diff --git a/openbox/focus.c b/openbox/focus.c
index 551959f4..75bd6bcd 100644
--- a/openbox/focus.c
+++ b/openbox/focus.c
@@ -41,6 +41,7 @@ void focus_shutdown()
     for (i = 0; i < screen_num_desktops; ++i)
         g_list_free(focus_order[i]);
     g_free(focus_order);
+    focus_order = NULL;
 
     XDestroyWindow(ob_display, focus_backup);