Are you leaving town for the holidays? Do you have a late fall or winter trip coming up? Make sure you are ready to relax by taking these steps to prep your home for vacation and a smooth return.
Secure your home.
Consider installing a home security system. If you have one, double-check it to ensure everything functions properly before leaving for vacation.
Security systems can include motion sensor flood lights, cameras, door and window alarms. In addition, leave your emergency contact information with a neighbor or even a key for emergencies. Remember to notify your home security company and let them know you will be out of town.
Unplug unnecessary devices.
In preparation for your absence, unplug all unnecessary electronic devices and small appliances to help save money on utilities and reduce the risk of an appliance malfunctioning or other electrical issues.
Reset the thermostat.
To save energy while you are away, adjust your thermostat so the air conditioner or heater won’t be cooling or heating an empty house.
For instance, if you take a fall or winter trip, set the thermostat at a lower temperature than you normally would to prevent it from coming on for extended periods. On the other hand, if it’s time for a summer vacation, set it to a higher temperature.
Put your water heater in vacation mode.
Most water heaters have a vacation mode. If yours does, put it in this mode before leaving to reduce the water temperature and save more energy while away.
Leave a light on.
Another way to prep your home for vacation is to make it look lived in. Leave a few lights on throughout the house if you are going away for a few days. However, for extended vacations, invest in an automatic timer to turn lights off and on at staggered intervals.
Clean out the fridge.
Toss food that will expire during your absence. Wipe up spills and other debris to have a neat fridge ready to be re-stocked upon your return.
Take the trash out to eliminate odors and run the garbage disposal, making a solution with a half-cup of vinegar and some water.
Hold your mail and newspaper.
Are you leaving for a longer vacation? Call your post office and ask for your mail and newspaper to be held while you’re gone, helping make your house seem occupied.
Summary
So, if you want a worry-free getaway, use these steps to create a checklist to prep your home for vacation. For more home tips and industry news, continue reading our blogs.
If you are searching for your dream home in East Alabama, contact Ryan Roberts for all your real estate needs.