Your complete house, garden and security checklist for when you are going away.

Heading out of town? Don't forget to prepare your house, garden, and pets before you leave! Whether you're going on a weekend getaway or a long vacation, a little preparation can go a long way in ensuring your home and furry friends are safe and happy while you're away. Check out our comprehensive checklist for everything you need to do before you depart.

House:

1. Clean your home - Give your home a good cleaning before you leave to ensure that it's tidy and comfortable when you return.
   

2. Clean out Fridge and Store food properly - Make sure to store all food in airtight containers to prevent any pests from getting in.
   

3. Take out the trash - Empty all trash cans and take out the garbage before you leave to avoid any unpleasant odors or messes.
   

4. Turn off appliances - Turn off and unplug any unnecessary appliances to save energy and prevent any electrical fires.
   

5. Adjust lighting - Consider using timers to turn lights on and off while you're away to make it look like someone is still at home.
   

6. Check for leaks - Look for any leaks or water damage before you leave to prevent any further damage while you're away.
   

7. Secure your home - Make sure all windows and doors are locked, and consider installing an alarm system or security cameras.
   

8. Stop your mail - Either ask a neighbour to collect your mail, or contact the post office to hold your mail until you return.Consider using the Royal Mail's Keepsafe service. For a small payment they will hold your mail for up to 2 months.
   

9. Subscriptions You may want to suspend or cancel any magazine, newspaper subscriptions you may have.
   

10. Home deliveries You may want to suspend or cancel any regular home deliveries you may have. Let the House Sitter, neighbour or friend know if you are expecting any parcels or deliveries.
    

11. Unplug electronics - To save energy and prevent electrical fires, unplug any unnecessary electronics before you leave.
    

12. Turn off the water - Consider turning off the main water valve to prevent any leaks or water damage while you're away.
    

13. Make sure your house insurance is up to date.
    

14. If you have a house sitter, Contact your insurance company to let them know you will have a Sitter moving into your home.

15. Inform the House Sitter, Neighbour or friend if anyone else is expected to be coming to the property during your absence, ie friend, relative, and whether or not they have their own key
    

16. Home contents list If you have a house sitter, make a list of any items you’d prefer your Sitter not to use.
    

17. Out of bounds You may like to write a list of any areas or rooms in your house or on your property that you don't want your Sitter to use.
    

18. If you have a sitter let them know the wifi code
    

19. If you have a house sitter or Pet sitter leave detailed instructions for security and the working of the house etc
    

20. Leave numbers of any contacts you have for any plumbing or other emergencies. ( Plumbers, Electricians, Heating engineers or any other service providers you may have.
    

Garden:

1. Mow the lawn - Make sure to mow the lawn before you leave to prevent any overgrowth while you're away. If you are going away for some time then arrange for a neighbour friend or House Sitter to mow so your property looks like it is being looked after and not vacant
   

2. Water plants - Water any plants or gardens that you have, or arrange for a friend or neighbour or House Sitter to water them while you're away.
   

3. Trim hedges - Trim any hedges or bushes that could obstruct the view of your home or attract pests.
   

4. Secure outdoor furniture - If you have any outdoor furniture, make sure to secure it or store it indoors to prevent any damage or theft.
   

5. Set up sprinklers - Consider setting up sprinklers or irrigation systems to keep your lawn and plants watered while you're away.
   

6. Lock away and Garden and DIY tools that could be used to break into your home
   

Security:

1. Notify neighbours - Let your neighbours know that you'll be away and ask them to keep an eye on your home while you're gone.
   

2. Set up a security system - Consider installing a security system or cameras to deter burglars or vandals.
   

3. Secure valuables - Lock up any valuables, such as jewelry or electronics, in a safe or secure location or security deposit box. Make sure all valuable are out of site
   

4. Store keys - Don't leave spare keys outside, and consider giving a trusted friend, House Sitter or neighbour a spare key in case of emergency. Make sure keys are kept well away form front door so thieves can not reach or hook them to access property.
   

5. Leave emergency contact information - Provide a friend or family member with your itinerary and contact information, in case of emergency.
   

6. Do not advertise your absence on social media and be careful who you tell about your absence.
   

7. Make sure cars left are either garaged or securely locked and car alarms activated. An alternative is to leave cars with a neighbour or freind.
   

8. Arrange for a neighbour, friend or house sitter to close curtains every night and open on the morning.

9. You ca also see further information on the crime prevention website. https://thecrimepreventionwebsite.com/home-security-assessment/469/holiday-checklist-for-your-security/
   

Pets:

1. Arrange for pet care - Find a reliable pet sitter, boarding facility, Pet Sitter or trusted friend or family member to take care of your pets while you're away.
   

2. Provide food and medication - Make sure to provide enough food and medication for the duration of your trip, and provide clear instructions on how to administer them.
   

3. Leave toys and blankets - Leave some of your pet's favorite toys and blankets to help them feel more comfortable while you're away.
   

4. Leave emergency contact information - Provide your pet sitter or caretaker with your contact information and that of your Veterinary surgery and advice your sitter with the necessary veterinary insurance policy numbers. It’s also a good idea to advice your veterinary surgery the name of you Pet Sitter or Friend so they are aware.
   

5. All of your animal's records should be put together in a folder for your Sitter's easy access.
   

6. Update microchip information - Make sure your pet's microchip information is up to date and that your pet is wearing identification tags.
   

By following this guide and checklist, you can ensure that your home, garden, security, and pets are well taken care of while you're away, giving you peace of mind to enjoy your trip.

Miscellaneous

1. Make sure to cancel any appointments you have made prior to you know ing you were going away,