Protect your empty accommodation over Christmas

Preparing to go home for the holidays can be stressful enough without worrying about your empty accommodation at university too. But, to enjoy your break and make sure you return to your home just the way you left it, there are some essential safety tips you should take on board before you leave.

Create the illusion you are home

We all remember the scene in Home Alone where Kevin creates a party scene in the window! Ok, you don’t need to go that far, but what you can do is invest in timer switches. They can be set to come on for a period of time in the evening and you can even programme them to your TV so there is noise and light.

Curtains Open

Whether to leave curtains open or not is a tricky one, but closed curtains during the day can make it obvious that you’re not home. It’s best to keep them open and not draw any unwanted attention.

Carry out a spring clean before you leave

It might seem like the last thing you want to do before leaving for Christmas but imagine, back to Uni in January, the post-holiday blues have kicked in and you’re missing the comforts of home. The last thing you want to face is a messy room with the leftovers from last month’s assignment-writing chaos strewn across your desk (or worse, mice have moved in because you didn’t take out your rubbish).

Security

Check any back and side gates to make sure locks are completely secure and keep any valuables in a locked box or somewhere safe. Check all windows are secure and set the alarm (if you have one). Let your landlord know if you have any concerns about the security of the property.

Leave the heating on

As much as it is tempting to save money by turning the heating completely off whilst you’re away for Christmas could ending up costing you even more money. Frozen pipes and damp are just problems that can be prevented by leaving the heating on low, throughout the time the property is vacant.

Turn off

Aside from things like your trusty fridge that you’ll want to stay running, turn off appliances and remove the plug from the socket. This will not only reduce the risk of fires but save you money too.