merlin

Winter wont be long off now and for some people who are visiting their property in the next few weeks, it will be their last chance to prepare their property for those wet and damp winter months ahead.

Does anyone have any good tips and ideas on making sure theres no unwelcome suprises the next time you visit in 2006?

Merv

leylaasena

Leave internal doors,kitchen cupoards and wardrobe doors open and place bowls of salt around the place to absorb damp from the air.
If practical leave one or two windows open for circulation.

Sylvia

We did all as Bev says above last year and did not have any probs.
Leave fridge/freezer doors open, cover all internal drains, plug holes etc stops any unwelcome insects, salt is great for soaking all damp this was rock hard when we arrived in May, and dont forget to check all external doors are locked.

lorraine

Found the following replies by other members giving their recommendations.


and

merlin

I suppose the old chestnut - changing locks before you leave.

Afterall, you never know who might have a key.

Merv!

lorraine

Yes definitely change locks if the property has been rented all season.

More hints for preparing your property for the winter.

Empty and clean out fridges and freezers and leave the doors open or mould will build.

For Linens, bedding, cushions etc Vacum pack, if you do not have vacum bags purchase some heavy duty bin liners and sellotape, place items inside and put the hose of a vacum cleaner in the bag sucking out the air and seal quickly with the tape. purchse large plastic dustcovers and place over beds, sofas, Tv's etc.. unplug electricals just to be on the safe side incase of winter storms.

Take batteries out of remote controls and clocks.

If possible open all internal doors to ensure through ventilation.

Turn off electric and water and take meter readings,

and just before leaving spray Raid or similar Bug sprays round external doors and thresholds, it does help.

mjdell

Hello everyone. I have read all the threads and posts connecting to "Tips for protecting your property during the winter months" and found them all very useful. Now the last few posts are a little out of date so I wondered if any seasoned forum members would be willing to share their "top tips" on how to leave their houses/apartments.. or great advice on any UK, or in country, products to use ? Many thanks.

westonalan

Hi All,

Most people are recommending to turn off all electric and water!!!!

Be careful if you have an alarm fitted! That will require 24/7 electric supply.
Even though they have battery back up and it should last until you return. Some batteries will fail!
I would advise anyone who has an alarm fitted, to have its own independent supply. This applies to security lighting and surveillance cameras.

If you have to leave the water supply on for some reason! Don't block off any internal drains to stop creepy crawlers getting in.
Otherwise if there is a burst pipe or leak the water won't be able to drain away and you may come back to an indoor swimming pool. LOL

Always turn off water if poosible!!!
Cos otherwise if there is a leak? You will come back to a very big water bill!!!!

Try and arrange for someone to visit your property on a regular basis.
If anything has gone wrong they will be able to sort out asap.
and not left until you return.

roz

Hi we always put moth balls in the sinks and toilets at the drains roz