When planning a winter holiday there can be many things to organise, so getting things done around the house can be the last thing on your mind. However, taking some time to take care of some things around the house before departing can yield several benefits.
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The following is a list of twelve things that can be carried out around the home before going on holiday.
1 Consider Your Security Options
There are many ways of securing the home, so when embarking on a holiday it is important to ensure that you are maximising the security of the home in every instance. Home CCTV cameras are very affordable and can be viewed via a smartphone.
Similarly, there are alarms available that can alert local police should there be intruders in the home. Although securing the home may involve a small investment, it is worthwhile for the overall peace of mind you will have while on holiday.
2. Arrange for Someone to Check on the Property
Although there are many ways of securing the home, having someone check in while you are away can ensure that there are no other unforeseen situations such as leaks or alarms going off. There does not have to be a set routine, and can you give you additional peace of mind when enjoying your holiday.
3. Make Sure You Have Boiler Coverage
Protecting what is important comes naturally to many of us. However, when compared to home and car insurance, boilers can be overlooked.
The boiler is the beating heart of any home, and should anything happen when you are abroad, the costs of repair could be difficult to meet. Ensuring you have boiler cover in place before you leave ensures you are not out of pocket should the worst-case scenario arise.
4. Clean Before You Leave
Embarking on a holiday is an exciting time, which means some of the mundane tasks can be pushed to one side. As such, it can be a good idea to carry out any cleaning before you leave.
Although it can seem like more work in the interim, knowing that you are coming back to a clean home can mean you are not worrying about the impending workloads when abroad.
Unplug Electrical Appliances Whenever Possible
Although there can be instances when electrical appliances need to remain plugged in, they should be unplugged for the most part. Not only does conserve energy, but also reduces the potential of electrical fires.
5. Check Your Insurance Coverage is Up to Date
The insurance industry can be confusing at times, and many can be under the impression that there is coverage in place when this isn’t the case. Contacting your insurance provider to ensure all your details are up to date will ensure that the correct policy is in place.
Although having insurance in place is a good start when safeguarding the property, ensuring it is up to date can mean less financial loss and stress should anything happen.
6. Arrange for Pet Care
Regardless of whether you have a pet dog or hamster, pet care must be put in place before you leave for holiday. If you have someone checking in on the property, then they could possibly contend with the feeding of hamsters, gerbils, and goldfish.
However, animals like cats and dogs may require a regular routine. If no friends or family can take care of the animals, then it may be worthwhile considering a professional cattery or kennel.
7. Clean Out the Fridge
Although keeping the fridge stocked is important, it can mean there is a risk of food becoming spoiled and causing odours in the fridge. Removing any food that may become spoiled during your holiday ensures that you are not met with a nasty surprise when your return.
8. Wash The Bedding and Make the Beds
Regardless of how enjoyable a holiday is, when you return the likelihood is you will want to relax. However, contending with the bedding can mean your rest is interrupted. Although making a bed doesn’t take long, taking care of the bedding before you leave can ensure a relaxing return.
9. Turn Off the Water Supply
Nobody is ever prepared for a water leak, but it can be more detrimental if it happens when you are abroad. Fortunately, avoiding this can be as easy as turning off the water supply.
This ensures that even if a problem does occur with the plumbing, it is less likely to cause damage to the property.
10. Ensure Rubbish and Recycling is Taken Care Off
Depending on the location you live in, the fluctuance of refuge collection and recycling can be sporadic. In instances where rubbish and recycling I s overlooked, holidaymakers could be returning to a series of unpleasant odours.
Even if there are instances where collections are missed, a visit to the recycling centre will avoid any unwanted odours upon your return.
11. Take Care Off Bills Before Leaving for Your Holiday
If the bills are not due, it can be easy to overlook them until your return. However, if any bills become overdue, you could find yourself incurring expenses and potential loss of essential services on your return.
Checking what bills are due while you are on holiday allows you to pay them beforehand, meaning there is less to do upon your return.
12. Consider the Maintenance of the Garden
Not everyone will have a garden to worry about, but those who are green-fingered will want to ensure their hard work is retained. If you are worried about standards slipping, then why not consider hiring a professional gardener while you are away?
It can also be a good idea to ensure that any defect regarding fencing is rectified, as this will ensure that animals cannot enter the property and cause damage in your absence.
It is common for worry to set in when travelling abroad regarding things you may have missed before leaving.
Taking care of the monotonous tasks before you leave ensures that there is confidence that the property and animals are safe, with contingencies in place should the unexpected happen.