Preparing for your next break requires a little bit of forward planning, in terms of the way you leave your home, and what you choose to take along with you to your holiday getaway.
Not everyone can afford a house sitter, and if you’ve got good security, this probably isn’t necessary if you’ll only be away for a week or two. However, there are other things you might consider doing to make sure all’s good on the home front while you’re taking some time out.
Top ‘we’re away’ home hacks
1. Unplug appliances that may be susceptible to power surges
Things like computers, printers and televisions can get damaged beyond repair in unexpected outages, surges, or bad storms.
2. Switch off the water at the main
This means your hot water won’t be continuously heating itself up with no one to use it, and this also means there won’t be a continuous flow of water if a leak or broken pipe happens while you’re away.
3. Wash and dry all dirty dishes
This is for sanitary reasons. Mould grows quickly, especially when there’s no movement around it and the area is cold or wet. It’s also really nice to come home to a clean sink!
4. For outside your home
Cover up your pool or trampoline so neighbourhood kids don’t sneak over and play when no one’s around to keep watch. Also lock your outdoor or patio furniture away in case of heavy winds or to protect them from theft.
5. Tell a reliable someone
As an extra precaution, give a relative or close friend a key and ask them to pop in and do a check up every few days to put your mind at ease and make sure everything’s okay inside your home.
Then there’s the other issue of what to take with you to your self-catering holiday destination to make it feel more like a home from home. We’ve got some quick food tips here and you can get more general home hacks in this previous blog post on making your holiday house a home.
Food home hacks for your holiday spot
1. Plan the food in advance
Think about who’s going and how many people need to be catered for, and then plan your meals in advance. Write a list of your meals for each day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and then break this list down into an ingredients list so your grocery shop is easy and quick. Remember the drinks too! Menu ideas? Here you go!
2. Don’t forget snacks
Three meals a day is great, but holidays are also all about the snacks. Factor in a snack or two a day and try to keep them healthy so you and your family don’t completely overindulge. Things like fresh fruit, mixed nuts and dark chocolate always go down well!
3. Take your own Tupperware
Although most places will provide the essentials for cooking and eating, sometimes you make too much of something, or want to transport a meal to a picnic spot (like one of the stunning Ramsgate beaches!). Choose a few different sizes and shapes and pack these nifty plastic containers with you so they’re readily available to keep things fresh and clean in the fridge.
4. Take your own fancy gadgets
Holidays are about resting and recharging but if you simply can’t live without your morning smoothie, then take your smoothie maker with. If you want spiralized veggies for dinner, take your spiralizer with you. Because you have your meal list in advance, it’s easy to see which extras you’ll need to take with you.
5. Be aware of these things when you’re preparing for your next holiday, and everything should be smooth sailing
If you’re looking for a place that’s ready to go, with everything you need, then The Ramsgate Cottage is perfect for you and your family! With a built-in braai area, fully equipped kitchen and washing machine it really is a home away from home. Check out the cottage for yourself to see more.