A long weekend usually means one thing: a few days away from work, a change of scenery and some much-needed time to relax. But the excitement of leaving can make it easy to overlook the little things waiting back home.A forgotten appliance, an unsecured window or a small leak can turn a relaxing trip into an unnecessary worry. Before locking the door and heading out, take a few minutes to check these five things.
1. Are all electrical appliances switched off?
You might remember to switch off the lights but forget about appliances that do not need to run while you are away. Check your iron, room heaters, hair straighteners and other electrical devices before leaving. Unplug appliances that do not need to stay connected, following their safety instructions. Keep essential devices, such as refrigerators, running as required.
2. Have you checked the kitchen and bathroom taps?
A tap that drips occasionally may not seem like a major concern when you are home. But a leak that goes unnoticed for several days can waste water or cause damage. Check the kitchen sink, bathroom taps and visible pipes for leaks. Make sure the washing machine is not running unnecessarily, and turn off the main water supply if appropriate for your home.
3. Are your doors and windows properly secured?
Locking the main door is not enough if a balcony door or a bedroom window has been left open. Walk through the house once before leaving and check every accessible entry point. If you live on the ground floor or have windows that open towards a shared space, pay particular attention to them.
4. Will your home look unoccupied for days?
An overflowing letterbox, newspapers outside the door or parcels left unattended can indicate that nobody is home. If possible, arrange for someone you trust to collect deliveries and check on your home. Avoid posting your exact travel dates or sharing that your house is empty with a wide audience on social media.
5. Have you taken care of things that could spoil or smell?
Coming home to a refrigerator full of spoiled food or a foul-smelling kitchen can quickly spoil the post-holiday mood. Check what is likely to expire while you are away, dispose of rubbish and clear food scraps from the sink. If you are leaving for several days, make sure perishable food is stored appropriately and that nothing has been left out.Image: Canva (for representative purposes only)
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