Vacation time! You're ready to hit the beach, slopes, or cozy up in a cabin far from the maddening crowd of your daily commute. But before you can indulge in guilt-free relaxation, there’s a tiny mission to accomplish: prepping your home for its time without you there to keep everything in check. So, let’s jump in and see what you need to do before you head to the airport…
1. Call in the Cavalry: Home Watch Services
First things first, let’s talk about not coming home to surprises, like a new indoor pool in the basement courtesy of a burst pipe. Enlisting professional home watch services can keep such nightmares at bay. These folks are like the secret agents of house care, swinging by to check on your place, making sure everything is secure, and that the only thing running is the clock. They’ll water your plants, pick up the mail, and keep the flyers from piling up so high that it looks like your house is the new neighborhood paper recycling bin.2. Unplug and Disconnect
You're disconnecting from work and stress, so why not let your appliances do the same? Unplug anything that doesn’t need to stay on. This reduces your power bill and minimizes the risks of electrical mishaps. Give your gadgets a break too. Your toaster has been popping all year; it deserves a rest.3. Clean Out the Fridge: No Science Experiments, Please
Unless you're aiming to create a new penicillin strain, it's wise to evict perishables and anything close to expiring from your fridge. Coming home to a science experiment gone wrong in the form of moldy cheese isn’t ideal. Toss it, compost it, or best yet, have a pre-vacation feast!4. Trash the Trash
Speaking of feasts, make sure you take out the trash. You don't want to roll up to your house after a relaxing week, only to be greeted by the ghost of last week’s sushi. A quick sweep through the house to collect garbage can prevent your post-vacation buzz from being killed by the stench of forgotten leftovers.5. Safety Check: Locks, Alarms, and Timers
Ensure every possible entry point is locked – windows, side doors, the doggy door if it’s big enough for a particularly slim intruder. If you have an alarm system, double-check it’s set correctly. And for a little extra security (and to save on energy bills), install some timers on your lights. It gives the illusion that someone’s moving around in there, potentially scaring off would-be burglars who think your home is an easy target.6. Pause Your Postal Parade
An overflowing mailbox or packages piling up on the doorstep is a clear sign that you’re not home. Either put a hold on your mail and newspaper subscription or ask that home watch service from point one to swing by and pick them up regularly.7. Set the Thermostat
No need to keep the house toasty if no one’s there to enjoy it. Adjust your thermostat to protect your pipes from freezing in winter or to keep the house reasonably cool in the summer. This little adjustment can save you a ton on your energy bills.8. Water Works: Manage Your Plumbing
If you’re going to be gone for more than a week, it might be a good idea to shut off the main water supply to your house. This can prevent any unexpected leaks or floods while you're away, ensuring that you don’t come home to an accidental indoor pool. If shutting off the main water seems too drastic (or if you need it on for sprinklers or a home watch service), at least turn off the valves to major appliances like the washing machine, dishwasher, and sinks. This small step can save you from potential water mishaps, which are neither fun nor relaxing to return to after your peaceful getaway.9. Leave Emergency Contact Info
Just in case your home watch person or a neighbor needs to reach you or handle an emergency on your behalf, leave a list of contacts. Include your number, the vet (if you have pets), a trusted plumber, electrician, and maybe even that neighbor who’s always home and keeps an eye out for anything unusual.Prepping your house for vacation might seem like a chore, but think of it as the pre-game to your relaxation. A little effort before you leave means you can truly unwind, knowing your home won’t throw any tantrums while you’re out expanding your horizons. Happy travels!
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