How to prepare your home for a longer absence? Essential tips!

Sometimes we go away for a few days, and at other times for two or three weeks – for a holiday, a business trip, to visit family or for other reasons. Packing a suitcase is not the only thing to think about. Before you close the door behind you, it is worth preparing your home so that you can reduce the risk of faults, unnecessary energy use or unpleasant surprises when you return.

It is best not to leave everything until the last hour. Some tasks can be done a few days earlier, leaving only a short check for the day you leave. That way, instead of wondering in the car whether you really turned off the water, closed the balcony and switched off the bathroom light, you can set off with peace of mind.

Unplug devices you do not need

Look around your home and decide which devices genuinely need to keep running while you are away. You can unplug the television, games console, coffee machine, computer or chargers. This can reduce unnecessary energy use and lower the risk of equipment being damaged if there are problems with the electrical installation or sudden voltage changes.

Do not, however, switch everything off using a single circuit breaker. A fridge containing food, a freezer, an alarm, a router needed for cameras or parts of a smart home system may require a continuous power supply.

Just before you leave, check the lighting as well. Look not only at the main lights in each room, but also at a wardrobe light, mirror lighting or a bedside lamp. Small light sources are easy to overlook, especially if you are leaving during the day.

Check the water and gas installation

Before a longer trip, you can turn off the main water and gas valves if you know which valves serve your property and can do so safely. If a fault occurs while you are away, shutting off the supply may limit the scale of the problem. With gas, the appropriate approach depends on the installation in your home.

The kitchen is also a good place for a quick check. Make sure the burners are off and that any appliances you do not need while you are away have been properly secured.

Adjust the heating for a longer absence

During the heating season, there is no need to keep an empty home at the same temperature as you would every day. You can turn the heating down, but do not switch it off completely, to avoid the property becoming excessively cold. In summer, you can usually switch off room heating or set the system to summer mode if your system allows it.

Arrange pet care in advance

If your pet is travelling with you, check the transport rules, required documents and conditions at your destination in advance. If your pet is staying at home, arrange care with someone who understands its needs and can visit regularly, provide food and fresh water, clean up and spend enough time with it.

A pet hotel may be an alternative. It is best to organise this type of care in advance, especially during the holiday season when spaces can fill up quickly.

Prepare food, medication, any necessary accessories and a short note explaining the daily routine. Also leave the carer your phone number, the vet’s contact details and any information that may be needed in an emergency.

Close windows and patio doors carefully

Closed windows and patio doors are not only about protecting your home from burglary. They also protect the interior from the effects of a sudden change in weather.

Do not leave a window tilted open simply to let fresh air in. During heavy rain, water may get inside, and strong wind may damage the window. If a trusted person is checking the property, they can air it briefly during a visit and then close the windows properly again.

Before leaving, also check the balcony or terrace. Lightweight plant pots, decorations, a clothes airer or other items left outside may topple over or move in strong winds. If the forecast suggests bad weather, it is better to put them away beforehand.

How should you position window blinds or pleated blinds before leaving?

Once the windows are closed, decide how to position your internal roller blinds or pleated blinds. Fully uncovering every pane or lowering every blind all the way is not always the best solution. It is worth adapting the position to the floor, the direction the window faces, the amount of sunlight and how the home normally looks.

Ash Grey Window Pleated Blind

from  18,49 €

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Subtle Elegance with a Ash Grey Pleated Blind The ash grey pleated blind is an excellent choice for those who wish to bring elegance and softness into their interior. Its universal, ash grey shade pairs beautifully with a variety of design styles – from classic to modern – adding a touch of understated charm. This window treatment blends harmoniously with both light and dark color schemes, creating a peaceful and cozy atmosphere. The ash grey pleated blind is a refined accent that gives your space a fresh and distinctive character. Complete Light Control and Maximum Privacy With the ash grey pleated blind, you have full control over the amount of incoming light, allowing you to create the perfect environment for working, resting, or relaxing. The specially designed mechanism enables precise adjustment of light transmission, so the room can be gently illuminated or fully darkened – exactly as you need it. The ash grey blind also ensures maximum privacy, shielding you from unwanted glances from the outside. Durability, Convenience, and Easy Use The ash grey pleated blind is made from high-quality materials that ensure long-lasting durability and resistance to everyday wear. It’s easy to install – you can do it yourself in just a few minutes, without the need for tools. Thanks to its easy maintenance and stain resistance, the ash grey blind will retain its beautiful appearance for years. A simple wipe with a damp cloth is all it takes to keep it fresh and clean every day!

