How to Prepare Your Home Before a Long Trip
1. Secure Your Home
- Lock all doors and windows: Double check that all entry points into the home are locked.
- Security systems: If you use a security system or have cameras, ensure they are all working properly.
- Hide valuables: Make sure your most valuable items are secure by storing them in a safe or a hidden, locked location.
- Set up lights on timers: For extra peace of mind, you could set some lights on timers, to give the illusion that someone is home.
2. Save Energy While Away
- Adjust the thermostat: Set your thermostat to an energy-efficient setting to save on utility bills. It is suggested to set it 10 degrees higher in the summer and 10 degrees lower in the winter while away from home.
- Unplug electronics: While it’s doesn’t make a huge difference, unplugging your electronics when not in use can help save money. Even when turned off, several devices continue to use power when plugged in. Unplugging devices also eliminates any fire risk.
- Manage water: Installing water leak detectors under bathroom and kitchen sinks can help prevent costly damage by alerting you to leaks early.
3. Cleaning & Maintenance
- Clean the house: Give yourself a stress-free welcome home. After a long trip, you don’t want to have to deal with clutter and chores. Cleaning your house before leaving for a long trip ensures you return to a peaceful, welcoming environment where you can truly unwind and relax.
- Clean the fridge: Throw out any food that will go bad while you are away.
- Take out the trash: Avoid coming home to the foul smell of trash in your home.
- Lawn care: If needed, arrange for someone to mow the lawn or shovel snow to keep the home looking lived-in.
- Find a pet-sitter: If you have pets that you cannot take with you, this is most likely the first thing you will do! But, just a reminder, make sure your pets are taken care of.
4. Notify the Right People
- Tell a neighbor or friend: Ask someone you trust to water your plants, grab your mail, and check on the house.
- Hold your mail: Arrange a mail hold with the post office and avoid scheduling package deliveries while you’re away. If deliveries are unavoidable, ask a trusted person to collect them for you.
- Services: If you use services like pool cleaning or pest control, provide them with access instructions or reschedule their visits as needed.
5. Travel-Proof Tips
- Don’t neglect your bills: Stay on top of your bills by setting up autopay to ensure you don’t miss any payments while you’re away.
- Keep insurance updated: Check that your home insurance policy is up to date.
- Backup keys: Leave a spare key with a trusted friend, just in case you need someone to get into the house.
Taking the time to prepare your home before a long trip will give you peace of mind while you are away. Coming home to a clean, secure, and well-maintained space is something to look forward to after a lot of travel! By handling security, maintenance, and household tasks in advance, you can keep your focus on enjoying yourself without worrying about what’s happening back home. Trust me, a little preparation will go a long way in making your return stress-free. Safe travels!
