With everyone home for Christmas, your student house will quickly become more vulnerable. Luckily, there’s lots you can do to prevent problems occurring when you leave your accommodation over the festive period.
What are the Risks When Leaving a House Empty
Criminals become a bigger risk when there’s nobody home for a while. Thieves keep an eye out for empty properties to break into. People looking to vandalise will look for unoccupied houses as they’re less likely to get caught. Along with criminals, you also have to think about a few other things. Electric appliances can increase your energy bill and mouldy food will cause strange smells.
What are the Most Important Things to Do:
Locks and Windows
Make sure your property is as secure as possible. All windows and doors should be locked, which seems obvious, but you’ll be surprised how many people forget. Remember to lock garages, sheds and any garden gates. These are areas which are easily forgotten. Move any heavy objects as these could be used to smash your windows. If there’re spare keys hidden somewhere like under a plant pot, remove these too. You don’t want to make it easy for criminals to invite themselves in.
You could install a security system or cameras to be extra safe. If someone can see a security camera, they’re likely to be deterred from breaking in. They also capture evidence if anything were to happen. Before installing cameras, it’s best to ask your landlord for permission.
Heating
Having the heating on often, as everyone knows, is an expensive thing to do. If you have it set on a timer, disable this whilst you’re gone. One thing to remember, is that problems can start to occur if your property is cold and damp. Mould can start forming, and pipes could freeze if it gets really cold. Frozen pipes may burst and cause flooding whilst you’re away. It’s a good idea to have a new timer set for your heating so it comes on at a low temperature for a few hours a day.
Valuables and Electronics
If you have valuables like a laptop or jewellery, take them with you if you’re able to. If you’re leaving anything valuable, hide it somewhere like the back of your wardrobe. You may even want to put a lock on your wardrobe if you do this to make it more secure. Something like a TV can be difficult to move and could be more susceptible to being stolen. You might want to contact your local neighbourhood watch scheme or local authorities to let them know your house will be empty. This way, they can keep a closer eye on your house.
Any electronics should also be unplugged. Even if they’re turned off, items which are plugged in will still use electricity. Some people turn off their electricity completely whilst they’re away. You’ll still have to pay a standing charge which is a fixed daily amount, but you still may be able to save on your energy bill. However, this could be risky if your heating runs on electricity. If this is the case and you turn off the electricity, mould could start forming around your windows.
Bins Food and Washing Up
If bins aren’t taken out and washing up isn’t done, you may come home to a house full of flies. To avoid an infestation, take out the bins and clean any plates before you leave. Remove anything from the fridge which will be out of date when you come home. This way, you don’t have to walk through the door to foul smells. Coming home to a clean and tidy house is a relieving feeling. After travelling, the last thing you want to think about is cleaning.
Timers and Curtains
Whilst you’re away, it’s a good plan to make your house seem occupied. Keeping curtains open will give this impression to any watching thieves. You can also use timers to automatically turn your lights on for a few hours in the evening when it’s dark. You could even get a smart switch where you’ll be able to turn on your lights remotely.
More Student Tips From The Student Energy Group
At The Student Energy Group, we’ll combine all your bills into one monthly student bills package. This includes electricity, water, gas, internet and your TV licence. You can then split this between you and the people you live with. We’re dedicated to helping you save money! If you sign up with us, we’ll plant a tree too. Get a free quote from us today.
