Packing your bags for a long-awaited vacation is an exciting feeling. You’ve planned for months or even years, and the time has finally come to enjoy some well-deserved relaxation.
However, before you head out the door, ensure your home is taken care of. You don’t want to cut your holiday short or face stressful surprises when you return. So here are things to do first before going away on a long vacation:
You don’t want to come home to a flooded bathroom or a clogged kitchen sink. Before you go, it’s a good idea to have a professional check your plumbing and ensure everything is okay. Call a plumber Pasadena expert or one near your location to inspect the entire system and recommend any necessary repairs or replacements.
Before even calling the expert, take note of any problem areas in your home, such as leaks, drips, or strange smells coming from the drains. Doing this gives the plumber a head start on the inspection.
During the cold season, ensure all the exposed pipes are properly insulated to prevent freezing and to burst while you’re away. Also, shut off the main water valve to your home to avoid any water damage in a plumbing emergency. It’s also an excellent idea to pour anti-freeze into all the drains to keep them from freezing and causing problems when you return.
Pests love taking advantage of empty houses. They’ll move in and make themselves at home, wreaking havoc on your furniture, appliances, and food supplies. To prevent this, do a thorough inspection and seal off any cracks or holes that pests could use to get in. Take out the trash regularly and store food in airtight containers to make your home as uninviting as possible for pests.
Set up pest control traps or hire a professional pest control service to protect your home while you’re away. If you have any pets, make arrangements for someone to take care of them or take them with you on vacation. Otherwise, they could end up attracting pests into your home.
When away for more than a week, it’s best to empty your refrigerator and freezer. The exercise prevents food from going bad, making your home smell unpleasant when you return. Donate non-perishable food items to a local food bank.
While emptying the fridge, take the opportunity to clean it out and throw away any expired food items. Next, wipe down the shelves and vacuum the coils at the back of the fridge to keep it clean and running efficiently.
Do laundry before the vacation to avoid returning to a pile of dirty clothes. Instead, wash and fold everything, then put it away in your dresser or closet. This way, you can unpack and relax as soon as you get home instead of doing laundry first.
If you have any delicate items that need to be dry-cleaned, drop them off at the cleaners before you leave. It saves you time and hassle when you return home.
Smart lights are a great way to deter burglars and give your home the illusion that someone is home even when you’re not. Program the lights to turn on and off at certain times or use a mobile app to control them.
Consider motion sensor lights and position them near entryways, windows, and other potential entry points. These lights will deter intruders and make it easier to spot suspicious activity around your home.
To prevent fires and conserve energy, unplug all appliances and electronics before you leave. It includes your TV, computer, toaster, coffee maker, and other electrical devices. If you have appliances with clocks or timers, put off the alarm.
You can save even more energy by turning off the power strips that your appliances and electronics are plugged into. This way, you won’t have to go around unplugging each device individually.
If you’re going on vacation during winter, arrange for someone to shovel your sidewalks and driveway. The exercise prevents accidents and makes getting around when you return home easier. You should also have someone check your mail and take care of any packages delivered to your home.
When it’s summer, have someone mow your lawn and water the plants. Ask them to check the pH levels and add chlorine if you have a pool. It prevents algae growth and keeps the water clean.
If you have a home security system, put it on vacation mode before you leave. Doing so ensures that the system is armed and ready to detect intruders. In addition, give your security company your contact information in case of an emergency.
If you don’t have a home security system, now is the time to invest in one. Consider a smart and remotely-controlled system. You can monitor your home from anywhere and receive alerts if suspicious activity occurs.
Vacation time is a great opportunity to relax and recharge. You’ll be more at ease when you know your home is secure and prepared for your absence. It’s even better when you monitor the property from anywhere and receive alerts if there’s any suspicious activity. You’ll have a great time and return to a safe and welcoming home.