Counting down the days until your holidays start? While it’s tempting to simply pack your bags and hit the road, a little preparation at home can go a long way toward ensuring you return from your break relaxed and stress-free.
From caring for pets to securing your home and maintaining your garden, taking care of these essential tasks before you leave will help you fully enjoy your time away.
Here's how to prepare your home so you can log off and take off with peace of mind.
Caring for your pets
If your holiday plans include taking your pets along, great! However, if your furry friends need to stay behind, consider their comfort and care while you're away.
Boarding kennels are an easy option for cats and dogs that are comfortable in new environments. Research reputable facilities and, if possible, visit in advance to check the amenities. Ensure the kennel is well-suited to your pet’s needs and routines.
For pets that are happier staying at home, a professional pet sitter can provide peace of mind. A sitter can visit once or twice daily to feed, exercise, and care for your pets according to their usual routine. Leave clear instructions about any medications or special needs, and provide your vet’s contact information just in case.
If you have trusted family or friends who can look after your pets, this is often the most comforting option for animals that prefer familiar surroundings. Be sure they understand your pet’s needs and routines to keep things as stress-free as possible.
Securing your home
Ensuring your home is secure before you leave can save you unnecessary worry while you’re away. Start by notifying trusted neighbours about your travel plans and ask them to keep an eye on your property. If they’re willing, ask them to collect your mail and bring in your rubbish bins to keep up the appearance of someone being home.
Check that all doors, windows, and gates are securely locked. Consider putting lights on timers to turn on in the evening, and leave a small radio playing softly to create the impression that someone is home.
Don’t forget to cancel any regular deliveries, such as newspapers or subscription boxes, which can pile up and signal an empty house. It’s also a good idea to talk to your family about avoiding social media posts that reveal your holiday plans or how long you’ll be away.
Protecting your garden
If you’ve spent the year tending your garden, the last thing you want is to return from holiday to find it dried out and struggling.
Here are a few simple steps can keep your plants thriving while you’re away.
Group potted plants together to make them easier to water, and place saucers under thirsty plants like hydrangeas to catch excess water. Move delicate plants to shaded areas where they’ll benefit from any natural rainfall.
For garden beds, use a soil wetter to help water penetrate deeply into the root zone rather than running off the surface. This ensures plants make the most of natural rainfall. Spraying plants with a water-retaining product can also reduce water loss from their leaves, helping them withstand stress.
Indoor plants can be grouped in a well-lit bathroom or laundry and placed in a sink or bath with a damp towel beneath the pots. Water them thoroughly before you leave to keep them hydrated for longer periods.
Lastly, mow your lawn before you go, but avoid cutting it too short – longer grass retains moisture better and is less likely to dry out in hot weather.
By taking these steps to care for your pets, secure your home, and protect your garden, you can start your holiday knowing everything is under control.
With your home well-prepared, you’ll return to find everything just as you left it – leaving you free to hold onto that relaxed holiday feeling a little longer.
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