Dubai: It’s mid-summer in the UAE, the time when many expats happily go on leave aboard. But it’s also the time for nasty surprises when they come back – as many holidaymakers fail to leave their house in order before flying out.
In a hurry to set off for the annual vacation, which can last a month, many residents fail to follow a going-on-holiday checklist. Little wonder then that some are shocked to find their car impounded because it was parked illegally or left behind too dirty.
Others return to find pests have already made themselves at home, thanks to a rotten leftovers and trash that was not taken out.
And for those who left without settling bills, a hot, dark and dry apartment awaits them, with no lights, air-conditioning or running water.
There are many other oversights that have cost, and continue to cost, expats dearly.
Experts routinely chart out a ‘know before you go’ plan during summer, when most annual leave is taken.
Manar Alkassar, founder and managing director of Helpling Middle East (Helpling.ae), a leading online platform for home services, says cleaning requests rise by around 25 per cent in August and September, when the expats usually return.
“Usually people are so busy packing that it is common to forget the basic things. So when they come back the house has a stink and even after cleaning, it will take a while to go away. So doing a checklist is absolutely necessary,” Alkassar said.
While some points on the checklist are obvious – such as turning off the lights – other considerations escape many would-be vacationers.
Freezers and fridges, for example, should not be turned off as the food will rot, stink and became a feast for germs. Any perishable food should be finished with or disposed off before leaving.
“Mold spores from affected food can build up undetected in your fridge and affect fresh food, so better double check your fridge and throw any food that could potentially rot, during your leave,” Alkassar added.
The same goes for the air-conditioner (AC), if possible. “Before leaving, make sure that you leave your AC on, on low, setting it to turn on once per day for a short amount of time – don’t turn it off. The AC not only cools down the house but also remove humidity that could form due to condensation, preventing mold to spread. It also avoids the overheating of the ambiences, protecting electronic items and furniture from being exposed to high summer temperatures,” he explained.
And while it’s wise to turn off switches, Alkassar said residents going on break should also unplug any connections.
“It seems a bit obvious, but some of us can forget to unplug electrical appliances. Not only do they consume energy – even in standby mode – but also to prevent damage in case of a power surge.”
On the flip side, all drains in sinks, showers and bathtubs should be plugged to stop pests creeping into your homes from the drains.
When it comes to your car, you should leave the keys with a trusted friend in case it needs to be moved, Sam Alawiye, founder and CEO of GreenParking, specialists in parking management systems in the UAE, had earlier said.
He also recommended that motorists pay up in advance any applicable parking fee, wash the car — inside and outside — and leave open a window or sunroof by about 1cm to prevent excessive heat build-up inside the vehicle.
Government departments such as the municipality and utilities providers also often run a safe home campaign during the summer to increase awareness and share tips.
In addition, residents should ensure there is enough money in their bank account to cover post-dated cheques and automatic deductions such as car loan instalments or other debt repayments.
Ensuring your visa or passport is not about to expire will also help you avoid hassles when getting back into the UAE.
Holiday Checklist
Don’t leave behind dirty dishes. Food gets crusty and seamlessly attaches itself to the dishes if left for a long time, so when you come back it will be harder. Also, you may want to consider throwing your old sponge away after doing the dishes – they can harbour a huge amount of bacteria after use and they will be there multiplying while you are out.
Don’t leave behind dirty laundry, the longer clothes stay dirty the more developed and resistant their odour will become. Bacteria thrives when it is exposed to three things: organic material, warmth and moisture. This makes your dirty clothes the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, so don’t forget to wash dirty clothes, bedsheets and towels before you leave.
Dos:
Do make a final checkup in your house before leaving to make sure all windows are closed to prevent your apartment from overheating and also to keep the sand out.
Food & Drink
Finish off leftovers or throw them away
Don’t leave food in open containers – not even in the fridge – if you’re going on a long break (one month or more)
Don’t leave behind perishable items like milk, yoghurt or fresh fruits. Again, either consume or trash them
Tightly seal containers of dry food items like raw rice, pasta and ground coffee to keep out pests
Home:
Turn off the main switch and other switches as well
Unplug all appliances like toasters, ovens and coffee-makers
Replace cracked or bare wires and loose connections as they may cause electrical sparks, which can result in a fire
Put safety covers on all electrical outlets and switches
Don’t tie up or knot cords
Don’t let furniture rest on cords
Keep appliances dry and away from water sources
Close and lock windows
Turn off the gas supply
Cover furniture and electronic items – when you’re away, dust starts to settle on surfaces
Take out the trash
Turn off taps tightly
Lock all rooms, safe boxes, closets and cabinets
Freeze newspaper and mail deliveries wherever possible
Leave a house key with someone you trust – this helps in case of emergencies
Water your plants
Car:
Use a vehicle cover. Or ask someone reliable to clean your car
Park the car away from sunlight if possible. Take out valuables and flammable or pressurised items such as lighters, perfume and deodorants from the car
Check the tyre pressure. One slight puncture and you’ll have flat tyres waiting when you come back
Check the battery and make sure headlights and cabin lights are switched off
Roll up windows fully
Double check the locks on all doors and the trunk
Don’t leave the petrol tank empty
Money:
Leave enough bank funds to cover post-dated cheques and automatic payments like car instalments and loan paybacks
Settle your power and water bills to prevent disconnection
Paperwork and documents
Make sure your visa or passport is not about to expire – you may face problems getting back in the country
Pets:
Leave your pets at animal care centres, or with a friend
