Going away on holiday is great, but often we can be so focused on getting away that we forget we will need to come back. By remembering to do small tasks before you leave, to make sure your home, belongings and you are all running perfectly, you can ensure there are no unpleasant surprises when you return.
1. Turn things off and down to energy save
While you are away and paying for the use of your accommodations facilities, it’s important that you can try and save some money at your own place. Firstly it’s a good idea to turn off all large appliances like the TV, alarm clocks, computers, laptops and your internet. Also some smaller ones like toasters, kettles and microwaves and unnecessary to keep on so just switch them off for the duration. Another important thing to remember is your boiler and how you don’t want to have your heating on full if you are going away during the winter months or if you live in the UK! It’s sensible to turn the heating right down to 10°C so it’s not completely off otherwise pipes may freeze during the winter especially.
2. Organise your fridge
Make sure that you clean out all products from the fridge that are going to go off whilst you are away and any fruit that’s out needs to be eaten before you go or thrown away and their bins emptied. When you return from your holiday, especially if you have been on a long distance journey across time zones it can be quite challenging to get back to your normal sleeping pattern. Therefore it’s a great idea to do online grocery shopping either before you leave or arrange for it be delivered the day you get back. So you can be relaxed in the knowledge you will coming home with a fridge-full of food.
3. Tell your neighbours
Leaving your house empty for a week or more is a tricky business if you haven’t got anyone out there keeping an eye on things. It’s a good idea to just let a neighbour that you know when you are leaving and when you are returning. Make sure it’s one you trust though! Even a family member who lives nearby could check on pets and plants whilst you are away.
4. You’ve got mail
A pile of un-opened letters at the front door is a clear indicator that you aren’t in so be sure to have a system or tool in place to collect all of the mail that will inevitably collect on your floor. Email wise, you could set up a filter so that all of your subscribed emails are collected into a folder so that you inbox isn’t clogged up even more than usual. Also make sure all bills are paid or standing orders set up before you leave for your trip, so that you don’t get angry letters or overcharges for late payments.
So finally be sure to have FUN on your holiday! Not having things to worry about while you’re away will help you to properly relax.
