From squashed specs to spills on the sofa, when you have a full house, accidents are bound to happen. But what can you do to make the most of the holidays without having to claim for accidental damage?
Whether you’re prepping for school holidays, or getting ready for visiting relatives, here are AXA’s quick tips to help you avoid accidental damage around your home:
- Have a big declutter session
- Choose childrens' toys carefully
- Bring out the fabric protector
- Look for local holiday clubs
- Make sure you're covered
Have a big declutter session
The more breakable bits and bobs you have in your home, the more likely something is to get damaged.
Before the holidays, go around your home and take stock. Consider what should be out of reach of little ones, and where the majority of the holiday action will take place. In high-traffic areas like hallways and living rooms, consider storing breakables and anything that doesn't absolutely have to be out.
Choose childrens' toys carefully
Tennis balls and footballs can do a lot of damage. Save yourself a smashed window or broken telly by switching to foam balls – or even putting a stop to indoor matches altogether.
It's worth setting a few ground rules about where kids can play. Rowdy games or ones that involve running around are best kept outside. For safety reasons, you should keep your kitchen a toy-free zone.
Bring out the fabric protector
Fabric protector sprays repel water and oil – which can be really handy to stop spills turning into stains. Give your furniture and carpets a quick coat before the holidays. That way you won't need to panic quite so much the next time red wine gets spilled on the sofa. Instead, you can simply wipe it clean.
Concentrate your efforts on areas where people will be spending the most time during the day, like the living room and the kids' playroom if they have one.
Look for local holiday clubs
There’s usually a bunch of kids entertainment opportunities during the holidays. Whether your little ones are into sports, art, or science, you’ll be sure to find something to keep them busy. Sign them up and they'll burn off some energy during the day, so they'll be more likely to relax once they're home. It's a great way for them to make new friends and learn new skills, too.
Make sure you're covered
Even with all that prep, it’s worth seeing what your options are if damage does manage to put a dent in your holiday plans. Your insurer might even be able to get help to put things right.
Dig out your buildings insurance and contents insurance policies, and remember to check if you're covered for accidental damage. If you've got AXA home insurance, you'll need to choose it as an optional extra so you're covered for life's little mishaps.
