Holiday Period Wind-Down Checklist

When to use this

Used in the last few days before extended company closures (Christmas, summer). Avoids the predictable problems: spoiled fridge food, alarmed-when-it-shouldn't-be alarm, key contact unreachable.

# Holiday Period Wind-Down Checklist

## Three days before
- [ ] All-staff reminder of closure dates
- [ ] Out-of-office messages set on shared inboxes
- [ ] Customer holding-message updated on phones and contact forms
- [ ] Emergency contact rota for the closure period circulated

## Day before close
- [ ] Fridge cleared (named + dated items only, rest binned)
- [ ] Dishwasher emptied
- [ ] All food waste removed from kitchens
- [ ] Recycling and rubbish taken out

## Final hour
- [ ] All windows checked closed
- [ ] All appliances (kettles, microwaves, screens) switched off
- [ ] Heating / cooling set to holiday mode
- [ ] Reception desk locked
- [ ] Server room temperature checked
- [ ] Alarm activated
- [ ] Final walkaround by named person

## During the period
- [ ] Emergency contact known to building security
- [ ] Out-of-hours plumber / electrician contact on file
- [ ] Insurance contact for any incident

## First day back
- [ ] Alarm deactivated, building walkaround
- [ ] Heating restored
- [ ] Coffee + tea restocked
- [ ] Welcome-back message from leadership
- [ ] Any incident from the period logged