You look forward to vacation as a relaxing time to unwind with your family. Set yourself up to enjoy your travels by taking steps to prepare your home before vacation. You’ll come back to a clean, maintained home and a stress-free return.
1. Clean Out Your Fridge to Prepare for Vacation
Before leaving for an extended time, clean the refrigerator. Throw away anything that will spoil before you return. Wipe down the inside of the fridge and vacuum underneath. Your refrigerator will be clean and ready to restock when you arrive home.
2. Prepare Your Home For Vacation by Caring for Your Houseplants
Water your plants thoroughly before leaving town. Many houseplants can survive a week or so without being watered. If you’ll be away longer than that, look for other ways to water plants while you’re out-of-town. Self-watering plant spikes are available in garden stores. You could also set up a wicking system or ask a neighbor to stop by to care for your plants.
3. Spray For Pests Around the Home
Schedule a pest prevention visit from a local pesticide company a week or two before you leave on vacation. Take out the trash to make your home less tempting for certain insects.
4. Hold the Mail and Newspapers
When planning your trip, submit a mail hold request with the local post office. You can do this online or by visiting the post office in person. Ask the newspaper to hold your deliveries and pause any subscription services. Mail and packages piling up on your porch are a signal to burglars that no one is home.
5. Unplug Appliances to Prepare Your Home
Unplug unnecessary appliances just before you leave the house for vacation. Appliances use small amounts of energy simply by being plugged in. Save money by unplugging things like the TV, the microwave, your washer and dryer, the coffee pot, lamps, and other appliances that won’t be used while you’re away.
6. Adjust the Thermostat
Don’t forget to adjust the thermostat to prepare your home for vacation. You won’t need the house to be so cool in the summer or as warm in the winter if no one is home.
7. Prepare Your Home by Installing Light Timers
Light timers let you program interior lights to turn on and off at set intervals. Program the lights so they operate as close to your normal schedule as possible. This is a security measure that makes the residence appear occupied and discourages burglars from targeting your home.
8. Prepare Your Pets
If you’re leaving your animals behind, prepare your home with their needs. Put down extra litter boxes and food and water bowls for your cat. Leave a checklist for the pet sitter to follow, along with an emergency number for the vet. Apply tick and flea medication to your animals if you plan to board them in a kennel.
9. Prepare Your Home by Finishing the Laundry
Wash, dry, and put away the laundry before leaving for your vacation. You’ll come home to one less chore. Don’t leave damp clothing around the house. This may result in mildew or mold growth while you’re away.
10. Mow the Lawn
Prepare your home before going out-of-town by mowing the grass and tackling regular lawn maintenance chores. If you’ll be gone for a while, schedule a lawn service to stop while you’re away. The yard will appear well-cared for and will deter any burglars who are looking for an empty home to target.
Make sure your home is safe and secure while you’re on vacation with these easy tips. Knowing that your house is protected in your absence will help you relax and enjoy yourself while you’re away.
Manning Home Inspections offers home inspection services in the Palm Beach area. If you’re buying or selling a home, contact us to schedule an appointment.