Advice for leaving house unoccupied (3-6 months)

[GHouse]

Hello,

I would like to have some advice regarding leaving my house unoccupied for a few months. I'm going abroad for work and was wondering how to prepare my house to stay safe and sound while I'm away. I'd appreciate any tips, whatever small.

Thanks

Your insurance will need to be notified

You cant do it totally unattended.
As above, talk to the insurance. They will have rules - and I'm pretty certain one will include having someone visit the property weekly.

Thanks so much for all the valuable advice.

Some questions:

• If I need to leave heating on low so that the pipes wouldn't freeze, would this mean that I wouldn't be able to turn off the water/ electricity and boiler?

• What about beds/ mattresses, sofas and the like, is it advisable to cover them in plastic sheets to avoid dust, etc. or is it better to leave them as they are?

My in laws are abroad for half the year (usually) in 4 month bursts. They have a cleaner come in weekly when they are gone. She opens windows, turns on the taps, waters the garden if needed. The neighbours park on the driveway so it doesn’t look empty and use their washing line. During winter the heating is set low to a timer so it doesn’t get damp.

Hi and thanks all very much.

Other questions:

• If I leave the heating on, this means I won't be able to turn off the water as I have radiators, right?

• If no one turns on the taps regularly and flushes the toilets, what would happen? and what should I do to avoid any problems without having anyone to turn on the taps, etc.?

• Any ideas about sofas, mattresses, etc.?

Thanks in advance.