The end of term is finally here, and Christmas break means heading back home for a few weeks of rest, family time, and festive fun. To make the transition smooth, here are some quick tips and reminders.

Prepare your living space

Fridge and bins

Clear out leftover food from fridges and cupboards and empty all bins.

Overflowing bins or leftover food can attract rodents so make sure everything is emptied, cleaned, and left hygienic.

Security

Secure windows and doors

Make sure all windows are off their ventilation latches and are fully locked.

Ensure the back door and any gates are bolted.

If you’re the last to leave, double-check every room!

Secure high-value items

Take high-value items home or ensure they’re out of sight from windows.

Check scheduled parcel deliveries

Check you’ve not ordered any late Christmas parcels to the address that could be left outside the property while you’re away.

Clear the porch/front of the building

Excessive mail on the doorstep can be a sign to burglars that no one’s home.

Electronics

Unplug non-essential appliances such as toasters, TVs, chargers, etc. to save on bills and avoid fire risks.

Heating

Don’t leave your heating on full blast while you’re away to avoid high bills.

Similarly, don’t turn the heating completely off if it's freezing outside to prevent burst pipes. Instead, set it to a "timer" or a low "frost protection" setting (around 12-15°C) if available.

Packing

Try and stick to essentials, particularly if you’re heading home via public transport. No one wants to be lugging heavy bags and cases through busy crowds or aisles.

A few festive extras such as small gifts for family, or your favourite Christmas jumper, are also essential.

Reminder: Don’t forget to pack your laptop (if needed), chargers, medication, and ID.

Travel tips

Charge your tech

If you’re using e-tickets on your phone, make sure it's fully charged before you start your journey. A portable power bank is a lifesaver for long festive journeys.

Check before you travel

Rail strikes or maintenance often happen over Christmas. Check your route on the Trainline or National Rail app before you leave the house to avoid travel delays or cancellations.

Remember, if your train is late or cancelled you may be entitled to a full or partial ticket refund – check with your train operator as rules may differ.

Pack snacks

Long journeys are easier with food and water, so it’s useful to have some to hand should there not be any available to buy during travel (or if you’re looking to save a little cash).

Finally, enjoy the break! We can’t wait to welcome you back in January.