Pets, food and heating
Arrange care for any pets and empty the fridge.
These are the things that cause real distress a week later if nobody dealt with them.
- How long it takes
- 1 hour
- Typical cost
- Free
- What you need before you start
- Access to the property
Find someone to take any pets, even temporarily. Vets and local rescues will help if there is nobody.
Empty the fridge and bins, and take out anything that will spoil.
Leave the heating on low in winter so pipes do not freeze — a burst pipe in an empty house is a large, avoidable problem.
General information, not legal advice. Last reviewed 19 August 2026 by Simon D Campbell. Applies to England and Wales.