homes while travelling

you own something/it owns you.

Hope you don't own yours.

I rented mine out and put my stuff into storage. When I came back I left the tenants in it and bought a new place that I live in and if (when) I go away for a year again I'll probably do the same thing with my current place.

I also rent my place out. I sold most of my furniture and lent some stuff to my friends and family. If you are traveling for a long time it could be cheaper to sell everything than putting it in storage.

yeah thanks for the info i only rent at the mo, trying to save money for travelling/house buying, id like to do both but it all takes time! just lookin for ideas and things at the mo

I always rented mine out.

Tried leaving it furnished at first, but folks never really appreciate stuff that isn't their own, and even if they do a good job of looking after it, it just doesn't feel like your own when you see it again after a year or two. Also, if something breaks (through honest wear and tear) it is YOU who is responsible for replacing it or fixing it.
Also (in the UK at least) , there are so many regulations now...ie soft furnishings must be fire proofed etc, so only if your stuff is quite new will it have been automatically treated for this at the manufacturers.

SO, it is much easier to rent out your place on an unfurnished basis.

Storing your stuff is a good idea if you're not spending toooooo long away. But you have to add up the cost of storing your stuff, compared to the cost of replacing with new when you come back....

Also, through experience, I would advise ALWAYS to rent out through a letting agency!!!!!!!!

Also recommend getting Landlord Protection insurance - my tenant tried to burn the house down - didn't succeed but left it full of smoke so it needs repainting & curtains dry-cleaned etc. Insurance has paid the rent while waiting for the tradespeople to get their A-into-G.

yeah i was actually having a look at buy to let and yup id let it out unfurnished due to the regulations, wasnt aware there were so many! although the buy to let option is not gonna happen least for for bit, needing a 15% deposit. trying to burn the house down just aint clever is it!

I've rented out my home twice.

First time, okay I guess, but will stay firm that from now on, I do not rent to families with small children. I think that the little "angel" discovered a cool sound when hitting the wood floors with a hammer - fortunately in two corners only! They gave notice early although we had a longer fixed term lease. The law in the province of British Columbia is very clear about what is and what is not allowed for rentals, and apparently, they could find someone to finish the lease if they wished. Since I had rented it out furnished, preferred to do my own selection.

The second time was terrific - rented it to a mature couple who were doing major reno's on their house. They would keep me in touch with any potential issues, and were so appreciative of the space.

The rent paid fror a major part of my travel expenses!! Yahoooooooo!!

PS: I moved any valuables into the basement and locked the doors.