Keeping your home safe while you’re away

Now that the summer holidays are in full swing we’ve gathered together some useful tips on how you can keep your home and belongings safe while you’re away.

Check your home contents insurance

Make sure you have the cover you need and that it remains valid while you are away. Contents insurance is essential if anything does go missing from your home, and is also a requirement of your tenancy agreement.

Don’t leave your house looking unoccupied

• Invest in some automatic timer switches for turning on a few well-placed lights and a radio or TV.
• Leave your curtains and blinds open.
• Don’t leave your valuables where they can be seen through a window.
• Cancel milk and newspapers and any other regular deliveries.
• If you have a lawn, mow it before you leave.

Keep your valuables safe

Keep valuables out of sight and don’t leave them where they can be seen through a window. If you have to leave items precious to you in your home, don’t hide them in an obvious place.

Don't tell everyone you're on holiday

Don’t tell people outside immediate friends and family that you are going away or for how long. It’s especially important not to post about your upcoming holiday on social media – you never know who’s watching.

However, it is a good idea to ask a friend or a trusty neighbour to keep an eye on your home, collect post and pick up the free newspapers and junk mail left in the letterbox.

Protect your appliances and save energy

Remember to unplug all the appliances that you can to protect them from power surges and save energy from standby functions.

Keep your tools under lock and key

These can be used to break into your home so make sure they’re safely locked away.