You have saved and planned for your next vacation! You have researched your travel destination and packed your bags, but what should you do to prepare your home for your vacation?
Mail Hold
Visit the USPS website and submit a mail hold prior to your trip. Then your mail will be safe and secure at the Post Office until you return.
Tell a Neighbor or Friend
By telling a neighbor that you will be out of town lets them keep an eye on your house and if they see anything suspicious they will know that you are not home. You can also ask your neighbor to pick up newspapers or random flyers that might show up. Be sure that your neighbor has your phone number in case of an emergency.
Lights on Timers
By having a couple lights set on timers it will appear that someone is home even when you are not.
AC/Heat
Make sure that you set your thermometer to AC or heat based on the time of your trip and the forecasted weather. We choose to turn our AC to come on at a higher temperature and heat at a lower temperature to save on energy costs while we are away.
Garbage
Always empty all your garbage cans before leaving on a trip. No one wants to come home to a stinky house!
Dishes
You do not want to come home to stuck on food on dishes or a trail of ants, so make sure to wash all your dishes before your vacation. I always place all my dishes in the dishwasher and run it before leaving the house even if it’s only half full.
Spoilable Food
You do not want to come home to spoiled milk or moldy bread! Be sure to use, freeze or throw away all your spoilable food before you leave home.
Lock all Doors, Windows and Garage Doors
Double check that you have locked all your windows, doors and even your garage doors before leaving on a trip. We have a turn on lock on our garage doors, however, you can also put a master lock through the rails of your garage door, so that they can not be opened.
Bonus – Clean house
There is nothing better than coming home to a clean home after a long trip. Just by picking up your house and vacuuming your house will feel so good when you come home.
Where are you heading to on your next vacation?
