Whether you're heading back to the city after a holiday or closing up an investment property for a few months, the last hour before you lock the door matters. A quick, methodical run-through prevents the most common problems we're called out to fix — water damage, damp, pests, and security scares.
Here is the room-by-room checklist we use for the coastal homes we manage on the Garden Route.
Kitchen
- Empty the fridge of anything perishable and wipe down the interior.
- If you're leaving for more than a week, switch the fridge off and prop the door open.
- Take out all rubbish and recycling so nothing rots or attracts pests.
- Close the dishwasher and washing-machine taps to prevent slow leaks.
Bathrooms
- Check for dripping taps and running toilets — small leaks add up over months.
- Leave a little airflow so bathrooms don't become damp and mouldy.
- Pour a little water down rarely-used drains, or cover them, to keep odours and insects out.
Throughout the house
- Unplug TVs, computers, and small appliances to protect them from power surges.
- Switch the geyser off at the board if no one will be using hot water.
- Set a few lights on timers so the house doesn't look obviously empty.
- Leave interior doors and some cupboards ajar to keep air moving and prevent damp.
Doors, windows, and security
- Check every window and door — including upstairs and the ones you never use.
- Arm the alarm and confirm the armed-response company has your current contact numbers.
- Lock away or hide valuables, spare keys, and remotes.
- Make sure outdoor lighting and any cameras are working.
Outside
- Pack away or secure outdoor furniture, cushions, and umbrellas.
- Close and lock the garage, store rooms, and side gates.
- Make sure the gate motor and intercom are working and have battery backup.
- Arrange garden and pool care so the property stays tidy while you're away.
The one thing the checklist can't cover
A checklist protects you the moment you leave — but it can't tell you what happens in week three, when a pipe bursts or a storm lifts a roof sheet. That's why absentee owners on the Garden Route arrange regular check-ins on their property.
We do exactly that: scheduled inspections with photo reports, and a local team that can respond fast when something needs attention. If you'd like peace of mind while you're away, contact us for a free quote.