It’s not unusual for homeowners to fret about the state of their homes while they’re away on vacation. Leaving your home unoccupied can be stressful, but with the right preparation, you’ll enjoy your time away, knowing everything is secure and in order. Here’s a guide to help you prepare your home for vacation so you’ll have peace of mind and a worry-free trip.
Secure Your Home
The first step in preparing your home for vacation is securing it. This means more than just locking the doors. Check that all windows and doors are properly closed and locked. Invest in deadbolt locks for added security. If you have a security system, make sure it is activated and functioning correctly. Inform your security company that you’ll be away, and provide them with emergency contact information.
Prepare Your Home for Vacation by Maintaining Its Appearance
A home that looks unoccupied can invite trouble. To keep up appearances, arrange for someone to care for your lawn and garden. Mow the lawn, trim bushes, and water plants before you leave. If you’re away for an extended period, ask a neighbor or hire a service to maintain the yard.
A pile of newspapers on the doorstep or an overflowing mailbox signals that no one is home. Pause these services or ask a trusted neighbor to collect them for you. Arrange for someone to take out and bring in your garbage cans on collection days.
Protect Your Home from Potential Hazards
Before you leave, take steps to protect your home from potential hazards. Unplug all unnecessary electrical devices to reduce fire risk and save energy. This includes appliances like toasters, coffee makers, and televisions. If you have any electronic devices on timers, double-check that they are set correctly.
Take Care of Pets and Plants
If you have pets, make arrangements for their care well in advance. Whether you board them, hire a pet sitter, or have a friend or family member take care of them, ensure they will be in good hands. Provide detailed instructions about feeding, exercise, and medical needs.
For indoor plants, water them thoroughly before you leave. Depending on the length of your trip, you may need to arrange for someone to water them while you’re gone. Move delicate plants away from direct sunlight to prevent them from drying out too quickly.
Prepare Your Home for Vacation By Informing a Neighbor or Friend
Inform a trusted neighbor or friend that you’ll be traveling. Provide them with your contact information and a spare key in case of emergencies. Ask them to monitor your property and report any suspicious activity. It’s also helpful to inform them of your expected return date so they know when to expect you back.
Set Up Home Automation Systems
Modern technology offers several solutions to help you monitor and manage your home remotely. Home automation systems allow you to control lights, thermostats, security cameras, and even door locks from your smartphone. Set up alerts to notify you of unusual activity, such as a door opening or a significant temperature change.
By preparing your home for vacation, you’ll enjoy your time away without worrying about what’s happening back home.
FAQs For How to Prepare Your Home for Vacation
Should I leave my curtains open or closed while on vacation?
It’s best to leave your curtains as you normally would. Closing them can signal that the home is unoccupied, while leaving them open allows people to see inside. A compromise is to use sheer curtains that provide some privacy without making it evident that no one is home.
Is it necessary to unplug all appliances?
Unplugging unnecessary appliances reduces the risk of electrical fires and saves energy. However, you don’t need to unplug major appliances like refrigerators or freezers, which should remain on to keep food from spoiling.
What should I do with my thermostat?
Adjust your thermostat to save energy while you’re away. Set it higher in summer to avoid cooling an empty house, and set it lower in winter to conserve heat. If you have a programmable thermostat, set it to return to your preferred temperature shortly before you come home.
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