Dove Grey Window Pleated Blind

from  18,49 €

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Dove Grey Pleated Blind – Refined Subtlety The dove grey pleated blind is the perfect choice for those who want to bring a touch of sophistication and calm into their interior. Its soft grey shade with a hint of blue complements a variety of styles – from Scandinavian minimalism to classic elegance. A dove grey pleated blind is not just a beautiful decoration but also a way to create a harmonious atmosphere in any room. Discover how this unique color can add unmatched charm to your home. Effective Protection from Sunlight and Prying Eyes Enjoy complete comfort with the dove grey pleated blind. Its smart construction allows precise control of the amount of incoming light, helping you create ideal conditions for work, rest, or relaxation. The dove grey fabric effectively reduces excessive sunlight, preventing overheating while ensuring full privacy. This blind is a perfect solution for those who value both functionality and style. Durability and Easy Maintenance Made from high-quality materials, the dove grey pleated blind offers not only an elegant appearance but also exceptional durability. It withstands daily use and maintains its aesthetic qualities for years. Maintenance is incredibly simple – just wipe it with a damp cloth to restore its original glow. Choose convenience and longevity to enhance the unique style of your home!

Powder Pink Window Pleated Blind

from  18,49 €

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Subtlety and Elegance at Your Window Discover the charm of a powder pink pleated blind – the perfect solution for those who want to add softness and class to their interior. Our blind not only blends seamlessly with any décor style but also gently diffuses light, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere. Indulge in a touch of luxury that not only enhances your windows but transforms the entire room. It's a unique decorative element that will delight both you and your guests. Functionality at Your Fingertips The powder pink pleated blind is more than just beautiful – it’s functionality wrapped in an elegant form. Thanks to the light control mechanism, you can easily adjust the amount of sunlight entering the room, giving you the privacy you need, when you need it. A perfect choice for living rooms, bedrooms, or home offices. These blinds are easy to install and simple to clean, making them an ideal option for those who value convenience and user comfort. Protection and Privacy with Style Want to protect your privacy without compromising on elegance? Our powder pink pleated blind is the answer. Its unique design offers optimal protection from prying eyes while still allowing soft, natural light to fill the room. It’s a perfect solution for city apartments, where privacy is priceless. The combination of elegance and practicality – doesn’t that sound ideal?

If a television, computer or other furnishings can be seen from the street through a large living-room window, a suitably positioned blind can reduce direct views into the room. In a strongly sunlit room, a blackout roller blind can reduce the amount of intense light entering through the glass.

Standard roller blinds help cover the window and reduce incoming light, although the effect depends, among other things, on the type of fabric and how much light it transmits. Day and night blinds allow you to regulate the amount of light, while pleated blinds can be positioned over a selected part of the glass.

Gold Standard Roller Blind

from  18,26 €

Gold Standard Roller Blind 106 new Estika.eu

Golden Elegance in Your Home – A Mini Blind That Impresses The mini blind in a golden shade is a true gem among window decorations. Its warm hue introduces a subtle glow to the interior, adding a unique character to any room. Perfect for the living room, dining room, bedroom, or even office, where the golden tone highlights an elegant yet cozy atmosphere. The simple yet modern design of this blind makes it an excellent choice for those who value both style and functionality. A Practical Solution for Every Interior The mini blind in golden color is not only a beautiful addition to your home but also a practical finishing touch. Thanks to height adjustment, you can easily control the amount of light entering the room. It perfectly protects against excessive sunlight while allowing you to enjoy natural light according to your needs. The mini blind is installed non-invasively, making it an ideal choice for both owned and rented apartments. Durability, Resistance, and Easy Cleaning The golden mini blind is designed for everyday use. Made from high-quality materials, it is resistant to dirt and fading. The golden shade will remain vibrant and intense for many years, regardless of usage intensity. Additionally, its maintenance is very simple – just wipe it with a damp cloth to restore its fresh shine.

