The Great British Summer Holiday
The weather is getting warmer and there is nothing better to do than relax by the sea, in the garden or a tranquil cafe or restaurant eating good food and drinking great wine. As the last few summers have been fraught with restricted travel thanks to coronavirus, this summer is the first that feels like we are getting back to a new normality.
But before you cram as much as possible into your suitcase, most likely sitting on it so you can zip it up tight and rush to catch the plane to your destination of choice as soon as you hear “final call for flight XXX” over the airport tannoy, here are a few things you should do to protect and maintain your home while you are away.
Clean Your Home
Take care of your kitchen! Make sure you have a look in the fridge/freezer and get rid of all the things that will spoil before you come back. Try to plan your shopping according to your departure day to avoid excess food wasting. You can also freeze things and use them when you’re back. That or you can always give any food that wouldn’t last to a homeless charity such as Maggs daycare rather than binning it.Be sure to give a quick wipe to your refrigerator and freezer to avoid bad odours and sticky spillages festering whilst you are away.
Tidy Up Your House
Is there anything in need of a quick tidy? Wipe the bathroom, get rid of any rubbish to save unpleasant smells, check the washing machine to avoid forgetting any wet washing, hoover, etc...You will thank yourself later for coming back to a clean house after a vacation. Who doesn't want to want clean sheets on the bed after a long flight home?Keep Your Home Safe
If possible put any lights on a timer to save on energy bills and deter would-be thieves from breaking in. Thanks to modern technology you can buy special bulbs (for example on Amazon) that you can control remotely. With smart home technology, you can also schedule lights to turn on/off, and even add TVs and radio to play for a couple of hours a day to simulate someone being home.Take Care Of Your Mail
An empty house with an overflowing mailbox is a dead giveaway that nobody is home. You can also put your mail on hold with the post office or ask your neighbour or a friend to gather your post while you’re away.Prevent A Fire
Before you leave it is important to unplug every nonessential electronic device such as a TV, lamp, toaster, kettle, etc. This will lower the risk of an electrical fire and save money on electric bills.Program Your Thermostat
Set your thermostat to away/holiday mode. This will save on energy and also adjust the temperature setting while you’re not home.Check All The Doors And Windows
Don’t forget to check all doors and windows. Check all the doors and windows to make sure everything is locked and shut. If you have dog/cat flaps on external doors make sure these are secured shut too.Set The Alarm
If you have one, don’t forget to put your alarm on. There are many kinds of security systems you can choose from and some of them can be controlled through your phone. It is better to invest in one. Better safe than sorry and it may bring your home insurance premium down.Plants And Pets
If you own a pet or are a plant-lover, don't forget to find someone to take care of them. If don’t have anyone, there are plenty of tutorials on YouTube about crafting a homemade watering system. Failing that you can always hire a professional pet/plant sitter.And when everything above is checked from your to-do list, just hop on the plane and enjoy yourself! You deserve it!
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