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GOING AWAY ON holiday is an exciting time, but for us worriers sometimes the thought of leaving your home unattended can make us a little hesitant to get out of town for some R&R. Luckily, with a bit of planning and organisation, you can make sure your house stays safe, secure, and in good order while you’re off enjoying your trip.
Securing your home
The main thing is to properly secure your home. Of course be sure to lock all of your doors and windows, and while you’re at it look at the less obvious points of entry such as loft hatches or garden gates. Do a quick survey of anywhere that someone could access the house.
If you have an intruder alarm, make sure it is working properly by testing it. It’s also a good idea to contact your alarm providers and make sure they have the correct number on file to call you if there is a breach. Be sure to refresh your memory if you have a passcode or special personal question to answer. Some of these services allow you to check in on your home via your smartphone at any time, which is very useful if you want to have a quick scan of your property.
Don’t leave the house looking empty
Creating the illusion that someone’s home can be a strong deterrent for opportunistic burglars. If you are friends with your neighbours, ask them to keep an eye on your house while you’re away. If possible, give them a spare key so they can pop in from time to time, collect your post, or move your car occasionally.
On top of this, consider buying timer plugs for your lights to switch them on and off at set times. From the outside, it will look like someone is at home. But make sure to unplug any unnecessary appliances to reduce the risk of electrical faults!
On that note, if you receive regular deliveries such as milk, newspapers or parcels, make sure to pause them while you’re away. A pile of post, or items left on your doorstep, is a clear sign that no one’s home. Redirecting your mail or asking someone to collect it can also help to keep your privacy.
Pet-sitters and house-sitters
Alternatively, you could arrange for a house-sitter to stay in your home while you’re away. This not only helps with security but can be particularly useful if you do have plants or pets that need additional watering and cuddling, respectively. Most house-sitters will offer their services for board. But some might have a small fee – which is probably worth it in our opinion for the peace of mind.
Pet care is another important consideration. If you have animals that aren’t coming with you, arrange for a reliable pet-sitter or place them in a reputable kennel or cattery. Make sure your sitter has clear instructions, access to food (treats) and emergency contact details for your vet. It can be tough to upset your pupper’s little routine, so leaving pets at home with a sitter is often less stressful for them and can also serve the added benefit of having someone around the house regularly. Two budgies, one stone.
Lastly, enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home is protected with Allianz Home Insurance. Get 10% off new policies online at www.allianz.ie/home-insurance.
Allianz p.l.c. is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Standard acceptance criteria, minimum premiums, and terms & conditions apply.
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