The school summer holidays are finally here and many of us are looking forward to a well-deserved week or two away.
While you prepare for your holiday, don’t forget to safeguard your home during your absence. Failing to do so, whether you are in a rental property or a home owner, could invalidate your home insurance.
“Preparing for a holiday is a busy and often stressful time but it’s vital not to overlook protecting your most valuable possession - your home - before going away,” commented John Halman, chairman of leading local estate agency, Gascoigne Halman. “A secure home is the solid foundation for a worry-free holiday and that’s something we all deserve this summer.”
Here are our top five tips for keeping your home secure and ensuring peace of mind when you are away this summer:
1. Avoid bragging on social media
As tempting as it is to share every holiday moment with your social media followers, be cautious. Unscrupulous thieves can easily pinpoint your empty property and break in. Save those holiday snaps for when you’re safely back home.
2. Hide valuables
Opportunists often glance through windows to see what is readily available. Conceal valuables or entrust them to a friend or relative while you’re away.
3. Use timer lights and video doorbells
Create the illusion that you’re still home by setting timer lights in different rooms; it’s cost-effective and confuses potential thieves. Equally, video doorbells are a popular deterrent as even the boldest of opportunists don’t want to be caught on camera.
4. Collaborate with neighbours
Coordinate with neighbours to watch over each other’s properties. Simple tasks like putting out bins, emptying the letterbox, and allowing them to use your driveway create the illusion that someone is home.
5. Lock up everything
Ensure all windows and doors are locked. Neglecting this can invalidate your home insurance if you’re burgled. Check your policy requirements – some include having a functional house alarm - and set it before you leave.
These simple precautions can go a long way in protecting your property while you enjoy your summer break. If you fancy another change of scene on your return home, get in touch with your local Gascoigne Halman office to discover the latest properties for sale and rent across the region.
