Vacations are meant to be relaxing and stress-free, and that starts with securing your home before you head out the door. Fortunately, a few simple steps can make all the difference. From adjusting your shades to watering your plants, here are twelve pre-vacation tips that will help you enjoy your time off.
Burglary prevention
The best way to prevent a break-in is to lock your doors and windows. But even that may not deter a thief if they know you’re away. Here are some things you can do to make your home look lived in.
1. Hold the mail and newspapers
If you’re going away for longer than a week, put a stop on the mail and newspapers or ask a neighbor to take them in.
2. Put your lights on a timer
Put at least one interior light on a timer so it looks like someone is home. Programmable timers let you randomize the daily on/off times.
3. Move your car
Move your car into the garage so it’s less vulnerable to theft. This will also keep it out of harm’s way in case of a storm.
4. Adjust your shades
You don’t want your empty home on display, but you don’t want to shut your shades if you normally don’t do that. Instead, close your shades partially to block the view while giving an “at-home” appearance.
5. Arrange for lawn maintenance and snow removal
A snowy driveway or an overgrown lawn is a telltale sign no one is home. Try contacting a local landscaping service or enlist a neighbor’s help to take care of these tasks.
General cleaning
Give your property a once-over before you leave on vacation. It’s never fun returning to a dirty, smelly home.
6. Tidy up your kitchen
Be sure to wash your dirty dishes, clean the sink trap and pour vinegar down your garbage disposal. Wipe down the counters and discard perishables from the fridge and pantry. Make sure the oven and stove are turned off.
7. Empty the trash
Take out the trash so you don’t come home to a horrible stench or unwanted pests. Ask a neighbor or friend to take your cans to the curb and bring them back promptly. This will make it look like someone is home, too.
8. Water your plants
Don’t let your plants go thirsty while you’re away! Also get rid of any fresh-cut flowers, which could start to smell.
Appliances and utilities
You never want to pay for energy you don’t need, whether it’s heat in the winter, air conditioning in the summer or running water. These tips will help keep your costs down and prevent unwanted surprises.
9. Set your AC and heating system
Don’t completely turn off your air conditioning or heating system. If you’re going away when it’s warm, set your air conditioner to about 10 degrees below the outside temperature so big appliances don’t have to work extra hard. If you’re going away in the winter, set your heat to around 55 degrees to prevent frozen pipes.
10. Turn off the water
If you’re going away for longer than a week, turn off your main water supply. If you don’t want to turn off all the water, then close the valves to your washing machine, dishwasher and toilets to prevent potential leaks.
11. Pay your bills
Be sure to make all upcoming payments to keep your credit in good standing. Examples include your sewer, electric, gas, mortgage and car bills.
12. Notify your home alarm company
Let them know that you’ll be away, when you’ll be returning and if anyone will be going into your home. This will be helpful if they need to respond to an alarm.