Everyone needs and deserves a nice vacation. It’s a chance to escape the daily grind, have fun with family and friends, and unwind. Whether you’re embarking on a fun-filled family excursion or a relaxing retreat, a lot of preparation goes into creating your perfect getaway.
As your vacation date inches closer and the excitement builds, it’s easy to overlook some last-minute household items to check off your to-do list. Preparing your home before you leave on vacation will help protect your property and provide a pleasant atmosphere to return to after your trip.
Ensure your home is vacation-ready with the following tips.
Prep Your Home to Appear Occupied
Whether you will be away for a few days or a week, it’s always wise to make your home look occupied as a deterrence.
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Set Timers on Lights Inside & Out
Light timers are relatively inexpensive today and are an excellent way to keep your home looking lively. If you’re friends with Alexa or Google Home, even better. Spend a few minutes adjusting your light settings to ensure they function correctly while you’re away. If you don’t have timers, consider leaving a few lights on throughout the house during your trip.
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Organize Your Mail
An easy way to let people know you’re out of town is with an overflowing mailbox or packages sitting on your doorstep for days. Either pause your mail service with the USPS or have a trusted friend collect your mail while you’re away.
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Close Your Window Blinds
Whether your windows have blinds, shades, or drapes, keeping them closed while you’re on vacation is wise. You’ll avoid curious eyes, and it helps to keep your home cooler.
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Store Items That May Shift During High Winds
If you have patio furniture that could cause potential damage to your home, secure it before you leave. Also, look for any decorations that could blow away.
Clean Your Home
There’s no better feeling than coming home to a clean house and bed. Spend some time tidying up so your return is as pleasant as your vacation.
Plan Care for Your Pets
If your trip will be short, most pets can be left at home and checked on daily by family or friends. If you'll be away for a longer period of time you may want to consider using a boarding facility.
Unplug or Turn Off Appliances
Reduce your electric bill by going through your home and unplugging any unnecessary appliances. Even when electronics are turned off, they still consume electricity when plugged in.
Suggested items to unplug include:
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Televisions
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Computers
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Kitchen Appliances
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Bathroom Appliances
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Home Office Equipment
Also, adjust your thermostat while you’re away. If it’s summer, move it up a few degrees to save energy. Lower your thermostat just a bit in the winter.
Schedule Your Bills
Don’t let your vacation be ruined by missing bills or loan payments. If you have payments due while you’re away, schedule them to pay automatically through Online Bill Pay.
It only takes a few minutes to set up your payments and will provide peace of mind knowing your finances are in order while you’re off having fun.
Secure Your Home
Before you embark on your trip, do a final check of your home.
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Lock All Doors and Windows
Check all the doors and windows to ensure the locks are working properly. Sliding doors are among the most common entryways people forget to lock.
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Remove Any Outside Hidden Keys
If you have keys outside to let friends or family into your home, it’s best to store them safely inside your house.
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Double-Check Your Security System
Test your home security system before you leave. Make sure you can access and monitor the system remotely with the app or via your provider’s website. If you’re going to be away for an extended period, contact your alarm company. Many providers will put extra precautions in place should there be a disturbance or power outage.
We’re Here to Help!
Going on vacation is the perfect way to rejuvenate and alleviate stress. When planning your trip, use the tips discussed to create a pre-travel checklist for your home. It’s an excellent way to ensure you have peace of mind while you’re off having fun.
If you have questions about setting up Online Bill Pay, we’re ready to help. Please stop by the Credit Union or call 410-687-5240 to speak with a team member today.