Planning a vacation is always exciting, but before you can kick back and relax, there's an important checklist to go through to ensure your home is secure and ready for your absence. Taking a little extra time to prepare your home can give you peace of mind, knowing everything is in order while you're away. Here are some practical tips to help you prepare your home before leaving on vacation.
1. Secure Your Home
One of the most important steps is making sure your home is safe from potential intruders. There are several ways to do this:
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Lock all doors and windows: This might sound obvious, but in the rush to leave, it’s easy to forget to double-check every entry point. Walk through your home and make sure each door and window is locked securely, including basement windows and side doors.
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Install a security system: If you don’t already have one, consider investing in a security system that can monitor your home while you’re away. Many modern systems allow you to check in remotely from your phone, giving you the ability to monitor any activity in real time.
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Set up security cameras: If a full security system feels too elaborate, simple outdoor cameras can also be an effective deterrent. Position them near entry points like your front and back doors, and opt for ones with motion detection to alert you if there's any unusual activity.
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Notify a trusted neighbor: Let a close friend or neighbor know that you’ll be gone, so they can keep an eye on your property. It's always a good idea to leave a contact number with them in case of an emergency.
2. Adjust Your Lighting
A dark house is a signal to potential burglars that no one’s home. You can make it look like you’re still there by using lighting smartly:
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Set up timers for indoor lights: Invest in a few plug-in timers for your lamps, so your lights turn on and off at random intervals. This gives the illusion that someone is home even when you're miles away. For added effect, switch up which lights come on in the evening versus the early morning.
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Outdoor lighting: Motion-sensing lights outside your home can be a great deterrent for unwanted visitors. If your porch or backyard stays dark, it's a more inviting target for anyone looking to sneak around.
3. Handle Mail and Deliveries
Nothing screams "we're not home" like an overflowing mailbox or packages piling up on the porch. Here’s how to avoid that:
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Put your mail on hold: The United States Postal Service offers a vacation hold option where they will temporarily stop delivering mail until you return. You can easily set this up online.
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Pause newspaper delivery: If you still receive a daily newspaper, make sure to stop the service while you're away to avoid any noticeable pile-up.
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Reschedule deliveries: For any packages or food delivery services you’re expecting, reschedule them for after your return or ask a neighbor to collect them for you.
4. Unplug Electronics
Even when turned off, electronics can use up energy if they remain plugged in. Not only does unplugging reduce your energy bill, but it also prevents any potential electrical issues that could occur while you're away.
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Unplug small appliances: Things like toasters, coffee makers, and televisions should all be unplugged before you leave. This reduces the risk of any accidental power surges.
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Disconnect your Wi-Fi: If you don't need your home internet running while you're gone, consider turning off the router. This saves energy and prevents any hacking attempts while you’re not home.
5. Adjust the Thermostat
There's no need to keep your home at a comfortable temperature when no one is there. Adjusting your thermostat can save energy without affecting your home’s safety:
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In the summer: If you’re leaving during the warmer months, set your thermostat to a higher temperature, around 80-85 degrees Fahrenheit. This will keep your home warm enough to avoid humidity problems but not so hot that it damages anything inside.
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In the winter: During the colder months, lower your thermostat but don’t turn it off completely. Keeping it at about 55-60 degrees Fahrenheit will prevent your pipes from freezing.
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Smart thermostats: If you have a smart thermostat, you can adjust the temperature remotely as needed, which is especially useful if your trip gets extended or delayed.
6. Check Your Plumbing
A small leak or drip can turn into a big problem if left unattended for a long period. Before you head out, do a quick inspection of your plumbing:
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Turn off the water: If you’ll be gone for an extended period, consider turning off the water supply to your house. This can prevent any leaks or floods that might happen while you're away.
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Check for leaks: Look under sinks, in the basement, and around appliances for any signs of leaking. Address any issues before you leave to avoid a surprise water bill – or worse, water damage.
7. Empty the Refrigerator
The last thing you want is to come home to a fridge full of spoiled food. A couple of days before your trip, start using up perishable items or donate them if you don’t think you’ll finish them in time.
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Toss perishables: Get rid of anything that might expire while you're gone, like dairy, fresh fruits, and vegetables. You don't want to return to a smelly fridge.
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Freeze what you can: Items like bread, meats, and leftovers can be frozen to keep them from going bad while you're away.
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Leave the fridge running: Don't turn off the fridge entirely, but lowering the temperature a little can help save energy.
8. Pet Care Arrangements
If you have pets, it’s essential to make proper arrangements to keep them comfortable and well-cared for while you’re gone.
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Hire a pet sitter: Whether it’s a neighbor, family member, or professional pet sitter, make sure your pets will have food, water, and exercise while you’re away. Leave clear instructions, along with emergency contact information.
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Boarding options: If a pet sitter isn’t available, look into boarding options for your furry friend. Just make sure you’ve done your research and that the facility is trustworthy.
9. Set Up Emergency Contacts
Before you go, leave a list of emergency contacts with a trusted neighbor or friend. Include important details like:
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Your travel itinerary: Give them a general outline of where you’ll be and when you’re expected to return.
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Service contacts: If something goes wrong at home, like a power outage or plumbing issue, make sure they have the numbers for any relevant services.
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A spare key: If someone needs to get into your home, be sure they have access to a key.
10. Do a Final Walkthrough
Before you officially head out the door, it’s always good to do one last walkthrough of your home:
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Check for anything left behind: Double-check all closets, cabinets, and drawers to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything essential, like chargers or important documents.
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Turn off lights and appliances: Ensure that lights, electronics, and small appliances are all turned off or unplugged.
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Lock up: Secure all doors, windows, and any outdoor structures like sheds or garages.
By taking these steps before leaving on vacation, you can enjoy your time away with the reassurance that your home is safe, secure, and prepared for your return. Following this checklist will help you avoid any last-minute panic and allow you to fully relax on your well-deserved break.