Leaving home for several weeks can be exciting, but the hours before departure are often stressful. Packing takes longer than expected, a delivery arrives at the wrong moment, and a nagging doubt appears about whether the iron was switched off. A well-prepared home gives you peace of mind while you are away. It also protects the property from common problems such as leaks, pests and unwelcome visitors. This article explains how to prepare a home step by step, starting weeks before the trip and finishing with a calm final walk-through.
Start two weeks before you leave
Begin with a list of what needs attention. Check whether bills are paid by direct debit, and make sure any regular payments will not fail while you are away. Arrange for the post to be held, redirected or collected by someone you trust. If you have a regular delivery of groceries or newspapers, pause it or ask a neighbour to manage it.
Give a little thought to the garden as well. Plants may need watering, and a lawn that is left to grow tall can signal to passers-by that nobody is home. Ask a neighbour or a friend if they would be willing to water pots or mow the grass for you.
Secure the water and power
Water is one of the most expensive problems that can happen during a long absence. Locate your main stopcock and turn the water off at the mains if the trip is long, or ask a trusted person to know where it is. Drain the cold tank if your home has one and you are comfortable doing so, and consider running taps briefly before you leave. If you are unsure, ask a qualified plumber for advice.
Unplug appliances that do not need to stay on, such as televisions, kettles and toasters. Some devices may be safer to switch off at the wall socket, but do not turn off anything that protects the home, such as a fridge with food inside or a freezer that needs to run. Check that smoke alarms and any monitoring systems still have power. Turn the thermostat to a low, safe setting in cold months, so that pipes and damp are less likely to become a problem.
Arrange for someone to check the home
A trusted person who can enter the home is invaluable. Give them a copy of the keys, a list of emergency contacts and a clear explanation of what to look for. They can open windows occasionally, collect post, look for leaks and ensure the house does not look empty. Agree in advance how they will contact you if something needs attention.
Leave the contact details of your insurer and any property manager with the same person. Make sure they know which neighbour to call if the trusted person is unavailable, so there is always a backup. Keep a written note of the alarm code, the location of the stopcock and the electrical fuse box, but store the code securely rather than leaving it openly on the fridge.
Each home is different, so adapt the list to your own circumstances. Add items that matter to your household, such as a pet’s food or a child’s comfort blanket, so that nothing important is forgotten. Readers may also want to visit patbigoldmedia.org. You can also visit Why So Expensive for more reading. For a related read on this site, see Starting a Walking Group With Friends: Routes, Rhythm,. Preparing carefully is not about expecting trouble, but about returning to a home that feels exactly as you left it. A few minutes of preparation often means a much calmer homecoming.
Final walk-through on the last day
On the final day, walk through the home slowly. Check every room for open windows, unlocked doors, forgotten chargers and food that might spoil. Look under sinks for any signs of leaks, and make sure the bins have been emptied. Turn off the heating in rooms that do not need it, but keep a low background temperature if the weather is severe.
Lock all doors and windows, then test the locks by pulling each handle gently. Take a photograph of key rooms before you leave, so that you can compare the state of the home when you return. This habit is quick and often reassuring.
A printable departure list might include the following:
- Pay or confirm recurring bills and hold or redirect the post
- Arrange watering of plants and mowing of any lawn
- Locate and secure the stopcock and unplug non-essential appliances
- Give a trusted person your keys and a clear list of contacts
- Complete a final walk-through and photograph the key rooms
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