04 April 2023

Five Tips To Prepare Your Home Before Going on Holiday

Whether you’re going overseas on holiday or keeping it local, it’s always a good idea to make sure you have secured your home and belongings before you head off.

 

Here are five helpful pre-travel tips to ensure you can relax while away and not have to worry about the house. 

 

  1. Make Your Home Look Lived-In

    • Ask a friend or neighbour to pop by to clear the mailbox and put your rubbish bin out on collection day.
    • Put a temporary hold on your newspaper delivery.
    • If you don’t have smart lights installed at home, there are 24 hour plug-in timed lights that allow you to time your internal lights to switch on and off while you are away. 
    • Outdoor sensor lights provide helpful lighting to make your home appear occupied.
    • If you have a driveway you're not using, offer the space to your neighbour or friend to park there while you are away.

  2. Locking Up

    • Leave yourself enough time before you leave, to walk around your house and check that all windows and doors are locked. 
    • It may sound obvious but don’t leave a key hidden outside, however well you feel you have hidden it! Hiding a key for convenience is not worth the risk of the keys ending up in the wrong hands. Instead, give your keys directly to a friend or family member.

  3. Switching Off

    • Minimise the risk of any electrical issues, and switch off sockets at the wall and unplug all electrical items which will not be used whilst you are away (such as coffee machines, kettles, lamps and toasters). 
    • Make sure your smoke alarms are functioning.

  4. Put your Valuables Away

    • Put your valuables away in a safe place, including items that may hold sentimental value. 

  5. Last Things Before You Go 

    • Clear your fridge of any perishable items. 
    • Make sure the gas hob is turned off.
    • Check your tumble dryer to make sure you haven’t forgotten a load of wet washing in there in all the holiday excitement!

Make sure your friends or family know the best way to reach you if they need to, or provide them with an alternate local emergency contact number. 

And now - it’s time to holiday! Travel safely and enjoy your time away.