How To Prepare Your Home For Going On Vacation
Going on vacation can be one of the most exciting and enjoyable experiences, but it’s important to make sure that your home is properly prepared before you leave.
Whether you are going away for a long weekend or an extended trip, there are a few key steps you can take to ensure your home is secure and well-maintained while you are away. In this article, we will provide you with some valuable tips on how to prepare your home for going on vacation.
Secure Your Home
One of the most important things you can do before leaving for vacation is to secure your home. This means making sure all windows and doors are locked, your security system is activated, and your outdoor lighting is functioning properly. You may also want to ask a trusted neighbor, friend, or family member to check on your home periodically while you are away.
Stop Your Mail and Newspaper Deliveries
A pile of newspapers or an overflowing mailbox is a clear sign that no one is home, making your home an easy target for burglars. Before leaving for vacation, make sure to stop your mail and newspaper deliveries. You can either contact your local post office or newspaper delivery service to arrange for a temporary hold, or ask a trusted neighbor to collect your mail for you.
Set Your Thermostat
Setting your thermostat to an appropriate temperature is an important step in preparing your home for vacation. You don’t want to waste energy and money by keeping your home at a comfortable temperature while you’re away, but you also don’t want to come back to a home that is too hot or too cold. A good rule of thumb is to set your thermostat to 85 degrees in the summer and 50 degrees in the winter.
Unplug Appliances and Electronics
Unplugging appliances and electronics can help save energy and prevent electrical fires while you are away. This includes everything from your television and computer to your toaster and coffee maker. You may also want to consider unplugging your garage door opener to prevent anyone from gaining access to your home.
Clean Your Home
Before leaving for vacation, it’s always a good idea to clean your home. This includes everything from washing your dishes and doing laundry to vacuuming and taking out the trash. Not only will this help prevent any unpleasant odors from developing while you are away, but it will also make it easier to come back to a clean and organized home.
Turn Off Your Water Supply
Turning off your water supply is an important step in preventing any water damage while you are away. This includes shutting off the main water valve, as well as turning off the valve to your washing machine and dishwasher. If you live in a cold climate, you may also want to consider draining your pipes to prevent them from freezing and bursting.
Consideration of Length of Time Away
Week
If you’re going away for a week, the points listed above to consider are stopping your mail and newspaper delivery. You may also want to leave a few lights on or invest in timers that can turn your lights on and off automatically to give the impression that someone is home.
Also, it’s important to unplug all of your electronics, turn off your air conditioning or heating, and close all of your windows and doors before you leave.
Month
If you’re going away for a month, you may want to take additional precautions to protect your home. Before you leave, make sure to clean out your fridge and pantry and throw away any perishable items that may go bad while you’re away.
You may also want to consider turning off your water supply to prevent any leaks or flooding from occurring. If you have a lawn or garden, make sure to hire someone to mow your lawn and water your plants while you’re away.
Two Months +
If you’re going away for two months or more, you may need to take more steps to prepare your home. Before you leave, make sure to turn off your main water supply and drain your pipes to prevent any water damage from occurring.
You may also want to consider hiring a professional to inspect your home and make sure that everything is in good working order. This can include checking your roof for leaks, inspecting your HVAC system, and checking your windows and doors for any signs of wear and tear.
No matter how long you’re going away, it’s important to make sure that your home is secure before you leave. This means checking all of your locks and making sure that your alarm system is working properly.
You may also want to consider installing security cameras around your property to deter potential burglars. Lastly, it’s a good idea to have a trusted friend or family member keep an eye on your property while you’re away. This can include checking your mail, watering your plants, and making sure that everything is as it should be.
In summary, preparing your home before you go away on vacation is an important step in ensuring that your property stays safe and secure while you’re away.
Holly Antoine
