With the holiday season in full season, which means more time to kick back and relax and ticking off things you wanted to do on your bucket list, you may forget to do something very important. Do you have a plan in place to protect your home while you are away on holiday? We have put together a checklist of things to do before you pack up and disappear into the sunset.
Have you ensured your home is leak proof?
Having a burst geyser or taps that have been left open by mistake can be costly. Not only will it damage your valuables while you are away, but it could also cause your water bill to skyrocket. Check for any problem areas such as dripping taps or taps that need to be fixed. You can make use of professional services to check for items that are hidden behind walls such as pipes. Planning this a week or two in advance before you take your holiday can give you ample time to check all areas of your house. Double check that all taps are closed before you leave.
Have you paid your bills?
The holiday spirit can catch the most disciplined of us which can result in unplanned spending. According to the Australian Retailers Association (ARA), Australians are set to spend $51 billion this holiday season. Furthermore, 83% of Aussies that had a budget said they overstepped their budget when travelling overseas. This can throw a spanner in the works if you have not paid bills such as your utilities, credit card fees, and other accounts. Before going on holiday check that you have paid any upcoming bills. You can also choose to automate your payments if your bill dates fall on a day where you are away on holiday.
Are all systems on standby?
Check if your smoke detector alarms are working and whether your security systems are functioning in all areas of your house. Investing in security features that still function when there is a power cut can be useful for when you are away. This can give you peace of mind knowing your home is secure at all times of the day.
Have you unplugged?
Go through every room of your house and check if there are unnecessary appliances plugged in. This can help you reduce the electric bill and protect your appliances from electrical surges that could potentially damage your appliances or items. If these are valuable appliances such as Laptops, ensure that this is stored in a secure place.
Have you put your lights on a timer?
When the lights are off the thieves come to play. Having your lights on a timer can help you keep the lights on in your house at certain times so that people can think you are at home. This comes in handy in the sense that they switch off in the morning so that your electric bill doesn’t go up.
Have a reliable neighbour check in on your house
Having a trustworthy neighbour check on your house can be beneficial for those emergencies or a general check-up. This can give you added peace of mind knowing that there is someone who will be able to contact you.