Summer holiday safety tips: preparing your home for when you’re away

Last updated on December 5, 2024

It’s the most exciting time of the year - the holiday season. Whether you're going to be relaxing on a sunny beach, hiking, or exploring a new city, getting ready to leave can be very exciting.

Before you rush to the airport or start your road trip, there are a few things to take care of on the home front. In this guide, we'll share practical tips, and things to consider at home, before your holiday. 

Father and son sitting on a couch packing an esky
Alongside packing your bags, or remembering your toothbrush and passport, we recommend the following tips for keeping your home safe while you’re away:
Outline of a tap
  • Water supply: Turn off the main water supply to prevent burst pipes. 
  • Flexihose: If you have a flexihose, inspect it for any signs of wear, leaks, or weak spots. Make sure its connections are secure and replace it if necessary.
  • Electric appliances: Unplug unnecessary devices to save electricity and reduce fire risks.
Outline of a fork and knife
  • Food: Use, freeze, or dispose of items that may spoil while you're away.
  • Give a neighbour your contact details: Ask them to check on your home regularly. Perhaps they could also collect your mail or water your plants.
Outline of a house with a lock in the middle
  • Locks and windows: Make sure all doors and windows are securely locked.
  • Exterior lights: Install motion sensor lights.
  • Valuables: Hide valuables or invest in a home safe.
  • Security cameras: Install cameras to deter potential intruders. Doorbell cameras let you see who comes and goes.
Outline of a broom
  • Keep up with regular home maintenance: This helps to future-proof your property, avoid problems, and to make sure your insurance coverage remains valid. 
  • Lawn care: Hire a gardener or ask a friend to mow your lawn.

    Note: With Allianz Home Insurance you may not be covered if your home has not been lived in for more than 60 consecutive days, unless you have our written agreement.
Outline of mug with steam coming out of the top
  • Policy check: Review your home and contents insurance to make sure you’re covered.
  • Contents inventory: Create a list of all the important items in your house. You could also consider adding optional portable contents cover for items like phones and jewellery. 
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For adventures at home or abroad, you can insure your trips with Allianz.1
  1. Travel Insurance is issued and managed by AWP Australia Pty Ltd ABN 52 097 227 177 AFS Licence No. 245631, trading as Allianz Global Assistance (AGA) as agent of the insurer Allianz Australia Insurance Limited ABN 15 000 122 850 AFS Licence No. 234708 (Allianz). Travel Insurance is underwritten by the insurer Allianz. Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and applicable sub-limits apply. 

This article has been prepared by Allianz Australia Insurance Limited ABN 15 000 122 850 AFSL234708 ("Allianz"). In some cases, information has been provided to us by third parties and while that information is believed to be accurate and reliable, its accuracy is not guaranteed in any way.

Any opinions expressed constitute our views at the time of issue and are subject to change. Neither Allianz, nor its employees or directors give any warranty of accuracy or accept responsibility for any loss or liability incurred by you in respect of any error, omission or misrepresentation in this article.

Allianz acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we live and work across Australia. We pay our respect to First Nations Elders past and present.



Any advice here does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions apply. Before making a decision about this insurance, consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS)/Policy Wording and Supplementary PDS (if applicable). Where applicable, the PDS/Policy Wording, Supplementary PDS and Target Market Determination (TMD) for this insurance are available on this website. We do not provide any form of advice if you call us to enquire about or purchase a product.

Allianz Australia Insurance Limited ABN 15 000 122 850 AFS Licence No. 234708 is the insurer of any general insurance products offered, and Allianz Australia Life Insurance Limited ABN 27 076 033 782 AFS Licence No. 296559 is the insurer of any life insurance products offered. Each entity is responsible for any statements and representations made about its products, on this website.