Holiday Home Checklist: Maintaining Your Holiday Home

A holiday home needs regular care, especially during those times when you're not there to keep an eye on things. A well-maintained home is a key consideration, because you want to make sure it's ready and welcoming whenever you want to escape for a break or especially if you’re letting your holiday home. With that in mind, here's a holiday home checklist that covers essential maintenance tasks to protect your property and keep it in top condition.

Regular Maintenance Tasks

Looking after your holiday home requires attention to detail. Here are some checks you should perform regularly to keep it in tip-top shape. 

Security

Any home should be locked when it's empty, but it's even more important in a holiday home. They tend to be emptier for longer periods of time, and you don't want prying eyes thinking there's an opportunity to break in. Test all the locks on the doors, windows and gates. It's also worth installing key safes and changing the combination annually to maintain security.

Health and Safety

Safety matters in your holiday home. You want a relaxing stay without worrying about hidden hazards or malfunctioning equipment.

Smoke alarms need checking regularly. Pop new batteries in every six months rather than waiting for that annoying middle-of-the-night beeping. Carbon monoxide detectors are just as important, especially if your property has gas appliances or open fires.

Your boiler needs an annual service by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Most insurance companies require this, and it's worth marking in your calendar as missing a service could affect your cover if problems arise later.

Take time to check fire extinguishers haven't expired and keep fire blankets easily accessible in the kitchen. Create a simple safety folder with emergency contacts and what to do if problems occur - this helps family members or friends who might use the property too.

Kitchen and Bathroom

Clean tiles and sealant in high-moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms and reseal any worktops showing signs of wear and tear. Check all the taps for slow drips that could cause long-term damage. A small leak left unchecked can lead to rotting and damp issues, and a larger repair bill than had it been fixed sooner. 

Roof and Guttering

Remove leaves and debris from gutters regularly. Blocked drainage can cause flooding and serious property damage, especially during winter when freezing temperatures can make these problems worse. Check your roof for signs of damage that could become a problem later down the line.

Personal Comfort

Once you’ve carried out essential inspections, those other smaller touches make a holiday home feel like a true home-away-from-home. After all, you want to arrive and immediately relax. 

Keep your kitchen properly stocked with essentials so you don't need to shop immediately upon arrival. Consider having duplicates of items you regularly use at home. Many holiday homeowners maintain a supply of non-perishable foods, saving the hassle of bringing basics each visit.

Bedding and mattresses need regular attention. Replace pillows before they become lumpy, and check mattresses for sagging. Quality bedding makes all the difference after a long journey to your holiday retreat. Consider keeping separate sets of linens exclusively for your holiday home.

When you leave, clear out perishable foods that won't last until your next visit. Empty bins and clean the fridge to prevent unpleasant smells developing while you're away. We have written a handy guide on 5 reasons to buy a holiday home in 2025 to give you further inspiration on the benefits of buying a home for personal comfort and enjoyment. 

Insurance Considerations

Your holiday home insurance differs from standard home cover. Most policies require specific maintenance standards to remain valid. Check your policy details as requirements vary between insurers.

Taking photos of your property's condition each time you visit creates a useful record should you need to make a claim. Document any maintenance work completed, keeping receipts and details of who carried out repairs.

• Make sure trees near your property are well-maintained to prevent storm damage
• Install appropriate security measures like window locks and approved alarm systems
• Check water pipes are properly insulated before cold weather arrives
• Arrange regular inspections if your property stands empty for extended periods
• Keep gutters and drains clear to prevent water damage

Remember that your insurance won't cover general wear and tear or breakdown of appliances. Consider separate cover for these elements, especially if your holiday home contains valuable items. Many holiday homeowners find that comprehensive cover provides peace of mind, even if it means paying a slightly higher premium.

Off-Season Protection

If you mainly use your holiday home during summer months, winter requires special attention to protect your property.

Consider a thorough deep clean before closing for winter. Pull out appliances, move furniture and reach those areas that may be missed during regular cleaning. Winter is the perfect time for larger maintenance projects you've been putting off during the seasons you visit. 

Check your furniture for wear and tear after a busy summer of family visits. Loose chair legs, sofa cushions needing plumping or replacement and beds requiring new mattresses are all better addressed during the off-season. Outside furniture needs proper winter storage to extend its life, too. Start by cleaning it thoroughly, treating wooden items and storing everything in a dry place if possible. 

Empty properties attract unwanted attention, so maintain a lived-in appearance during vacant periods. Timer switches on lights create the impression of someone's home. Ask neighbours to collect the post that might build up and be visible. Some owners leave a radio on a timer too, so it acts as a small deterrent that makes opportunistic thieves think twice. 

Heating needs consideration during winter vacancies. While keeping it off saves money, the risk of frozen pipes can lead to serious damage. A constant low temperature (around 10°C) throughout the property offers good protection. If you're switching off completely, drain the water system following professional advice to avoid costly leaks. 

Local Support Network

Since you're not at your holiday home all the time, having a good relationship with the locals is key. It makes it easier to keep things running smoothly and gives you peace of mind that your place is in good hands. When you find a park, that friendly neighbourhood feeling becomes an important consideration for many. 

Find a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on your property and have contacts for local tradespeople for emergency repairs. You might also consider arrangements for garden maintenance during extended absences.

Why Choose a Victory Holiday Home? 

All Victory holiday homes are made with the most premium quality in mind. Using Novus, our team of innovative experts have turned traditional manufacturing processes on its head. Novus is a construction process that uses new technology to improve manufacturing of our homes and lodges, meaning you can be assured of the highest quality. 

We have been designing and manufacturing luxury holiday homes for over a decade and every detail – from the placement of plug sockets to the integration of full-size baths – has been considered with the upmost care and quality, giving you peace of mind that maintaining your holiday home is a more straightforward process; allowing you to spend more time doing the things you love whilst you stay in your home. 

A Little Effort Goes a Long Way

Looking after a holiday home might seem like a lot of work, but it's worth it. Regular maintenance keeps costs down and your property in good condition. With the right approach, your holiday home will continue to be your perfect getaway for years to come. 

Looking for the perfect holiday home that combines craftsmanship with innovation? Our team is ready to help you find your ideal escape. We have a range of holiday homes and holiday lodges just waiting to be discovered. 

Contact us to book a showground appointment.