Going away for the summer holidays is exciting for the whole family, but leaving your property unattended can cause unwanted stress. A few simple preparations before you lock the front door can protect your home from thieves and accidents.
It’s worth spending an hour or two running through a basic checklist so you can relax properly on the beach. Let’s take a closer look at what you need to do before setting off on your trip.
Secure Your Property From Intruders
Burglars look for easy targets, and an obviously empty house is exactly what they want. You can use timer lights in key rooms to make it look like someone’s home in the evenings. It’s also smart to ask a trusted neighbour to collect your post or park a car on your driveway.
Social media is another area where you need to be careful. Don’t broadcast your holiday dates online until you get back home. Sharing holiday photos while you’re away tells everyone that your home’s empty, instead of keeping your travel plans private.
Prevent Plumbing Disasters and Save Energy
Water damage can ruin a house in a matter of days if a pipe bursts while you’re away. Turning off the main water supply at the stopcock is the safest option before a long trip. Make sure you know where your stopcock is, as it’s usually under the kitchen sink or near the front door.
You should also unplug non-essential electrical appliances like televisions, routers and coffee machines. This action protects your items from sudden power surges and reduces your energy usage. Leave the fridge and freezer running, but clear out any food that will expire before you return.
Check Your Insurance Details
Your standard home insurance policy will protect you during a normal holiday, but you must check the specific terms. Most standard policies have a strict limit on how long the house can stand empty. If you’re away for longer than this limit (often just 30 days), you might need specialist empty house insurance to stay covered.
It’s also a good idea to contact your provider directly if you have any doubts about your policy limits. They can clarify exactly what counts as an unoccupied property under their rules. This ensures you won’t face any surprises if you need to make a claim.
If You’re Going Away for More Than a Month
Leaving a property empty for an extended period requires extra care, and not just with your insurance cover. You should arrange for someone to visit the house every week to check for leaks and air out the rooms. It’s also a good idea to cut the grass right before you leave so the garden doesn’t look overgrown.
You might also want to ask a neighbour to look out for any signs of damage or unusual activity. Having a local contact who can react quickly to emergencies provides great peace of mind while you’re away.
Final Checklist Actions Before Departure
Before you pack the car, walk through each room one last time to double-check everything. Here’s a list of the final quick checks you should perform before you lock up:
- Lock all windows and double-lock the external doors.
- Check that the cooker and oven are completely turned off.
- Empty all the household bins to avoid bad smells and pests.
- Close all internal doors to help contain any accidental fires.
- Set your thermostat to a low, steady temperature.
- Leave a spare key with a trusted neighbour or family member for emergencies.
- Take photos of any valuables and store the images somewhere safe, in case you need to make a claim.
A Stress-Free Return Home
Taking these precautions means you can enjoy your holiday without worrying about what’s happening back home. Walking into a safe, dry and secure house is the best way to end a great family trip. Spend the time preparing now, and you’ll reap the rewards of a truly relaxing break.
