‘Tis the season to be jolly! While everyone is surrounded by loved ones and all things happiness, it’s also the time of the year when everyone spends most of their time outdoors and crime rates skyrocket. From taking security precautions to throwing out soon-to-be expired foods before you leave, we’re here to tell you why it’s a good idea to prepare your home for your absence.

Have a look at our 3-minute read below to find some helpful tips to prepare your home for the festive season.

Be Social Media Savvy

There’s nothing that screams “2022” more than posting about your life on social media. And while letting everyone know about your new expensive gifts or your 10-day holiday is thrilling, this kind of personal exposure can be detrimental to you or your family. Criminals can easily scan through your posts to find information on the valuable gifts you receive or when you’re planning on leaving your home to go on holiday. So, rather don’t post about your valuable items or when your home will be empty during the festive season.

Have An Armed Response

When it comes to the festive season, it pays to have someone on call to protect you or your belongings – whether you’re home or away. Get the right alarm system for your property and make sure that it covers all your access points.

Additionally, having friendly and trustworthy neighbours is a great form of security when you’re away. Ask a neighbour to keep a lookout over your home and notify you of any suspicious activities. You can also let your neighbourhood watch know that you’ll be away so they can keep an eye out for you.

Let There Be Light

When your outside area is constantly dark at night, the chances of criminals breaking in are higher, because it becomes pretty obvious that nobody’s home. That being said, another clear sign that you’re away is when your outside lights are on all day and night, because who leaves their lights on for consecutive days?

We suggest you consider getting your lights on a timing system before you head off to holiday, or ask a neighbour to pop over to switch them off and on every morning and evening.

Prepare For Your Return

Nobody wants to come home to a fridge full of rotten or smelly foods. Before you leave, take a peek inside your fridge and freeze, eat, or throw out any foods that might spoil while you’re away. While you’re at it, take out your garbage. Especially if you’ll empty your fridge, taking out your trash will help you avoid coming home to all kinds of gross smells and pests.

Take Precautions

Keep your home secure by ensuring all windows and doors are closed and locked. Also, ensure that your electronics (such as routers, TVs, computers, chargers, and appliances) are unplugged. Not only will this help you save on your electricity bill, but it can also lower the risk of an electrical fire.

Protect Yourself

In between all the festivity fun, ensure your insurance policies are in place because life is unpredictable. Homeowner’s insurance will protect your property’s exterior, whereas home contents insurance will cover any theft and sometimes even damages caused by natural disasters.

The festive season is a time when you have the opportunity to feel responsibility-free. And while this may be the case, it’s important to ensure that your home and belongings are protected before departing for your holiday.