Enjoying a second home also means taking care of it when you are not there. A routine before you leave and another upon your return helps to detect issues and avoid forgetfulness. The most useful thing is to prepare a list tailored to your property, its facilities and the time it will remain closed.

Leave the property clean and tidy

Check food items, remove the rubbish and leave the kitchen and bathrooms clean. Store textiles completely dry and ensure there are no damp items left in cupboards or baskets. A final clean also makes it easier to detect changes when you return.

If you decide to leave the fridge unplugged, follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning it and preventing odours. If it remains on, check what food items you are leaving and who could check the property if an issue arises.

Plan for the care of the facilities

There is no single instruction that applies to all homes. Before cutting off supplies, check if there are appliances that need to keep functioning, such as alarms, connected devices or maintenance systems. Consult the instructions for the equipment and, when in doubt, seek advice from the professional who maintains them.

Visually check taps and areas under sinks before leaving. A periodic inspection by a trusted person can help detect a leak, a supply cut or a breakdown, but it does not replace the necessary maintenance.

Pay attention to terraces and outdoor spaces

Collect or secure lightweight items, protect furniture according to its materials, and check that visible drains are not blocked. Do not carry out work at height or access roofs without the proper conditions.

If you have plants, arrange for their watering and ensure that the chosen system cannot cause spills. Pools and gardens require a specific maintenance plan; leaving them unattended until the next visit usually complicates their upkeep.

Cleaning, watering and organisation items to prepare a second home.

Organise inspections without losing control of the keys

If someone is going to enter during your absence, agree on who, how often, and what they should check. Provide a contact for issues and record the keys handed over. Avoid hiding copies in easily accessible places near the property.

It is also useful to indicate how to locate a maintenance professional and what actions should be consulted with you. Share only the necessary information for that task.

Keep important information in one place

  • Maintenance and community contacts, where applicable.
  • Manuals and references for installed equipment.
  • Dates of inspections and repairs carried out.
  • Basic inventory and photographs for your private record.
  • List of keys and authorised persons for access.

Keep this information secure. Do not leave access data, personal documents or sensitive instructions in plain sight.

Spend a few minutes upon your return

Upon returning, observe the property before settling in: possible odours, stains, damage or changes in the facilities. Ventilate when conditions allow and follow the start-up instructions for the equipment. In the event of an electrical, gas or water anomaly, avoid improvising and seek professional assistance.

A home that fits your way of enjoying it

If you are looking for a second home, also consider its maintenance between visits. A spacious terrace, a garden or a pool offer possibilities, but require organisation. At Habinara, we help you assess how each property fits with the time and attention you want to dedicate to it.

Let's talk about the property you would like to enjoy on the Costa Blanca.