5 things you need to do before you leave

It can be tempting to just pack your bag and head off for the Winter break, but future you will be thankful for spending a bit of time sorting your space before you go. Nobody wants to walk back into a smelly, messy flat in the new year! 

Whether you’re the first one heading home or the last one out, you’ve got a part to play in keeping your flat a nice environment to live in. Here's our handy checklist to help you get started. 

✅ Give the flat a good tidy

Your bedroom, bathroom and kitchen should all get a quick clean, and any random clutter should be put away. If you’re leaving before your flatmates, make sure you’ve done your bit in the shared spaces before you go.

💡Top tip: Plan a time to clean communal areas together, then after that just make sure you clean up as you go. 

✅ Empty the fridge

This is so important so you don't come back to a fridge full of stinky and mouldy food. A week or two before you leave, start checking what’s in your fridge and freezer and plan some meals around what needs using up.

💡 Tip: If you’re heading off before your flatmates and still have in-date food, offer it to them rather than binning it. 

✅ Take out your rubbish (and use the right bins)

Before you leave, empty your bedroom bin, bathroom bin and kitchen bin, you don't want your rubbish sitting around for weeks. Make sure you’re using the right bins for recycling, general waste and food waste so everything can be disposed of properly too. 

✅ Switch off and save energy

It’s easy to rush out and forget a light or plug, but switching everything off properly is important for safety and for saving energy. Before you go, please:

• Switch off all lights
• Turn off all electronics
• Avoid leaving things on standby (laptops, TV etc.) 
• Unplug chargers, desk lamps, kettles etc. 
• Put your radiator on the 'frost' setting
• Report any faults or issues to the Maintenance Team

✅ Shut and lock everything

Help keep your flat safe by closing all windows and locking your doors. This also helps keep the heat in while you are away.

This should be the last thing you check before you leave, especially if you’re the final person out of a shared flat. Take a minute to walk round and double check everything is closed and locked.

Doing a clean out before you go? Do a good deed and help support local charities by donating!

Have a great Winter break ❄️