Before you go: Leaving home

After relaxing on holiday, the last thing you want to do is return to a messy house, a fridge full of rotting food, parched, dying plants, and a heap of bills. Minimise on mishaps by thinking ahead and remembering to secure your home.

Security

This is consideration number one, even if you're dashing away at a moment's notice. Houses that look empty and neglected are prime targets for burglars, so they need to be tricked into thinking someone is home.

• Use switch timers for lamps and a radio
• Draw any curtains facing onto a street
• Fit a light-sensitive security lamp outside
• Tell a trusted friend or neighbour your itinerary and give them a spare house key
• Don't change the message on your answer machine
• Lock everything
• Unplug electronic equipment

Any more reminders?

Just before you go, give the house a quick look over. Leave it as you'd like to find it when you get back.

• Cancel milk and newspaper deliveries
• Check the freezer, it may need defrosting
• Reschedule appointments during your trip
• Pay bills due while you're away
• Have a friend or neighbour water your plants and feed the pets
• Use up perishables in the fridge or bin them
• If it's a long trip, consider a housesitter

In the winter

• Reduce central heating time (turning it off may affect the plumbing)
• Keep the car locked in the garage or under shelter
• Put plants in a moderately warm place

Pets

If your pet is staying home, leave them with reminders of you. Dogs in particular experience separation anxiety when owners go away. Make sure your pet is fed and walked by someone they know, or a competent pet-sitter. If they're going to a kennel or cattery, pack their basket, blanket, toys and packets of a favourite treat.