Preparing your Holiday Home for Winter
You may already be thinking about preparing your holiday home for winter and have hard-won experience. As temperatures drop and bad weather sets in, holiday homes — whether by the coast, in the countryside or on a park — can be especially vulnerable to frost, damp, and storm damage. With a little planning and practical maintenance, you can avoid costly repairs, insurance claims, and unwelcome surprises when you next visit. This article may help you avoid any pitfalls and allow you to enjoy your home with peace of mind.
- Protect your plumbing and heating
Burst pipes are one of the most common and expensive problems faced by holiday homeowners during winter. When water freezes, it expands, causing pipes to crack and fittings to burst. Before leaving your holiday home for the season, turn off the water at the stopcock and drain down the system completely. Run the taps until they’re dry, flush toilets, and leave plugs out so that any residual water can evaporate.
If you plan to visit during the winter, consider keeping your heating on a low setting — 13 °C or higher — to prevent freezing. Alternatively, install a frost-protection thermostat that automatically activates the heating if the temperature drops below a set level. Lag any exposed pipes, especially in unheated spaces such as lofts, basements, or under mobile or park homes, and check your boiler has been serviced within the last year.
- Secure your property for the winter
Empty holiday homes can be tempting targets for opportunistic thieves. Make sure all doors and windows are securely locked, and check that latches and catches are in good condition. Use timer switches on lights to give the impression that the property is occupied, and keep blinds or curtains partly closed so that valuables aren’t visible from outside.
Remove or stow away portable valuables such as electronics, bikes, or garden furniture if possible. Notify the site office or a trusted neighbour that you’ll be away, so they can keep an eye on your property. You might also consider installing a smart alarm or security camera system that alerts you to movement or sends notifications directly to your phone.
- Prevent damp and mould
Winter is the time when condensation and damp can quietly take hold. Air circulation is key, so leave internal doors open and air vents clear to allow moisture to escape. Remove any soft furnishings, bedding, or clothing that might attract mould.
Use moisture traps or dehumidifying crystals in problem areas such as wardrobes, corners, and under furniture. If your home is on a holiday park, check that the ventilation points under the home are clear and that any skirts or panels haven’t become blocked by leaves or debris. A quick visual inspection can prevent small issues from developing into long-term damp damage.
- Weatherproof your holiday home
High winds, rain, and frost can all cause damage over the winter months. Check the roof for missing or damaged tiles and ensure guttering is clear of leaves so that rainwater can flow freely. Inspect seals around windows, doors, and roof lights, as even a small gap can allow water to penetrate and cause rot or mould.
For park homes and holiday lodges, ensure that chassis and under-floor insulation are intact and that anchor points are secure. Remove garden furniture, barbecues, and loose items that could blow around and cause damage. If your holiday home is near the coast, rinse down metal fittings and apply a protective coating to prevent corrosion from salty air.
- Look after outdoor areas
Before winter sets in, give your outdoor spaces some attention. Trim back overhanging or weak branches that could fall and damage your roof or power lines during storms. Sweep paths and decking to prevent moss build-up, which can become slippery when wet or icy. Store away outdoor furniture and cover anything that needs to stay outside.
If your home has external taps, remember to turn off the water supply and drain them. Insulate exposed pipework and check that outside lights and security sensors are working properly.
- Update your insurance and documentation
Before you lock up for the season, take a few minutes to review your holiday home insurance policy. Make sure your cover remains valid during long periods of unoccupancy — some policies specify the number of days you can leave the home empty without notifying your insurer. Park Home Assist’s holiday home insurance includes cover designed for seasonal properties. It offers protection even when your home isn’t occupied for extended periods as long as certain procedures are followed.
It’s also a good idea to keep a written inventory of everything left in the property and take a few photos of each room for reference. This can be invaluable in the event of a claim.
If you’ve made any recent improvements or changes — such as installing a new heating system, security features, or decking — update your insurer so your cover accurately reflects your property’s value.
- Arrange regular checks
If you don’t live close to your holiday home, try to arrange occasional visits or ask someone you trust to check it periodically through the winter. A quick look inside and outside every few weeks can spot leaks, damp, or other problems before they become serious.
Some holiday park operators offer winter maintenance or inspection services for a small fee — a worthwhile investment for peace of mind. Keeping in touch with the site office can also ensure you’re alerted promptly if any issues arise, such as power cuts, flooding, or storm damage.
- Enjoy a worry-free winter
Preparing your holiday home for winter may feel like a chore, but it’s one of the best ways to safeguard your investment. With proper maintenance, thoughtful planning, and comprehensive insurance from Park Home Assist, you can relax knowing your property is secure, protected, and ready to welcome you back when the warmer months return.
Please note that all insurance cover is subject to acceptance of terms and conditions.
This is a marketing article from Park Home Assist, multi award-winning providers of park home insurance, mobile home insurance, insurance for static caravans, insurance for holiday homes and holiday lodges, as well as boat insurance and touring caravan insurance. If you have any questions about your insurance, then please call our office on 01604 946 796 and one of our insurance advisers will be happy to help.
Published – 21/11/25
