Vacation should be a relaxing time for you and your family. However, it can be hard to enjoy if you are worried about things back home. Whether you plan to go on a short getaway or a month-long adventure, follow these tips to prepare your home for vacation.
Five Easy Tips to Prepare Your Home for Vacation
1. Make Sure Your Home Looks Lived-In
Unless you are having a neighbor or family friend house-sit for you, take steps to improve home security before you travel. Burglars target houses that appear empty. Make your home look occupied while you’re on vacation.
Keep mail from piling up by asking the post office to hold your mail or ask a neighbor to collect it for you. Leave a car parked in your driveway, or ask a neighbor to park there while you’re away. Set the lights in your house on random timers and install motion-sensor lights to illuminate your yard.
2. Secure Your Patio and Outdoor Furniture
Take a walk around your property and look for any patio furniture or outdoor ornaments that could be damaged if a storm hits. Anchor or put away these objects. Bring small furniture into your garage or shed and secure large furniture to your patio. Finally, lock your pool with a sturdy cover designed to resist heavy winds.
3. Clean Out Your Refrigerator to Prepare Your Home for Vacation
Dispose of any perishable food in your kitchen before taking a long trip. If you are taking a short vacation, check expiration dates to avoid wasting food unnecessarily. If your vacation will be lengthy, clean out the refrigerator entirely. Donate any food that you won’t take with you or save it in the freezer.
4. Mind Your Appliances
Unplug every appliance that you won’t be using while you’re away including the microwave, computers, gaming consoles, televisions, kitchen appliances, and lamps that aren’t on a timer. This keeps your electronics safe from power surges and also saves energy.
Turn up your thermostat to a higher temperature than normal in the summer, because you won’t be around to require a cool home. Set your water heater on vacation mode.
5. Prepare Your Home for Vacation by Cutting Off Your Water
Some homeowners cut off the main water supply valve to their house if they are going away for a long time. If you don’t want to shut it off completely, turn off the water to your dishwasher and washing machine. Doing so prevents leaks and flooding.
If your pending vacation has you feeling worried about your house, use a travel-preparation checklist like this one from HGTV. When you get your home ready for vacation, you can enjoy your time away even more.
American Home Inspections provides home inspection services to Middle Tennessee. Contact us to inspect your home if you are buying or selling a house.