The anticipation of a holiday is one of life’s great pleasures, but it can be easily overshadowed by a nagging worry: is everything okay back home? Coming back from a wonderful trip to a household problem is a surefire way to end your travels on a sour note.
A little preparation before you lock the door and head to the airport can ensure your return is as smooth and relaxing as your time away. From securing your home to managing your mail, a comprehensive pre-departure checklist can prevent common travel headaches and allow you to fully unwind.
This guide walks you through the essential steps to prep your home, from basic security to garden maintenance, so you can travel without a second thought and come back to a house that feels just as you left it.
Securing Your Property Before You Go
A quiet, dark house can be an open invitation for trouble. The goal is to make your home look lived-in, even when you’re miles away. Start with the basics: double-check that every window and door is securely locked, including those on upper floors and any leading to a garage or shed. If you have a back gate, ensure it’s bolted.
To create the illusion of occupancy, use timers on a few lamps in different rooms, such as the living room and a bedroom. Set them to switch on and off at varied, natural times in the evening. Avoid leaving curtains or blinds fully closed during the day, as this is a clear sign no one is home.
Instead, leave them as you normally would. It’s also wise to let a trusted neighbour or friend know you’ll be away. Give them your contact details and ask if they could keep an eye on your property. This simple step is one of the most effective parts of any vacation preparation guide.
Resist the urge to post real-time holiday updates on social media. Sharing photos of you on a distant beach advertises that your home is empty. Wait until you return to share your adventures.
Garden and Outdoor Space Readiness
Your home’s exterior is the first thing people see, and a neglected garden can signal an empty house. Before you leave, give your outdoor space some attention to keep it looking tidy and cared for. Mow the lawn a day or two before your departure; if you’re away for more than two weeks, consider asking a neighbour or a local gardening service to cut it for you.
Put away any garden furniture, tools, toys or barbecues. Storing these items in a shed or garage not only keeps them safe from theft but also prevents them from being blown about in bad weather. A tidy garden looks intentional and maintained.
Pay attention to your paths, driveway and patio. A quick sweep to clear away fallen leaves and debris makes a significant visual impact. Using a lightweight battery blower can make this job take just a few minutes, leaving your property looking neat and well-kept.
Finally, give your plants a good watering, especially those in pots and containers, which can dry out quickly. For longer trips, self-watering globes or a simple drip irrigation system can be a lifesaver for your green friends.
Smart Home Tech for Peace of Mind
Technology offers fantastic tools for monitoring your home remotely. Smart home devices can provide real-time updates and control, giving you an extra layer of security. Video doorbells are a popular choice, allowing you to see and speak to anyone who approaches your front door via your smartphone. Many also have motion detection, sending you an alert if there’s activity.
Beyond the front door, smart indoor and outdoor cameras can let you check in on your property whenever you like. You can also use smart plugs to control lamps or even a radio from your phone, allowing you to create a more random and convincing pattern of activity than simple timers can offer.
For even greater protection, consider smart sensors. Water leak detectors can be placed near washing machines, dishwashers and sinks, alerting you to the first sign of a leak and potentially preventing catastrophic water damage. Similarly, smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors will send an alert straight to your phone, giving you the chance to contact emergency services immediately.
Managing Mail and Deliveries
A pile of letters on the doormat or overflowing parcels on the porch are dead giveaways that a house is unoccupied. Managing your post and deliveries is a simple but critical pre-trip task. For trips lasting up to two months, you can use Royal Mail’s Keepsafe service, which holds all your mail and delivers it the day after you return.
Remember to pause any regular deliveries you might have. This includes newspapers, milk deliveries and any subscription boxes for food, coffee or other goods. Check your upcoming online orders and reschedule any that are due to arrive whilst you’re away. It’s easy to forget about an order placed weeks ago.
If you prefer not to use a holding service, asking a trusted neighbour to collect your mail each day is an excellent alternative. This not only keeps your entryway clear but also provides another opportunity for someone to check that everything seems normal at your property.
A Checklist for Departure Day
The day you leave is often hectic, so having a final checklist can prevent you from forgetting something important in the rush. Run through these last-minute tasks before you head out the door.
- Take out the rubbish: Empty all indoor bins, including recycling and food waste, to prevent unpleasant odours upon your return.
- Clear the fridge: Dispose of any perishable food that won’t last until you get back, like milk, leftovers and certain fruits and vegetables.
- Unplug electronics: Disconnect non-essential appliances like the toaster, kettle, television and computers. This saves energy and protects them from power surges.
- Adjust your thermostat: Set your heating to a low, frost-protection temperature during colder months or turn it off completely in the summer to save energy.
- Water your houseplants: Give them a final drink of water before you go.
- Check for running water: Make sure all taps are fully turned off and that the washing machine and dishwasher are not mid-cycle.
- Do a final security sweep: Walk through your home one last time, checking that all windows are latched and all doors are locked.
- Inform your contact: Send a quick message to the friend or neighbour who is keeping an eye on your place to let them know you’ve left.
With these tasks completed, you can set off on your travels knowing that you’ve done everything possible to ensure your home will be safe, secure and welcoming when you return.
