Coming home to a problem ruins a good trip. A quick pre-departure routine protects your home, cuts wasted energy, and gives you peace of mind while you're gone.

Security

  • Lock every door and window; don't hide a spare key outside.
  • Make it look lived-in: a light on a timer, ask a neighbour to collect post.
  • Don't broadcast the trip on social media until you're back.

Prevent damage and waste

  • Turn off the water at the stopcock if you're away a while — burst pipes are the worst-case.
  • Unplug non-essential electronics (TV, chargers, computer) to save power and reduce fire risk.
  • Empty the bins and fridge of anything that'll spoil.
  • Set the heating to a low frost-protection setting in winter, or off in summer.
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The 2-minute checklist

Bins out, fridge cleared, water off, plugs out, heating set, windows locked, timer on, post sorted. Run it every time and it becomes automatic.

Checklist

  • All doors and windows locked
  • Bins emptied, perishables cleared
  • Water off / non-essentials unplugged
  • Heating set appropriately
  • A light on a timer
  • Neighbour briefed / post handled