Getting your home ready before going on holiday

Make a short list of visits and jobs

Write down your departure and return dates, the jobs you want done and how often each needs attention. Decide what a neighbour or family member will cover so nothing is duplicated.

• List the rooms, plants or pets that need attention.
• Choose visit dates and allow enough time for the agreed tasks.
• Leave a contact number and a backup contact who can help locally.

Agree what a home check includes

Be specific about the visual checks you want: for example, looking for an obvious leak, checking an agreed window or bringing in post. Ask for a short update after the visit. Home checks are visits at agreed times, not continuous supervision or a security response service.

Make watering straightforward

Group plants where practical and leave clear instructions for each group. Some need less water than others, so a note about amounts and frequency is more useful than “water everything”.

• Point out indoor plants as well as garden pots.
• Leave a watering can and explain where to find water.
• Show any plants that should not be watered.

Plan around your pet’s routine

Discuss feeding, walks, access and the frequency of visits before leaving. The arrangement needs to suit your particular pet and the helper’s experience. Leave food, bowls, a lead where needed and the contact details for your vet.

• Explain behaviour, routines and any areas that are off limits.
• Agree who to contact if your pet seems unwell or a visit cannot go ahead.
• Arrange specialist care separately where needed.

Sort out access before you leave

Agree a secure way to hand over and return keys. Walk through any instructions that are easy to misunderstand. Share access details privately with the booked helper; do not put keys, alarm codes or travel details in a public profile or review.

• Leave the supplies needed for the agreed jobs.
• Confirm the dates and instructions before departure.
• Let the helper know if your return date changes.