You have spent weeks planning your route, comparing flights, sorting visas, and agonising over what to pack. But how much time have you spent thinking about the things you are leaving behind?

When you are away for a long weekend, it does not really matter. The post piles up, the heating stays off, the car sits on the drive, and everything is more or less as you left it when you get back. But when your trip stretches to six weeks, three months, or longer, the picture changes. The things at home that you have worked hard for need looking after too, and a little preparation before you leave can save you a lot of stress and expense when you return.

Make Sure Your Home Insurance Actually Covers You

This is the one most people think of first, and there is already plenty of great advice out there. If you