Having a home away from home can be a great way to holiday – especially if you’re in love with a particular town, region or property, or can’t be bothered with the fuss of booking hotels or Airbnbs. But if you’re one of the 722,000 households in the UK that have a second home, according to the English Housing Survey 2018/2019, how do you make sure your property stays in good condition and feels like home whenever you visit?

Add Photos

Bare walls can feel clinical or impersonal, so be sure to add a few photos of family and friends, the kids’ drawings or some prints – bonus points if they’re from a local artist. Adding these extra photographic flourishes can liven up a room, increase the feeling of vertical space and generally prevent your holiday home from looking like a soulless holiday let.

Add Storage

One of the biggest benefits of a permanent holiday home is not having to cram your car full of necessities on the journey there and back. But to make the most out of your luggage, you  need storage.

Every holiday home is different but make sure you have smart storage solutions like tall ottoman beds, wall shelving or even outdoor storage boxes and sheds. Invest in proper locks to keep your valuables safe while you’re away, though.

Cleanliness

Keeping your holiday home looking nice also means making sure it’s properly cared for and cleaned. As such, make sure to properly clean your property while you’re staying and before you leave, so you can tackle any issues as soon as they arise. If you see any dirt when you arrive, get it sorted quickly too.

A good level of cleanliness could stop infestations of insects or vermin occurring while you’re away from the property, keeping you from having to claim on a holiday home insurance policy.

Soft Furnishings

To make your second property a cosy haven, consider adding rugs, pillows and throws to each room. As well as giving the space splashes of colour, they can help the house retain heat – just what the doctor ordered if your holiday home is located out in the sticks.

Consider Colour

The colours you use to decorate your holiday home can have a big impact on how you feel when you’re staying there. According to research from TCP, colours like white, blue and green can be good choices if you’re looking for a serene and calm space, while reds and oranges can bring a livelier energy to the room – great if you want to feel energised before you head on your holiday adventures!