For many families, going on holiday isn’t as simple as packing your bags and hopping on a plane. Many parents worry about who will look after their home while they’re away. After all, unoccupied properties can be a target for burglaries, and in case of a longer periods of absence, damage, and neglect. If this is a worry for you, fear not! There are ways to keep your home safe and your mind at rest while you’re travelling the world.
Hire Someone
Are you planning to be away for some time, and don’t have relatives in the area who are able to look after your home? One option is to hire experts nearby who can keep an eye on and maintain your property. This could be a professional property management company, a local estate agent, or even a reliable neighbour or friend who welcomes a little extra cash. They can carry out regular checks, flag any issues that come up and deal with them on your behalf, and sort out utility and council tax matters for you if the need arises.
Find a House Sitter
If you are comfortable with a stranger staying in your home, finding a house sitter might be the solution for you. House sitters live in your property while you’re away, keeping it safe. Even better, they will look after any plants and pets saving you the hassle of dropping your furry friends at a kennel or cattery and giving your little darlings a more pleasant experience in familiar surroundings whilst you are on holiday or away for longer. There are countless house sitter platforms if you search online. Of course, you could also ask around for personal recommendations. You will be surprised how many families use house sitters when they are away. You might even find a family friend who is willing to stay in your home against a price that suits you both.
Try Home Swapping
Do you want to go on holiday without spending all your hard earned cash on accommodation? Holidays for single parents can cost more per head if you book with a traditional tour operator. So, if you are happy for someone to live in your home in exchange, then home swapping is the perfect solution. Not only is your own home looked after whilst you are away, you and your kids get the opportunity to live in another part of the world completely free. There are various online platforms, such as Home Swapper and House Exchange where you can search for trusted individuals who, like you, want to stay in another part of the country or even abroad for a weekend break, a family holiday, or several weeks or months at a time.
Rent Your Property Out
Renting your property out is another way to avoid it being left unoccupied whilst you are travelling. This could be on a short-term, holiday let basis through a platform like AirBnB, or through a traditional letting agent if you are away for longer periods. This option not only provides security for your home but could also generate extra income for single parents to help cover the family’s travel costs. Just be aware that even renting out on an AirBnB basis makes you a landlord. As such, you have responsibilities regarding insurance, taxes, and maintaining the property to a safe standard.
Leave Your Home Unoccupied
Keeping your home empty might seem like the easiest option, but it could leave your property susceptible to risks, such as fire, pests, flooding, or damage from frozen and leaking pipes. The extra costs of needing to hire mould remediation services if the damp got in while you were travelling can be avoided by ensuring good ventilation and consistent low heat throughout your home. Then there is the risk of burglary, vandalism, or even squatters. To lower the risk of intruders, it’s essential to take security measures. Inform your neighbours, invest in a good alarm system and possibly CCTV, cancel any regular deliveries and set timers for your lights to give the impression that the property is occupied. Also, check with your insurance provider as some policies have conditions around how long a home can be left unattended. You wouldn’t want your home and buildings insurance to be invalid whilst you are travelling.
Preparation is Key
Regardless of the option you choose, preparation is key. Take time to clear any valuables or personal items out of sight, ensure your home is tidy and clean, and make any necessary repairs before you leave. It’s also important to keep in contact with whoever is looking after your property, or if it’s empty, have someone check it regularly and notify you of any problems. Preparation is vital – the more safety measures you put in place, the less worry you’ll have while you’re away and the more you can enjoy a well-deserved holiday for single parents.
Final Thoughts
The best option for your home while you’re away depends on your personal circumstances and priorities. Will you travel the world for a while because you want to try a nomadic lifestyle with your kids and need to generate an income? Rent out your home. Are you looking to holiday on a budget? A house swap could be the solution. If you have pets or plants on the other hand, a house sitter might kill two birds with one stone. Whatever you do, make certain that you’ve taken all necessary precautions to ensure your home’s safety and security. Peace of mind means you can fully enjoy your travels.
