Preparing your holiday lodge or static caravan for the winter

The main holiday season is coming to an end, which means many of our customers are preparing to leave their static caravans, holiday lodges or park homes over the winter months before returning in the spring.

If this is the case for you, make sure you follow our advice below to reduce the chances of your holiday home falling victim to theft or damage while it is unoccupied.

  • Remove all valuable items such as televisions, audio equipment, jewellery and ornaments. If you have blinds, roll these down so burglars cannot see inside
  • Empty your caravan or lodge of all foodstuffs to avoid attracting vermin
  • Clean out the fridge, defrost the freezer and leave both switched off with the door ajar
  • De-grease the hob and oven so there are no traces of food remaining
  • Keep large cupboard and wardrobe doors closed to prevent warping
  • Drain your water heater and leave all taps and drain cocks open
  • Empty your toilet and clean it thoroughly
  • Flush sterilising fluid through water pipes and disinfectant through waste pipes
  • Block external drain pipes and replace the plug in internal sinks, showers and baths to prevent insects and vermin entering through the pipes
  • If you have battery powered electrics remove the battery, clean it and – if necessary – top up the electrolyte fluid
  • Disconnect any gas cylinders, remove them and store them in a cool, dry place away from your lodge or caravan
  • If your lodge has a central heating system, keep it on a low setting or set the timer to come on daily to reduce the chances of damp
  • Remove curtains, cushions and rugs to prevent damp or mould damage
  • Keep any interior doors open to allow air flow between rooms

Don’t forget its important to make sure your holiday lodge insurance or static caravan insurance is valid throughout the winter in the unfortunate event that you are affected by theft or damage. For a park home insurance or caravan insurance quotation from Coast, call our sales team on Freephone 0800 614 849.