Before leaving home

Leave details of your holiday, including photocopies of your passport and flight tickets, contact numbers and travel insurance details, with a friend or family member. Leave spare keys with someone you trust.
Use a timer so lights come on at night.
Cancel milk and paper deliveries.
Clear your fridge and kitchen of anything that might go off.
Put out the bins.
Ask someone to water plants and care for your pets.
Ensure all the house and shed windows and doors are locked.
Unplug electrical appliances (except fridges and freezers).
Check your home insurance is in order.
Leave the heating and hot water on a low setting if you are going away during winter months.
Ask the post office to hold your post if you are going away for a long time.