The places to check before you close the door

Check the small-item places

Look at bedside tables, sockets, window ledges and the floor beside the bed. Chargers often stay connected after the phone has gone into a pocket. Glasses, jewellery and earphones can blend into a room's ordinary objects.

Open the guest drawers and wardrobe spaces you used. Check bathroom shelves and the shower area, then look behind the door for hanging towels or clothing. Keep the search methodical so several people do not all inspect the same obvious corner while another room is missed.

Ask each person to check their own space, with an adult helping where appropriate. One person's quick glance is less reliable than someone remembering where they put a particular item.

Follow things that moved

Look in the fridge and freezer, including small compartments. Check the oven only when it is safe and cool, and remember any food stored in a cupboard away from the main groceries.

Visit the drying area, washing machine, line and boot storage. Items left to dry are easy to forget because they are deliberately separated from the rest of the luggage.

Check outside seating areas and the car-loading route for a hat, water bottle or bag placed down temporarily.

Close the stay in order

Do the sweep before returning keys or locking a door you cannot reopen. Leave enough time to collect an overlooked item without rushing the whole departure.

If something is discovered missing later, contact the manager with a clear description and the likely location. Ask about the property's process for returning it rather than assuming a parcel can be sent immediately or without cost.

Avoid sending sensitive information unnecessarily when describing an item. A practical description is usually enough to begin the search.

A final sweep does not need to be elaborate. Working through the places where ordinary life happened catches more than standing in the entrance and asking whether everyone has everything.