Keeping Your Home Safe Whilst You Go Away

Keeping Your Home Safe While You’re Away on Holiday

Keeping Your Home Safe Whilst You Go Away

When we have gone away, we have been fortunate enough to have family members stay at our house and look after things.

That has been a huge help, but I know it is not an option for everyone. Even with someone staying, there are still practical things to organise before leaving.

I want home to feel like a safe, comfortable place for my family. Taking some time to prepare before a trip can help make leaving it behind feel a little less worrying.

Here are the checks worth working through before you go.

1. Check doors, windows and keys

Before leaving, check that external doors and windows are properly closed and locked. Include the back door, accessible upstairs windows and any side entrance.

Put keys somewhere secure, out of sight and away from doors, windows and letterboxes. If someone needs access while you are away, arrange that with them beforehand rather than hiding a spare key outside.

The Police.uk checklist for leaving your home is a useful starting point.

2. Secure the garden, shed and garage

Put bikes, tools and ladders away securely, and check the locks on gates and outbuildings.

It is easy to focus on the house and overlook what is outside. Tools left in the garden could also give someone a way to force entry, so include outdoor storage in your final check.

3. Arrange help from someone you trust

If a friend, relative or neighbour can check on your home, agree what you would like them to do and how to contact you.

That might include collecting post or dealing with an unexpected delivery. Pause regular deliveries where practical so they do not accumulate while you are away.

You do not need to share your travel plans widely. Keep the details with the people who need them.

4. Check your lighting and security equipment

If you already have outdoor lighting, an alarm or cameras, check that everything works before departure. Make sure you know how to use the equipment rather than trying to learn it while you are away.

Indoor lights on timers are another option to consider. The Thames Valley Police home security guide includes timed lighting among its suggestions for when you are away.

Smart devices have different functions. A camera may let you view activity or receive alerts, while remotely locking a door requires a compatible smart lock or connected locking system. One does not automatically provide the other.

If you use an app, check your access and notification settings beforehand. It is also worth knowing what your system can still do if the internet connection drops.

5. Think before sharing holiday updates

It is tempting to post photographs as soon as you arrive somewhere lovely.

Consider waiting until you are home before sharing them publicly, particularly if your posts would make it obvious that your house is empty. Check who can see your updates rather than assuming they are private.

6. Read your home insurance policy

It is understandable to look for the cheapest home insurance, but price needs to be considered alongside the cover. That link is to Chill, an Irish provider, so check whether a provider serves your location before comparing policies.

For UK readers, MoneyHelper’s explanation of home insurance sets out the difference between buildings and contents cover, along with exclusions and excesses.

Before travelling, check any conditions about leaving the property unoccupied, security requirements and how to contact your insurer. Ask them if anything is unclear, especially before an extended absence.

Do not assume that a quick visit from someone automatically meets the policy’s occupancy conditions. Those details depend on your insurer and wording.

Give yourself time for a final check

Packing and getting everyone ready can make departure day busy enough. Working through the house in a clear order can help you avoid wondering whether you checked the back window or locked the shed.

These steps cannot guarantee that nothing will happen, but they can help you prepare and spot something that needs attention before you leave.

For me, knowing the practical arrangements are in place is an important part of getting ready to go away.

What is the one thing you always check before leaving home for a holiday?