Just before leaving, many people have the same thought: is the cooker really off? With a checklist you can set off with peace of mind. A few simple steps protect against burglars, water damage and needless electricity costs. And you meet the obligations your household contents insurance expects if something goes wrong.
The checklist to tick off
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Protection against burglary
Burglars look for homes that are clearly empty. An overflowing letterbox, shutters that stay down all day and a dark house in the evening stand out. Ask your neighbours to empty the letterbox and check on things now and then. Timers for lights and shutters make your home look lived in.
Do not mention that you are away on your answering machine or in automatic email replies. It is better to share holiday photos after you get back, or only with friends.
Water and electricity
A burst hose on the washing machine can let a lot of water into your home over several days. Before longer trips, turn off the supply valves or close the main water valve completely. In winter the heating must stay on frost protection so that no pipes freeze.
Appliances on standby use electricity during your holiday too. Unplug them or switch off the extension leads. The fridge and freezer stay on, unless you empty them completely and leave the door open.
If you are away for longer
On trips of several weeks, a little more effort pays off. Ask someone you trust to check your home regularly, water the plants and air the rooms. In winter, someone should clear the path in front of the house after snowfall. In Germany this duty often lies with owners and, depending on the tenancy agreement, with tenants, and it does not stop while you are away. Give this person your contact details at your destination and the number of an emergency service for water and heating.
Just before you leave
Finally, walk through every room once more. Cooker, iron and candles off? All windows shut? Front door locked? If you like, take a quick photo of the cooker and windows with your phone. Then the question is answered at a glance while you are away.
flug-123.de editorial team, updated 10 November 2026. We review our guides regularly. Rules can change. If in doubt, the details in your booking apply.
