Holiday-proof your flat

Heading home for the holidays or looking to spend time somewhere warmer? Here are some handy tips to ensure your flat and your belongings stay safe over Christmas and New Year.

• Don't turn off your boiler to prevent frozen and burst pipes. To save energy and keep your heating bills reasonable, simply set it to come on for an hour in the morning and the evening. This also helps to stop dampness developing.
• Take your valuables such as jewellery, laptops and cameras with you or store them in a safe.
• Fully lock your flat door on both mortice and yale locks.
• Ensure your windows are fully closed with any latches engaged. Where possible, also lock your windows.
• Tell your landlord if you are away for more than a few days, giving them a chance to keep an eye on the property.
• Consider putting one or more lights on a timer switch to make the flat appear inhabited over the holidays.
• Disconnect any electric plugs which won't be used.
• Empty the fridge of any food that will be mouldy by the time you return in 2013.

Following these tips will help you avoid nasty surprises and a stressful start to the New Year. Finally, don't forget to pack all the presents you bought for family and friends before pulling the door shut behind you!