Royal Blue Standard Roller Blind

from  18,26 €

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Royal Blue – Elegance and Freshness in Your Interior The mini blind in royal blue is a unique decoration that will bring a breath of freshness and luxury to your home. This deep, intense shade of blue symbolizes sophistication and calm, making it a perfect fit for modern, elegant interiors. It works wonderfully in the living room, bedroom, or office, giving them character while creating a relaxing, harmonious atmosphere. With a royal blue blind, your rooms will gain a modern style with a touch of royal luxury. Top-Level Functionality The Royal Blue mini blind is the perfect combination of style and functionality. Thanks to adjustable height, you can easily control the amount of light entering your interior. It’s an excellent solution both for working in a home office and relaxing in the bedroom. On sunny days, the blind effectively protects the room from overheating, while in the evening it provides complete privacy. The hassle-free, drill-free installation makes this blind suitable for any type of window and interior, regardless of the décor style. Durability and Easy Maintenance The Royal Blue mini blind is designed for long-lasting use. The high-quality materials it is made of ensure that its intense color will remain vibrant for many years, without fading from sunlight. Additionally, it is resistant to dirt and easy to clean — simply wipe it with a damp cloth to restore its original shine. This makes it an excellent choice for those who value comfort, durability, and elegance all in one product.

Pink Standard Roller Blind

from  18,26 €

Pink Standard Roller Blind 116 new Estika.eu

Unique Style for Your Window Transform your home with the charming mini pink roller blind, adding delicacy and elegance to any room. Our pink mini blind is a perfect choice for those who appreciate subtle yet modern accents in interior design. The high-quality material provides protection against excessive light, while the pastel pink shade creates a cozy atmosphere, ideal for the living room, bedroom, or children's room. Bring freshness and vibrancy to your space with this stylish window decoration! Functionality and Elegance Combined Not only beautiful but practical too! Our pink mini blind not only enhances your windows but also protects from the sun and prying eyes. Its lightweight construction and easy installation mean you can quickly and effortlessly set it up in any room. The adjustable feature lets you control the amount of incoming light, creating a comfortable environment for both work and relaxation. Choose a product that combines functionality with aesthetics. Perfect for Modern Interiors If you love modern design, our pink mini roller blind is the perfect addition to your home. The subtle pink hue complements minimalist interiors, adding warmth and sophistication. Its compact form makes it ideal for small windows, and its delicate color works beautifully in neutral color palettes. Invest in a product that will make your interior stand out and emphasize its modern character.

For example, in a ground-floor home you can leave a pleated blind positioned over the lower part of the window facing the pavement. If you have a roller blind on a south-facing window, positioning it appropriately may reduce intense light entering the room while you are away.

Tell a trusted person and leave your contact details

It is a good idea for at least one trusted person to know that you will be away from home for a longer period. This could be a family member, friend or trusted neighbour.

For a longer trip, you can give that person a spare set of keys and your phone number. If something worrying happens while you are away, they may be able to respond in time. When you are hundreds of kilometres from home, having someone nearby who can react quickly can be very helpful.

Do not, however, leave keys under the doormat, in a plant pot or in another easily accessible place. If you are giving them to someone while you are away, hand them over directly.

Protect your home against burglary

Closed windows and doors are the basics, but you can add other security measures. If you have an alarm, switch it on according to the instructions. A camera you can access from your phone, door and window opening sensors or a motion detector can help you notice an unusual situation more quickly.

Do not leave valuable items, cash or documents in plain sight. If you have a safe, use it as intended. Check the balcony and terrace as well – it is better not to leave items there that could make it easier to reach a window.

Avoid announcing your absence publicly

A photo from the airport, a travel story or a post captioned “three weeks on holiday” may reveal more than you intend. Information that your home will be empty for a longer period does not need to be public.

If you want to share photos while you are away, check your privacy settings and limit the visibility of posts to trusted people. Another option is to publish the photos only after you return.

Home insurance

Even good preparation cannot guarantee that nothing will happen while you are away. If you have home insurance, check the scope of cover, exclusions and any obligations set out in the policy terms a few days before your trip.

Remove food that may spoil and take out the rubbish

A few days before leaving, look through the fridge and check use-by dates. Just before you go, take out the rubbish from the kitchen and bathroom. Do not leave dirty dishes or wet cloths rolled up on the worktop either. After two weeks, it is much nicer to return to a home without an overflowing bin, the smell of spoiled food or a sink full of dishes.

Prepare your plants for the time you are away

Not every plant needs the same amount of water, so do not water them all “in advance”. Before leaving, remove dried leaves, check the soil and, if necessary, move pots that stand directly next to a very sunny window.

