Preparing Your House Before the Holidays

Before you switch off the alarm and head away for a few days’ rest, it is worth spending a few minutes getting your house ready. A handful of simple precautions can help prevent leaks, breakdowns, unpleasant smells and even security issues, so your holiday starts - and ends - without worries.

Summer is here, the holidays are just around the corner, and all we want to do is pack and leave, whether it is for the seaside, the countryside or the mountains. Still, if you want this break to begin and finish in the best possible way, it pays to look after a few things at home, especially when the property will be shut up for several days.

Check for water leaks before you leave your house for the holidays

The first thing to avoid is bringing the beach home with you - in other words, water where it should not be. Before you go, make sure there are no dripping taps, water leaks or plumbing problems. Minor faults that are often put off can worsen while you are away and lead to flooding or serious damage.

Cut electrical and fire risks while you are away

No water - and no fire, either. As you leave, check that any non-essential electrical appliances are unplugged, along with chargers and extension leads. For items that need to stay on, such as fridges and chest freezers, confirm they are running properly. This helps reduce the chance of faults or short-circuits during your holiday.

Prevent bad odours with a quick clean

To keep unpleasant smells at bay, especially on hotter days, do a thorough clean before you head off. These small efforts make a real difference when you return and open the door, so you are not greeted by a cloud of stale odours.

Check that food is stored correctly. Throw away anything that could spoil, empty the rubbish bins, replace the water in plant containers, and bin that worn-out washing-up sponge. Leave disinfectant in the toilets and wipe down surfaces.

On the same note, make sure clothes, towels and other textiles are not damp - whether left in the washing machine, in the laundry basket, or in some corner of the house. This helps prevent bad smells and stops fabrics from developing mould.

Secure doors and windows before your holiday

Making sure your house is secure is just as important. Doors and windows that do not close properly, damaged locks or broken latches can create a risk and lead to loss. Even if you have told a trusted neighbour that the property will be empty, it is still important to fix these issues before you go, ensuring only authorised people can access the home.

All of these precautions will help you come back calm and well-rested, without turning the end of your holiday into a major headache.