Prepare Your Home Before You Go Away

Photo source: Flickr

The excitement of a holiday can make it tempting to focus entirely on packing, flights, and accommodation. But there’s one part of the trip that’s easy to overlook: preparing the house for your absence.

Start by making the home look as though someone is still there. If you have a trusted neighbour, friend or family member, ask them to collect the mail and keep an eye on the property. A letterbox overflowing with post can be an obvious sign that nobody is home.

If you have a car, consider where it will be parked while you’re away. Leaving it somewhere secure and asking someone you trust to move it occasionally, where appropriate, can make the property look lived-in. Just make sure anyone with access has clear instructions about what you’re comfortable with them doing.

Your bins are worth thinking about, too. If you’re leaving shortly after collection day, put them out as usual and arrange for someone to bring them back in. You don’t want to return from holiday to discover a wheelie bin has been sitting at the kerb for several days.

Inside the house, check the obvious things before locking the door. Empty food that could spoil, take out rubbish, water indoor plants, and make sure windows and doors are properly secured. If you’re going away for an extended period, you may also want to arrange for someone to check the house periodically.

Don’t forget about pets. If they’re staying at home, make sure whoever is looking after them has everything they need, including feeding instructions, contact details for your vet, and information about any medications.

For longer trips, think about utilities and appliances as well. You may be able to switch off or unplug some appliances, but don’t turn off anything that needs to remain operating, such as essential refrigeration or security equipment. If you’re unsure, check the manufacturer’s instructions or ask a qualified professional.

Finally, leave a simple list of important information for the person looking after your home. Include your contact details, where the spare key is kept, emergency numbers, and anything unusual they should know.

A few minutes spent preparing your home can make it much easier to relax once you’re on the road. After all, a holiday is far more enjoyable when you’re not lying awake wondering whether you remembered to lock the back door.