As the end of term arrives and students across Liverpool pack their bags to head home for the holidays, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of cosy nights-in, family dinners, and some much-needed time off. But before you lock up and head home, it’s important to make sure your student house or flat is safe and secure.
At Address Properties, we want all our student and residential tenants to enjoy a stress-free Christmas. That starts with preparing your student home for your departure, so that you can return in January to a clean and secure home, ready to start your new year in the best way!
Whether you’re living in shared student housing, private accommodation, or one of our other Address-managed properties across Liverpool, this simple Christmas security checklist will help protect your home and belongings and give you real peace of mind during the holidays.
Lock All Windows and Doors
Before heading home, double-check every entry point. Even one forgotten latch can leave your property vulnerable, especially during quieter winter weeks. You don’t want to feature in the next Home Alone this Christmas!
So, take a moment to:
- Lock all bedroom, front, and back doors.
- Secure kitchen, living room, bedroom and bathroom windows.
- Make sure garden gates or back entrances are closed properly
At Address Properties, we always advise our tenants to do a full walk-through of the property before leaving for any extended period, it’s one of the most effective ways to keep your accommodation safe.
Turn Off All Appliances
Switching off appliances protects your home from electrical hazards, fires and reduces unnecessary energy usage while you’re away.
Be sure to:
- Turn off plugs at the socket
- Unplug laptops, chargers, hair tools, and gaming consoles
- Switch off lamps and Christmas/fairy lights
- Turn off any lights in the property
This is especially important in student houses where lots of devices are left plugged in. A quick check before leaving can prevent accidents and lower your energy bill.
Take Your Valuables Home
Christmas can be a quiet time around student neighbourhoods, which is why it’s safest to take anything valuable home with you.
Pack items like:
- Laptops and tablets
- Cameras
- Headphones
- Jewellery or sentimental pieces
- Passports or important documents
You don’t want to reenact Home Alone this Christmas, so if it’s expensive or meaningful, don’t leave it behind.
Check Your Heating Settings
It may be tempting to turn your heating off completely, but Liverpool winters can be bitter cold. To avoid problems like frozen pipes or damp, it’s best to leave the heating on a low, consistent setting.
Set your thermostat to 12–15°C before you leave.
This keeps your house in good condition and prevents avoidable maintenance issues, something we always encourage as part of good property care.
Empty Your Fridge and Bins
Returning to a stinky home in January is not the way anybody wants to ring in the new year.
Before you leave:
- Throw away any food that will expire over whilst you are away from the property.
- Empty all household bins, especially the kitchen bins that contain food waste.
- Ensure that all of your waste is properly disposed of in the general waste and recycling bins outside of your property.
- Ensure that no waste is left in the garden or on the floor of the alleyway to avoid attracting pests.
Your future self (and your housemates!) will thank you.
Tell Your Housemates or Address Properties You’re Leaving
Communication helps keep everyone safe and informed.
Before heading home, make sure to:
- Update your house group chat about travel plans.
- Let someone know if you’re the last person to leave.
- Report any maintenance issues to Address Properties so we can support you before the holidays.
If you’re one of our tenants, we’re always here to help so don’t hesitate to get in touch before you head home.
Leaving Liverpool for Christmas is exciting, but taking a few minutes to secure your student accommodation is essential. With this simple checklist, and support from Address Properties you can enjoy your festive break knowing your home is safe and well looked after.
From all of us at Address Properties, we wish you a wonderful Christmas and a relaxing winter break!