There’s more to going on a vacation than just booking your flight and hotel or planning a road trip and putting together an itinerary. There are some things you need to do at home before leaving. Today we’ll be looking at what you need to do before a short-term vacation of up to 1 week. Taking time prepare can prevent you from the stresses of issues large and small when you get back. Here’s how to prepare your home: Make Sure the Home Looks OccupiedLights On Lights Out - Get some timers for indoor lights or hook them up to an online system that lets you control them. A constantly dark home tells people the house is empty. Mail and Newspapers - Get a trusted friend or relative to read through your mail and newspapers for you, or get in touch with the postal service and ask them to delay or forward mail and suspend your newspaper service while you are away. Gardening - Do a little gardening before you leave, as a freshly trimmed garden is a deterrent for burglars. Pets and Plants - If you can’t take your pet with you then have them boarded or get someone you trust to take care of them while you’re gone. Also make sure to properly water indoor plants before leaving so they can survive without you. Checklist for Appliances and ThermostatsWalk through the rooms in your house before leaving and ensure that: • All small appliances such as televisions, heaters, computers, and microwaves are unplugged • Smoke detectors are working properly • If you have motion detectors as part of your security system then make sure they are working • Water connections are secure and free from leaks; have any leaks repaired before you leave • Water heaters are turned off and set to the lowest setting • Air conditioners and heaters are turned off or put at an economic temperature for the season • The thermostat in the refrigerator is turned down slightly and the door is shut properly • The stove and oven are shut off with dials set to the “off” position • The dishwasher door is left slightly open as dishwashers only work when the door is closed • Water sources for the washing machine is shut off • Both washing machines and dryers are turned off at breaker boxes For a more complete checklist with photos, see homeandgardeningguide.com/repairs/scheduled-maintenance/home-preparation-checklist-before-vacation/ Note - If you’re having a longer vacation then you must dispose of all the perishable items in your fridge such as the milk and leftovers. Turn off breakers to bedrooms and bathrooms unless they are needed for the timers to turn lights on and off. Other Considerations for Your VacationNow that you’ve prepared your home for the vacation, here are some other tips for preparing for a vacation: Have an emergency contact - Choose a friend, relative, or neighbor that you trust to take care of emergencies while away on vacation. Give them the contact information for things such as plumbers, electricians, and pool and yard services. Security companies - If you have a security company monitoring your home, then let them know about your travel plans and establish access codes for a trusted relative or neighbor Parked Cars - Get one of your neighbors or friends to occasionally leave their car in your driveway to reinforce the idea the home is still occupied. Windows and doors - The last thing to od is check all the doors and windows to make sure they are closed and locked properly. Have fun on your vacation without worrying about how safe your home is. It’s in good hands and will be waiting just how you left it when you return. Happy travels! Comments are closed.
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AuthorI love traveling the world and experiencing life with new friends, food and fun activities. ArchivesCategories |