Holiday home checklist

Print the checklist

On arrival

• Get the key and unlock – put it back in the key box
• Switch on the main power and heating
• Turn on the water and let it run for a few minutes
• Switch on the water heater
• Air all the rooms
• Check for damp, mice and leaks – add them as shared chores
• Read the electricity and water meters
• Check the shopping list: coffee, toilet paper, washing-up liquid

On departure

• Empty the fridge and take or sort the rubbish
• Wash up, wipe down, vacuum and mop the floors
• Strip the beds and wash towels (or take them home)
• Add anything that ran out to the shopping list
• Read the electricity and water meters
• Add costs, e.g. firewood and gas
• Switch off lights, oven and coffee machine – turn down the heating
• Close windows, lock doors and shed, put the key back
• Bring in garden furniture and cushions

Winterising

If the house is unheated in winter, burst pipes are the most expensive mistake. Check your insurance too – some policies require the water to be off and the pipes drained.

• Turn off the main water valve and drain the pipes
• Drain and switch off the water heater
• Add antifreeze to traps and toilet, or empty them
• Leave the fridge and freezer empty with the doors ajar
• Set heating to frost protection if you have electric heaters or a heat pump
• Clear the gutters and remove leaves from the roof
• Remove food that might attract mice
• Check the chimney and stove, and book a sweep
• Let a neighbour know the house is empty

Opening in spring

• Walk around the house: roof, windows, deck and trees
• Turn the water on slowly and check for leaks
• Test smoke alarms and change the batteries
• Share out the season’s jobs: lawn, hedge, painting, oiling the deck

In Hyttio you can add chores with an owner, due date and repeats – for example “Clear the gutters” every autumn – and the house guide tells the next family where the main valve and fuse box are.

See also: free house rules template →