Don't Leave Without Checking: Essential Home Preparation Tips Before Your Holiday

Holidays are when we get to spend some well-earned time away from home to relax and enjoy another place - it shouldn’t be spent worrying about whether you secured your home properly or whether you’ll be heading home to a disaster. While the excitement is building for your trip, take some time to prepare your home to save yourself any headaches down the line.

MyJobQuote have compiled a comprehensive guide to preparing your home for going on holiday and provided you with a key checklist to ensure you make the most of your holiday.

Safety and Security Measures

Securing your home before travelling is almost definitely the most important thing to any homeowner. Opportunistic thieves can spot a vulnerable property and recognise the signs of a home that has been unoccupied for a little while.

First, make sure you check all of your security systems, alarms, locks and latches to make sure they are all working to their best. You could also consider giving your security a boost by upgrading to some smart security systems that will allow you to check up on your home from anywhere in the world.

One of the best ways to deter would-be thieves is to give the illusion that someone is in and around your home. Set some timers for lights, televisions and radios to simulate the normal, everyday household activities. Additionally, be careful who knows that you will be away from your home, and avoid sharing anything about your holiday on social media until you have returned.

Quick Security Checklist:

Test your alarm systems and replace any batteries
Look to install timers for lights in rooms around your home
Double-check that all doors and windows are locked
Upgrade to smart locks that can be remotely monitored
Remove any spare keys hidden around the home
Avoid posting about your holiday online until you are back home
Let some trusted neighbours know you will be away
Install a doorbell camera for remote monitoring

Need a Tradesperson?

Post a Job Here

Garden Preparation

You should try to pay some special attention to your lawn before you leave for your holidays, both for security and to simply make sure your garden will be in good state for when you return.

First of all, an unkempt garden that is otherwise well-kept is a telltale sign that someone is away from home. To get around this, schedule in a gardener to come and do some basics like mowing the lawn and trimming the hedges while you’re away. You should also remember to secure any sheds and garages to ensure that they are not easy targets for criminals.

Quick Garden Checklist:

Before you leave, mow the lawn and trim the hedges
Make sure that your potted plants have been moved to the shade
Store away outdoor furniture
Lock all garden sheds and garages
Consider hiring a gardener for longer trips

Need a Tradesperson?

Post a Job Here

General Home Checks

The interior of your home needs a little preparation before you leave for your holiday, and some small oversights could actually lead to disaster.

Electrical systems should be unplugged wherever possible to prevent any shorts or overloads while you’re away. Not only is this a good practice for preventing fires, but it will also save energy. Check all taps for drips, and check over the washing machine too - the last thing you want to return to is a flood!

Take a look into your fridge and clean it, throwing away anything that will expire while you are away. If possible, you should empty your freezer and fridge and turn them off while you are away, mainly to save energy but also to have one less electrical appliance running in your absence.

Finally, clean your entire home before leaving. This simple job ensures you return to a lovely clean home, rather than a mess. These precautions may seem excessive, but they'll provide peace of mind while you're enjoying your holiday.

Quick Home Checklist:

Unplug any non-essential appliances and electronics
Check around your house for dripping taps and leaking toilets
Clean out fridges and freezers
Clean the house top to bottom, and maybe take some pictures so you can see if something is amiss

Need a Tradesperson?

Post a Job Here

Mail and Deliveries

Overflowing mailboxes and papers by the door are telltale signs of an empty home, which means managing your mail while away is essential. The easiest solution for this is to set up a mail redirect to a friend, family member or neighbour while you are away. If you don’t want to redirect your mail, you can ask people to stop by and collect your mail a few times during your trip.

Check your online shopping accounts to make sure that you’re not expecting any deliveries during your trip, and if you are, try to have them rescheduled to avoid having packages sitting outside your home for a long period of time. Taking these precautions helps maintain the appearance of an occupied home and protects your property.

Quick Mail and Delivery Checklist:

Arrange for mail redirect with the post office
Pause any newspaper or magazine subscriptions
Check for online orders and deliveries that are due for delivery
Ask a neighbour to collect any unexpected packages
Check the mailbox just before departure to ensure it's empty

Need a Tradesperson?

Post a Job Here

Final Preparations

Those last few hours before departing for a holiday are incredibly exciting but also very hectic, so take the time to do some routine checks before leaving to enjoy a break away. Walk around your home, one room at a time and tick off anything you have on your list, from checking locks to unplugging electronics.

Quick Final Preparations Checklist:

Check that all windows and doors are secured
Ensure your security system is set
Close blinds and curtains to reduce visibility into your home without shutting them fully
Turn off any lights and appliances
Double-check that you have passports, boarding passes and travel money
Lock internal doors where you can

While this list might seem a little extensive and dramatic, spending an hour or two going through this list can save you significant stress and any headaches down the line.

At My Job Quote, we understand the importance of maintaining your property even when you're not there to oversee it. If you need professional assistance with any pre-holiday home preparations, from security installations to garden maintenance, our network of trusted tradespeople is ready to help. Safe travels!