step at a time
Small changes to how you carry things can make a big difference to your safety at home. If you or someone you care for is finding the stairs difficult, an occupational therapist can also offer advice on rails, lighting and other helpful adaptations. For more ideas, read our free guide to the one-handed home.
Keep one hand free on the stairs. Discover the Topple Tray single-handed serving tray here.