The great summer getaway has begun, and whether you’re heading off on a solo adventure, a couples retreat, or you’re hoping to enjoy a well earned break with your family for a couple of weeks, one thing is for sure: you need to be organised.
Planning your summer break requires a lot of organisation, patience and probably a good memory too. But while you’re remembering everything you need like you passport, travel documents and sunglasses, you might want to take a step back and remember the things you need to arrange at home too.
Making sure your property is safe, secured, and looked after while you’re away ensures that you’re not going to spend any of your holiday worrying about things at home. When you’ve spent a small fortune on a family holiday or a trip across the world – click here for the very latest information and on investments and investment products – the last thing you want is to not enjoy yourself. So, here you’ll find our top 5 things to do at home before you travel.
Safety Tips For Home Before You Travel
1. Write down your holiday details
Whether you’re heading off alone or taking your immediate family with you, it’s always a good idea to have someone back home in possession of all your holiday details. This means everything from the flight numbers and times, to where you’re staying, contact details, where you plan to be on certain days etc., and emergency contact details too. That way if anything happens while you’re gone, they can be in touch with you ASAP. It’ll also give those you’re leaving behind peace of mind too.
2. Hide expensive possessions
Spotting something like a tablet, games console, laptop or a necklace sitting idly inside your property could be all it takes for an opportunistic thief to try their luck. Especially if its clear that you’re not home. Make sure anything worth a considerable amount – either financially or sentimentally – is stored well out of sight and certainly not viewable from your windows.
3. Let the neighbours know
If you get on with your neighbours, then it’s a good idea to let them know that you’re not going to be home for a few days. Maybe they could take out your trash for you or even collect your mail, so your home doesn’t look empty. Even if they just kept an eye on your property while you’re gone it will make you feel better!
4. Check all your doors and windows
Don’t leave it until the morning of your holiday to check all the doors and windows. Do it well in advance, that way if there is an issue with a lock or perhaps the door could be easily broken into, you can take the necessary steps to have it replaced or reinforced.
5. Put away all your garden items
From tools and gardening equipment to the kids toys and even your garden furniture, make sure anything of value is stored away correctly. Remember, items such as ladders and even gardening tools could be used to gain entry into your property, so store them out of sight.