When you’re going to be away from home for an extended period of time, there are a few things you can do to prepare your house and keep it safe while you are away. By following these tips, you can make sure that your home is ready for your absence and that you won’t have to worry about it while you’re gone.
1. Make sure all appliances are turned off and unplugged.
All appliances in your home should be turned off and unplugged before you leave. This includes things like your stove, oven, refrigerator, freezer, washer, dryer, dishwasher, and any other appliances that you may have. It’s also a good idea to unplug any electronics, such as TVs, computers, and stereos. This will help prevent fires while you are away.
2. Turn off your water heater and main water supply.
To prevent flooding and conserve energy, you should turn off your water heater and main water supply before you leave on your trip. If you have a sump pump, you should also unplug it and/or turn it off. You want to make sure that all water sources in your home are turned off to avoid any accidents.
3. Repair roof damage.
If there is any damage to your roof, it is best to repair them before you leave on your trip. This will help prevent water damage to your home while you are away. Look for any missing or damaged shingles, and repair them as soon as possible. Don’t forget about your gutters. Hire a professional gutter cleaning service to clean your gutters and downspouts before you leave.
4. Empty your fridge and freezer.
If you’re going to be gone for more than a week, it’s best to empty your fridge and freezer. This will help prevent food spoilage and save energy while you are away. If you can’t empty your fridge, make sure to keep it at a cool temperature so that food will last longer.
5. Put lights on timers.
To deter burglars and make it look like someone is home, you should put some lights on timers. You can buy timers at most hardware stores. Set the timers so that the lights go on and off at different times throughout the day. You want to make it look like someone is home, even when you’re not.
6. Put your mail on hold.
If you’re going to be gone for a long time, it’s a good idea to put your mail on hold. This will prevent your mailbox from overflowing and will keep your mail safe while you’re away. You can contact your local post office to have your mail put on hold. You should also put your newspaper subscription and delivery on hold.
7. Pack away any valuable items.
If you have any valuable items in your home, such as jewelry, art, or electronics, it’s best to pack them away before you leave. You can store them in a safe deposit box or a security deposit box at your bank. This will help protect your valuables while you’re away. Don’t forget to pack away any important documents, such as your passport, birth certificate, and will.
8. Notify your neighbors.
Your neighbors can be a great help while you’re away. They can keep an eye on your home and report any suspicious activity to the police. It’s a good idea to let them know when you’re leaving and when you’ll be back. You should also give them a copy of your itinerary, so they know when to expect you home.
9. Set your security system.
If you have a security system, make sure to set it before you leave. This will help deter burglars and keep your home safe while you’re away. If you don’t have a security system, now might be a good time to invest in one.
10. Have someone check on your home.
If possible, have someone check on your home while you’re away. This could be a friend, neighbor, or family member. They can make sure that everything is okay and that there is no damage to your home. They can also take in any packages or mail that arrives while you’re away. You can even let them stay and house sit while you’re gone. This will give you peace of mind knowing that someone is there to take care of your home.
These are just a few things to do to prepare your home for your extended vacation out of town. By taking these precautions, you can help prevent accidents and damage to your home while you’re away. Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget to come home to a safe and sound home.
