The Ultimate Checklist for Homeowners Planning Extended Travel

Locking up a home for months requires a completely different level of preparation than going on a brief two-week holiday. You might worry about uncollected posts, utility bills, or a pipe bursting during the winter.

Whether you are embarking on a long break or relocating abroad for a year, preparing a UK property before departure is essential. A bit of preparation now can save you from costly problems later. Here is your complete checklist.

Practical Checks for Extended Travel

Here are some practical checks to plan for extended travel:

Check 1: Sort the Water and Utilities First

Turn off the main water supply at the stopcock. A slow leak when no one is home can cause serious damage and lead to a large insurance claim.

In winter, set your central heating to frost-protection mode. Frozen pipes can be costly to fix in empty homes.

Try to contact your energy provider to let them know the property will be empty. Some accounts require this. Also, cancel any direct debits for services you won’t use while away.

Check 2: Handle the Post and Admin Early

Set up your Royal Mail redirection at least two weeks before you leave. Letters piling up on your doormat show that no one is home.

Let your bank, HMRC, and any subscription services know your temporary new address or email. Missing a letter from HMRC while you are away can ruin your beach day.

Check your buildings and contents insurance policy. Most standard policies have rules about unoccupied homes. Many insurers need you to inform them after 30 days of being away. Read the details and contact your insurer directly.

According to Confused, from February to April 2026, unoccupied home insurance was, on average, 25% more expensive than occupied home insurance. This difference highlights the risk insurers see in properties without anyone living with it.

Check 3: Secure the Property Properly

Smart home security has improved a lot. A good system with motion-activated cameras, smart locks, and phone alerts lets you see what’s happening from anywhere.

Use timer plugs on some lamps to make it look like someone is home. This is a cheap and effective way to deter intruders.

Ask a trusted neighbour or a family member to check your property every two weeks. Make sure to lock all windows, extra doors, gates, and any sheds before you leave. 

Check 4: Decide How to Secure the Property

Leaving a home empty can lead to various problems, such as maintenance issues, security concerns, moisture buildup, and unexpected, expensive repairs. To avoid these risks, some homeowners opt to have a house-sitter or invite family to stay at a low cost. This keeps the lights on and ensures that someone is there to look after the house.

Transitioning from simple oversight to a proactive rental strategy helps safeguard your home while generating consistent funds for your trip. This approach provides financial security by transforming a vacant UK property into a productive asset, allowing you to focus entirely on your global travels while your house is professionally managed.

For many travellers, the most reliable way to protect a vacant property is to rent it out to professionals. Using local corporate letting specialists or established guaranteed rental income schemes allows you to secure a predictable monthly income that can fund your travels while ensuring your home is legally secure and fully maintained by a dedicated team on the ground. This removes the risk of late payments or midnight maintenance emergencies while you are in a different time zone.

In the end, opting for a fully managed service lets you enjoy your experience without worrying about your most significant investment, because it remains safe and secure.

Quick Reference Checklist

Before you head out, please ensure to go through the following checklist:

• Turn off the main water supply at the stopcock.
• Set the heating to frost-protection mode.
• Notify your energy provider.
• Set up a Royal Mail redirection for your mail.
• Inform your bank and HMRC about your absence.
• Check your home insurance for the unoccupied property clause.
• Install a smart security system or use timer plugs.
• Arrange for regular property checks with a trusted person.
• Cancel any unused direct debits and subscriptions.
• Use a professional letting service or a guaranteed rent scheme.

Conclusion

Travel should be enjoyable and free from worries about the home you leave behind. Properly securing your home gives you peace of mind and helps you relax while away. Completing these preparations before departure allows for total focus on the journey ahead. This proactive approach will benefit you later on, as your future self will be able to relax and enjoy the moment without any last-minute stress.

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Becky

Meet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness.