As winter break approaches, many university students in Leeds are gearing up to head home, travel, or simply enjoy a few weeks off. But before you lock up your rental accommodation and head out the door, it’s important to prepare your house or apartment for the time you’ll be away. Taking some simple steps to protect your property, save on utility costs, and ensure the place is in good condition when you return can save you from a few headaches later on. Here’s a checklist to help you prepare for winter break.
1. Clean Before You Leave
It may seem like an extra task, but cleaning your space thoroughly before leaving for a long period has multiple benefits. It not only keeps your letting agent happy (which might be important for getting your full deposit back), but it also makes your return easier. Here’s what to focus on:
- Take out the rubbish: Change all the bin bags and take out recycling, to avoid any unpleasant odors or attracting pests.
- Wipe down surfaces: Clean countertops, tables, and appliances. A quick wipe-down can prevent grime from building up and ensure the space feels fresh when you come back.
- Vacuum and mop: Sweep and mop the floors to remove dirt or dust that might settle while you’re away.
- Clean out the fridge: Throw out any perishable food items like milk, eggs and vegetables and wipe the fridge clean to prevent smells and mold from forming.
2. Turn Off Unnecessary Appliances
To avoid wasting energy while you’re gone (and potentially running up utility bills), make sure to turn off appliances and electronics that don’t need to be running. These include:
- Unplug electronics: Unplug any devices such as laptops, chargers, lamps, or TVs. Even when turned off, many electronics still consume electricity in standby mode so its best to turn off at the plug.
- Turn off the heating system: If you have control over the thermostat, turn it down to a low temperature to prevent pipes from freezing but avoid heating an empty home.
- Turn off lights: It’s tempting to leave a light on for security, but it’s best to leave the home dark and unplug any unnecessary lights. If you want to add an extra layer of security, consider using timers that can turn lights on and off at random intervals to simulate someone being home.
3. Check for Frozen Pipe Risks
One of the worst things that can happen while you’re away for winter, is a burst pipe due to freezing temperatures, and since we are up North, the weather is usually very cold. To prevent this:
- Leave the heat on (at a low setting): Even if you’re heading out of town, leave the thermostat set to at least 10°C, to keep your home above freezing. If you’re renting, this is often required by the letting agent as well.
- Open cupboard doors: If you have sinks or pipes along exterior walls, open the cupboard doors beneath them to let warm air circulate and prevent freezing.
- Check for drafts: Ensure that windows and doors are properly sealed. If you notice drafts, use draft blockers or tape to seal gaps around windows and doors.
4. Secure Your Home
Leaving your student home for an extended period can make it a target for theft, so it’s essential to take steps to secure the property:
- Lock all windows and doors: Double-check that all windows, doors, and locks are secure before you leave. Consider using a deadbolt lock if you have one.
- Set up timers for lights: As mentioned earlier, timers can make it look like someone is home by turning lights on and off at different intervals.
- Take valuables with you: If possible, take important documents, electronics, or anything valuable with you.
5. Inform Your Letting Agent
If you plan to be gone for an extended period, it’s a good idea to inform your letting agent. They might need to know when you’ll be leaving in case of any emergencies or property maintenance issues, especially due to winter weather, and you can relax knowing the property will be getting taken care off while you are away.
