In a Finnish apartment building the stairwell is shared space, so the simple rules are: take your boots off at your own door, never leave prams or sledges in the corridor, shake snow off outside, and keep voices low between 22:00 and 07:00. Follow those four and you will fit in with the neighbours, who will not mind a friendly nod on the stairs.

Nine Pines is on the second floor of a quiet family building on the Korkalovaara hill, and the building has no lift. We often explain this to guests before arrival, because a winter holiday brings extra clothes, extra snow and extra luggage into a place where people live all year round. Here is what we tell them.

Why the stairwell matters more in winter

In summer, a stairwell is simply a way up and down. In winter it becomes the place where snow, grit, salt and meltwater arrive. If a group of nine tramps in wearing wet boots, the floor can become slippery for everyone, including older neighbours and children. Finnish buildings are generally kept very clean and quiet, and residents appreciate guests who take care. It also keeps the building pleasant for you: the same stairs are used by your own children when they run out in the morning.

The five habits that make the difference

1. Stamp and brush at the door of the building

Before you enter, knock the snow off boots, trousers and bags on the outside step. A small brush is useful. Do not shake coats or snowsuits in the stairwell. We provide an ice scraper and snow brush for the car; the same brush works for boots. See our post on clearing snow off a rental car for the routine.

2. Boots off at the flat

Finns remove outdoor shoes indoors. The apartment has a hallway with wardrobes, so wet boots can stay there to dry. Read shoes off in a Finnish holiday apartment for the habit explained.

3. Keep the corridor clear

Do not leave sledges, prams, bags, boots or rubbish outside the door. Fire safety rules in Finnish buildings require escape routes to stay clear. If you arrive with a pram, our guide on pushchairs and prams with stairs explains how to manage with a second-floor flat.

4. Carry luggage, do not drag it

Suitcases bumping down stairs make a loud noise that carries through the building. Soft bags are easier on the stairs and on your back; see packing soft bags for a walk-up apartment and apartments without a lift.

5. Close doors quietly and respect quiet hours

Quiet hours are 22:00–07:00. That includes the stairwell, the entrance and the yard. If you arrive late, which is easy because the lockbox works at any time from 16:00, take your time and speak softly. Our post on quiet hours, late arrival and early risers goes into more detail.

Children and noise

Children are welcome in our building, which is a family home. Running and shouting in the stairwell is the one thing to discourage. Give children a task for the way down: carrying their own gloves, holding the rail, or counting steps. For more on neighbours and noise, see children and noise in an apartment building.

Rubbish, recycling and the yard

Finnish buildings sort waste into separate bins. Do not leave bags in the stairwell; ask us where the waste bins are. Our guide to waste sorting and recycling explains which bin is which. The free parking space next to the entrance is the one that belongs to the apartment; please park only there.

Winter safety on the steps and path

Ice can form on steps and paths, even when they have been gritted. Wear boots with good grip, hold handrails and walk slowly, especially with children or heavy bags. See icy pavements and winter walking safety for a few tips. If you see a danger, tell us so we can inform the building maintenance.

What if someone complains?

It is rare, but it happens. Be polite, apologise, and tell us. We live a few minutes away and usually answer within the hour. Most issues are solved with a short conversation and a promise to be quieter. Our notes on what to do when something goes wrong may help.

Why we share this

We want guests to have a relaxed stay and neighbours to keep welcoming visitors. A quiet, tidy stairwell is part of what keeps a family building a good place for a holiday apartment. The full house rules and practical advice are in our guest guide, and the apartment is described on the Nine Pines page. You can check live dates on Airbnb or Booking.com.

A quick routine for arrival day

When you arrive after a cold journey, everyone is tired and in a hurry to get inside. A tiny routine saves arguments. Whoever carries the luggage goes up first, with the others waiting at the door downstairs. The adults go up and down in turns rather than all at once, so the stairs do not become crowded with bags and children. Boots come off at the flat door and go on the mat in the hallway. Wet snowsuits go straight into the machine after dinner, and by morning they are dry. This routine takes two minutes and means that the stairwell stays clean even after a full day outdoors.

On departure day, reverse the routine. Take luggage down in two trips, keep the doors closed quietly behind you, and brush the step. A thank-you message to us is always welcome, and a short note about anything you noticed on the stairs helps us look after the building. If you want to read more about leaving the apartment tidy, see our check-out checklist.

FAQ: shared stairwells in a Finnish apartment building

Can I leave boots outside the door?

No. Keep them inside the flat. Corridors must stay clear.

Can I leave a sledge in the stairwell?

No. Store it inside, or ask us where best to put it.

Is there a lift?

No. Nine Pines is on the second floor and the building has no lift.

What time must I be quiet?

Quiet hours are 22:00–07:00.