Most of us are rearing to go on holiday. But before you do, it might be prudent to print out and follow this check list to ensure home sweet home is still that way when you return.

1. Leave a spare set of keys, a contact address and phone number with a trusted neighbour in case of an emergency such as a fire, a burglary or resetting your alarm.

2. Take a list of plumbers and electricians with you and leave a copy with your neighbour.

3. Test the response of your security company to your alarm and notify them or your neighbourhood watch that you are going away.

4. Place any weapons, valuables and important documents in a safe or a bank safety deposit box.

5. Lock the mains box outside your property.

6. Check that your insurance details and premiums are up to date.

7. Pay your lights and water bill. A power or water cut while you are away might cause damage and alert potential burglars of your absence.

8. Add cover for the cost of water leakage if it?s not already in your policy.

9. Make sure your ?all risks cover? includes valuables you are taking on holiday.

10. Take your medical aid details or card with you.

11. Appoint a reputable house sitting service to keep tabs on your property and to switch on lights, feed pets, clear post boxes, water plants and put out rubbish bins on collection day. Also instruct them to let you or your neighbour know if there?s a problem.

12. Cancel deliveries of milk and newspapers.

13. Place sufficient funds in your bank account to pay for any urgent problem.

14. Disconnect computers, televisions and other lightning sensitive equipment including television aerials.

15. Immobilise any vehicles you leave behind.

16. Arrange for insurance cover before you leave a shop with an expensive Christmas purchase.

17. Check that any trailers and cars you use on holiday are roadworthy, properly licensed and that the insurance premiums are up to date.

18. Make sure your tracker or similar device is working. If you had it serviced recently the device may have been disabled and your insurance cover could be void.

19. Check that you have towing cover.

20. Pay any outstanding traffic fines. This holiday season the traffic police are going to set up roadblocks to apprehend and arrest people with outstanding fines.