10 Things Smart Homeowners Do Before Going on Vacation
You've reserved the hotel, gassed up the car, and packed the last suitcase. You're ready for vacation... but is your home ready to be left behind? These 10 steps will ensure your home is safe, secure and pleasant to return to.
#1 Clean out the Refrigerator
Before you leave, freeze, eat, or throw away any food that could go bad. Trust us: You will not want any of those leftovers after a week or two, so get rid of it now.
#2 Empty the Trash
This step seems like a no-brainer, but in the excitement of getting away from it all, you could easily forget to take out the garbage. This is especially important if you have followed step #1! A few quick trips to the curb will save your house — and you — from the most unpleasant smell of rotting food when you return.
#3 Turn Off the Water
To keep your home safe from flooding while you're away, it's a good idea to turn off the main water supply. If your sprinklers are on a timer, you can still turn off the main water supply. This will stop water from flowing into your house, but your sprinklers will still work outside. If you don't want to turn off all the water, at least shut off the valves on your washing machine hoses. This can help prevent a flood if the hoses break while you're not home.
#4 Don't Forget the Sump Pump
Another water source that can cause problems while you're away? Mother Nature. If a major storm hits and your sump pump stops working, you might come back to find your basement or crawlspace flooded. To avoid this, check your sump pump before you leave by pouring a bucket of water into the sump pit. If the pump doesn't start, call a plumber right away. You can also purchase a sump pump with a battery backup to keep it working through potential power outages.
#5 Reduce Chances of Fires
Unplug any electronics that won't be used while you're away. This helps save money on your energy bill and lowers the risk of an electrical fire. Unplug things like routers, TVs, computers, and chargers that aren't needed.
#6 Adjust the Thermostat
Don't turn off your air conditioner or heater completely while you're away. Keeping the air moving helps prevent condensation and stops your home from getting too hot or too cold. Too much heat can damage wood floors, doors, and cabinets, making them expand or not fit properly. In the winter, turn down the thermostat, but don't shut off the furnace entirely to avoid frozen pipes.
#7 Fool Potential Thieves With Timers
Timers will turn your lights on and off at different times, and you can find them at home stores for less than $10 each. Or you can invest more money on smart timers or WiFi light sockets. These let you control your lights from your smartphone, so you can turn them on or off from anywhere.
#8 Have Someone Pick Up Your Mail
A mailbox packed with deliveries lets passersby know your home has been empty for a while. So, ask a trusted friend or neighbor to collect your mail for you. This keeps your home looking lived-in and ensures your mail is safe. You can also ask the post office to hold your mail until you return. Your mail will be kept at the post office until you return. The post office offers this service free for up to 30 days. And before you leave, arrange for someone to pick up any packages so they don't accumulate at your front door.
#9 Weatherproof the Toilets
If you're going to be away in the winter, make sure to flush all the toilets in your house. This empties the tanks, so if your furnace stops working, the water won't freeze and expand, cracking the toilet. This could save you money and mess! The toilets will still contain a little water, so prevent it from freezing by pouring a little marine antifreeze into the bowls. When you return, just flush the toilet to get rid of the antifreeze. Make sure to use marine antifreeze, which is safe and nontoxic.
#10 Check All Windows and Doors
The car is loaded up, and you're ready to go! One more thing. Double-check all the possible ways someone could get into your house. Make sure you haven't accidentally left any doors or windows unlocked or slightly open. It's easy to forget about that side door you don't use often, but that's exactly where a thief might look first.
Keeping your home safe while you're on vacation doesn't have to be hard. By taking a few simple steps, you can keep your home safe from damage and burglars. A little bit of planning can give you peace of mind so you can enjoy your trip without worry. Safe travels!
References: 10 Home Prep Tips Before Going on Vacation | Prepare Your Home for Vacation