Green Day and Night Blind

from  19,76 €

Green Day and Night Blind 51 new Estika.eu

Freshness and Harmony – Green Day and Night Blind Add a touch of nature to your interior with a green day and night blind. This unique color brings an atmosphere of calm and harmony to the room while providing full control over the amount of light. Thanks to the innovative system, the blind allows for easy transition from semi-transparent light diffusion to full blackout. Suitable for the living room, bedroom, or home office, the green blind becomes a decorative element in any space that needs a gentle touch of revitalization. Perfect Light Control – Comfort All Day Long The green day and night blind is a solution that allows you to adjust the lighting level to your mood and needs. The double-layered fabric with movable segments offers endless options – from gently diffused light to complete darkness. Perfect for sunny days when you want to reduce excessive rays, or for evenings when you need privacy and comfort. The reliable mechanism ensures smooth and effortless adjustment, while the sturdy construction guarantees long-lasting use. A Natural Accent in a Modern Interior The green day and night blind is a combination of functionality and aesthetics. Its nature-inspired color adds freshness to interiors, making it a perfect choice for both modern, minimalist designs and more traditional spaces. Regardless of the style of your interior, the green shade brings a sense of relaxation and natural balance. Available in many sizes, it fits perfectly to any window, highlighting both the practicality and elegance of your home.

Dark Blue Day and Night Blind

from  19,76 €

Dark Blue Day and Night Blind 61 new Estika.eu

Bold Style and Functionality – Dark Blue Day and Night Blind Summer Night The dark blue day and night blind is a unique combination of modern design and practical solutions. The deep shade of blue brings elegance and character into the interior, giving every room a distinctive touch. Thanks to its unique double-layered fabric, you can precisely control the amount of incoming light – from complete blackout to gentle diffusion. This blind is the perfect choice for modern interiors where both style and functionality matter. Perfect Light Control and Privacy The dark blue day and night blind offers full control over the light in your interior. Its special design, with alternating interwoven fabric stripes, allows you to freely adjust light permeability – from a pleasant semi-darkness to total blackout. This means that regardless of the time of day, you can create the perfect atmosphere in your home. Additionally, this blind ensures complete privacy, protecting you from prying eyes, making it an excellent choice for bedrooms and living rooms. Durability and Easy Installation Made from high-quality materials, the dark blue day and night blind is resistant to fading and damage, ensuring long-lasting performance. Installation is quick and easy – you can mount it either on the window frame or on the wall, giving you full freedom in interior arrangement. This blind not only looks beautiful but is also easy to maintain, making it an ideal addition to any home.

Raspberry Day and Night Blind

from  19,76 €

Raspberry Day and Night Blind 68 new Estika.eu

Raspberry Day and Night Pleated Blind – Energize Your Interior! The raspberry day and night pleated blind is the perfect choice for those who want to add an energizing splash of color to their home. The juicy raspberry shade enlivens the space, adding a unique character and style. It pairs beautifully with neutral interiors, creating an intriguing contrast, but also works great in bolder arrangements. Thanks to its vibrant color, the blind becomes the focal decorative element of any room, while also creating a warm and cozy atmosphere. Precise Control of Light and Privacy The raspberry day and night pleated blind offers not only visual appeal but above all, functionality. With its unique system of alternating fabric bands, you can easily control the amount of light entering the room. From full brightness to complete blackout—you gain full control over the room's ambiance. Moreover, it ensures total privacy by blocking outside views, making it an ideal solution for bedrooms, living rooms, or children's rooms. Durability and Easy Maintenance The raspberry blind is made from top-quality materials that guarantee long-lasting durability and fade resistance. It is not only beautiful but also practical—easy to clean and quick to install. The fabric is dirt-resistant, and its vibrant color will retain its intensity for years. The raspberry day and night pleated blind is an excellent investment that meets both the aesthetic and functional needs of any home.

A suitably positioned roller blind or pleated blind can reduce intense light near the window when you cannot respond to changes in the weather as they happen.

For a longer trip, ask a trusted person to water the plants or use a watering system suited to the specific plants. If you are using such a solution for the first time, do not set it up only on the day you leave. Test it in advance and check that it delivers the right amount of water.

Summary

Preparing and securing your home before a longer trip does not require complicated solutions. The biggest benefit comes from calmly planning the tasks: unplugging unnecessary devices, checking installations, adjusting the heating, closing windows, positioning roller blinds or pleated blinds, informing a trusted person and taking care of everything that will remain at home.

Think about your return too. An empty bin, a clean kitchen, cared-for plants and tidy rooms mean that after a long journey you will not start by cleaning up the effects of being away for many days. Leave your home in the condition you would like to return to.

Frequently asked questions