Home tips while on holiday

While away, it is important to ensure your house is safe and in good order. Following the guide below should prevent you returning to unwanted sights such as a front door obscured by bottles and broadsheets.

Remember to cancel the milk or the newspaper
De-frosting your freezer before you go on an extended holiday reduces the chances of spoilage while you are away
Leave a key with a friend or relative who can stop by to check everything is in order, sort your mail and water your plants (don’t put your name or address on the keys in case they get lost or stolen)
Turn off things you won’t need such as the gas. Turning off the TV and computer (not leaving them on stand-by) can save you money as well
Use a timer to switch on the lights at different times when you’re away – it will make the house seem occupied and reduce the chances of burglary
Be careful not to broadcast the dates of your holiday too widely
Ensure all doors and windows are closed and locked
Change your telephone ring to the lowest volume setting; an unanswered phone is a clear sign the house is unoccupied
Hide your valuables in a box in your loft or amongst old clothes; anywhere an intruder would not think to look

Useful links

Houseplants while on hoilday
When going on holiday, care of your houseplants is easily overlooked - but follow our tips to ensure you return home to healthy houseplants.
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Home security guide
Our useful guide provides information and advice on all aspects of home security, from securing windows and doors to security marking, bogus callers and identity theft.
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Keeping your home secure
Following our security tips will help give you peace of mind that your home is a safer place - for you and your possessions.
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