09 May 2022

House Checks To Do Before Going On Holiday


If you’re planning to go on holiday, it’s wise to have a plan to keep your home running smoothly and safely while you’re away.

Follow our simple checklist below:

Check your heating

If your house is going to empty while you’re away, you don’t need to keep it warm. However, it’s worth setting your heating to come on for an hour or so each day, to keep your boiler working at its best. If the weather’s likely to be colder while you’re away, set it for a few hours overnight.

Check as well to make sure none of your radiators has any leaks and make sure your taps, bath, shower, and toilet are okay too. The last thing you want is to come home to a flooded house!

Prepare your appliances

Unplug any appliances you can to help reduce your energy usage while you’re away; even one television per household left on standby adds up to £432 million of electricity across the UK each year*. This also reduces the fire risk of leaving these items plugged in and unattended.

Make sure you empty the washing machine; clothes left in there for even just a few days will start to smell.

Fill and empty your dishwasher too, and wash anything you use the morning you go away. Used cups and dishes will not only start to smell but will be harder to clean if left for too long.

Secure your home

Before you go, check all your doors and windows close properly and make sure they’re securely locked when you leave. If you’re worried, leave a family member or friend a set of keys to check your property once you’ve left.

Other things you can do to protect your home are:

  • Setting your lights on a timer: this is an easy way of making it look like your home is occupied.

  • Lock up as well as your home, make sure any other buildings on your property, such as garages, conservatories and sheds are locked and that all garden furniture and tools are also locked away.

Before you go is a great time to get those little DIY jobs sorted – now’s the time to sort that sticking lock or window that won’t shut properly.

To find out more about our Complete Home Emergency plans, boiler and central heating insurance or other types of home care cover plans, such as plumbing and drainage insurance and home appliances cover, contact our friendly team on 0330 09 48 301 or get a quote online.

*according to research by Utilita