Prep your home before you go away this summer!
Summer is in full swing – maybe you have some plans for a getaway in the coming weeks?
Whether you’re a meticulous vacation planner or more carefree, you don’t want to be laissez-faire when it comes to leaving your home.
Today’s article provides some handy tips to prepare your home before you head out of town – to keep your home safe and secure. You’ll learn what you can do to prevent mishaps like water damage, ways to make your home look more lived-in, and tasks you can ask your neighbors to help with.
Vacation Must-Do’s to Keep Your Home Safe and Secure
No one wants to be enjoying a day at the beach...and then have that sinking feeling that something is amiss at home.
That’s why the pre-vacation prep of your home is a necessary step in your departure routine.
Even if it’s a weekend jaunt rather than a week-long adventure, you need to make sure your home is safe and secure from break-ins or environmental hazards.
Use this create a handy list for future reference so it becomes easier and easier each time.
Make It Seem Like You’re Still Home
Simple ways to make your home seem lived-in while you’re gone!
Let there be light:
· Use timers on inside lamps and motion sensors to make it seem like someone is home. There are even smart home devices that give you remote access to change up the pattern.
· Program a timer so that lights (and even your TV!) turn on each evening for several hours.
· Install motion-sensitive lights in the front and back yards to deter anyone from walking toward your home at night.
· Double check that your lightbulbs are working before you leave!
Don’t forget about trash day:
· Ask a neighbor to take out your garbage and recycling bins on trash day and return them the next day. You don’t want to stand out as the only home on the block without your trash containers out.
Keep your outdoor space looking tidy:
· Arrange to have your lawn mowed and garden/plant containers watered, especially you plan to be away for more than a weekend.
· Make sure storm drains and gutters are cleared of debris in case of strong storms. No one wants to return from vacation to unexpected water in the basement!
Enlist Help from Neighbors or Friends
It’s always good to let your close neighbors know you’ll be away. That way you’ve got someone keeping an eye on your home. Just don't forget to return the favor :)
· Give several local friends and neighbors your contact information while traveling, as well as someone they can call if there is an emergency.
· Ask a trusted neighbor to look out for any delivered packages. Stop your regular mail and newspaper delivery if possible.
· Give a good friend or neighbor a key so that they can do a walkthrough of your home, especially if you are gone for a while. They can water houseplants and double check that everything is okay. Burst water pipes can happen when no one is home to notice!
Prep Your Home
A few simple steps before you leave can help prevent a fire, water damage, or any other hazard from happening.
· Shut off your main water valve so that you’ll prevent water damage if a pipe bursts. At the very least, shut off the water valves to your washing machine, dishwasher, and sinks. Water damage is costly and can be avoided with these simple steps.
· Unplug small appliances and electronic devices. This includes toasters/toaster ovens, coffee makers, TVs, modems, exercise machines, etc. Just take it from Dan and me- don't accidentally shut off the power to your deep freezer or you may have a smelly mess when you return (ask us how we know, ha!)
· Set your thermostat to a consistent temperature. Aim for 60-65 degrees in the winter and set for 10 degrees cooler than the outside temperature in the summer. If you travel frequently, consider purchasing a wireless thermostat that can communicate with your smartphone to let you know if your home is getting too hot or cold.
· Double check that all windows and doors are locked and secured.
· Adjust shades and certain curtains so no one can look inside your home
· Don’t forget about that last load of wet laundry in the washing machine … you’ll be asking for mildew and mold! Ditto dirty dishes in the dishwater.
· Remove perishable food from the fridge and check that your garbage disposal is empty of scraps.
· Do a quick sweep of the floors and countertops for crumbs to avoid attracting ants and other critters.
Keep An Eye Out with Security Cameras or Smart Home Doorbells
There are many easy-to-install security cameras and smart home doorbells on the market, such as Ring or NestCams. Some insurance companies will even give you a deal on your homeowner's insurance if you have certain types of cameras installed! It can give you peace of mind to be able to check on your home even while you’re away.
Phew! That may seem like a big list, but you likely do a lot of it already. Hopefully there's a few helpful tips in there you can add the next time you leave town.
Part of being able to relax and unwind on vacation is knowing that everything is safe and sound at home, Let me know if you have any questions about getting your home vacation-ready prior to hitting the road! Happy Summer!
