Hello homeowners and fellow adventurers! As I prepare for an upcoming trip, I’ve realized that planning for a vacation involves more than just packing your bags and locking the door behind you. It’s about ensuring that your home remains safe, secure, and well-maintained while you’re away. Let’s make sure you can truly relax and enjoy your time off! Whether it’s a weekend getaway or an extended trip abroad, here are some essential tips and tricks to help you prepare your home for your absence. Let’s dive in!
- Unplug electronics
- Arrange for the USPS to hold your mail
- Put lights on timers
- Clean out your fridge
- Shut off water
- Lock your windows
- Program your thermostat
- Be sure all trash is taken out including kitchen, bathroom(s), bedroom(s), office, etc
- If you have a security system, alert the alarm company
- Finalize a house sitter or inform a trusted neighbor of your travel
- Clean out your garbage disposal (so you don’t come home to a funky smell)
- Close your blinds/curtains
- Hide a spare key
- Lock up your valuables
- Be smart about social media posts- don’t advertise your empty home
- Cancel or suspend any regular deliveries (Meal services, milkman, etc)
Most importantly, make sure you’ve made arrangements for your pets if they are not able to join you. If you are local (CT) I’d be happy to pass along some recommendations! Shout out to Evin who is not only house sitting and taking care of our beloved Gus this time around, but also feeding my besties (the goldfish) and watering my flowers.
Preparing your home for vacation is not just about peace of mind—it’s about protecting your investment and ensuring a smooth return. Remember, a little preparation goes a long way in creating a worry-free vacation experience. So, take the time to implement these suggestions, and before you know it, you’ll be sipping your favorite drink on a beach or exploring a new city, knowing your home is safe and sound. Enjoy!