Holiday check list for every home
Here are a a few pointers to help you prepare for the holidays and enjoy more downtime.
The annual school closures are upon us, and most households are starting to think about how to prepare for the holidays. According to the Seeff Property Group, whether you are away or home, you should take time to prepare for the holidays so that you can get the most out of your downtime.
Seeff lists a few pointers.
Preparing a holiday checklist can help you enjoy more downtime by planning ahead and avoiding potential problems.
Spring clean early to avoid extra work during the holidays, especially if your housekeeper is on leave.
Pay it forward by donating old toys and clothing to charities, or through Seeff’s Home2Home Campaign.
Plan meals in advance, draw up a menu, make freezer meals, and shop early to avoid stockouts of festive foods.
Stock up on basics like toiletries, cleaning materials, and dry goods to reduce shopping trips or shop online for convenience.
Do Christmas gift shopping and wrapping early to avoid facing last minute out-of-stock situations.
Check that your tree and decorations are still in a good condition, replace what is needed, and spread festive cheer by donating what is no longer needed.
Buy new festive decorations after Christmas to benefit from the sale prices and stock up on new decorations for next year.
Prepare for visitors by getting guest rooms ready, washing bedding, and cleaning and stocking the rooms.
Get your car serviced, tires checked, and caravan repaired, fill gas bottles, and stock non-perishable goods for holiday travel.
Check home security, windows, doors, garage doors, alarm system, and exterior lighting, and consider installing timers for added security while away.
Review household and vehicle insurance policies, check the fine print, and increase cover where necessary, to ensure adequate protection during the holidays.
Prepare a safety checklist for your trip, including listing things like switching off utilities, setting light timers, and arranging emergency access for your home.
Alert your Neighbourhood Watch, security company, and neighbours of your absence, and leave a set of spare keys in case of emergency.
A house sitter can take care of your property, pets, and plants, and provide security and peace of mind during your absence.
Issued by: Gina Meintjes
