Summer is the perfect time to hit the road for a trip with family or friends. However, if you don’t prepare your home for vacation, you might return to some unpleasant surprises. Here are some of the best ways to get your house ready before you head out of town.
Take Out the Trash
As you prepare your home for vacation, empty every trash can in the house. Taking the trash out keeps the home clean, and you won’t return to foul-smelling odors from old and decaying food.
Pause Your Mail and Deliveries
Packages and letters piling up in front of your door are a sign that no one is at home. A burglar might notice and target your house.
When you prepare your home for vacation, ask the post office and other delivery services to hold your mail until you return. Most providers have simple forms on their websites to make pausing deliveries quick and easy. If there is a delivery scheduled that can’t be paused, ask a friend or neighbor to collect the package and hold on to it until you return.
Tidy Up As You Prepare Your Home for Vacation
While you don’t have to deep clean everything before vacation, returning to a house with clean dishes and no dirty laundry is nice. Before you leave:
– run the dishwasher and empty it
– wash, dry, and put away any laundry
– clean the stovetop and wipe down all kitchen and bathroom counters
– vacuum the floors in high-traffic areas
Prepare Your Home for Vacation: Turn Off the Water
Most homeowners know to turn off the water before leaving in the winter, but it is just as important when you prepare your home for vacation. Unexpected leaks can happen at any point in the year. Water that leaks into your home unchecked for multiple days will cause significant damage. Turn off the main water valve before leaving the house. Once you turn off the water, allow all faucets and appliances to drain before you go.
Set Timers on Lights
To make it look like someone is home, set a few lamps and the television on timers. Burglars are less likely to target a property that appears occupied. Use appliance timers or purchase and install smart bulbs. You can manage smart bulbs from an app on your phone and control them remotely when you’re away from home. Turn a lamp or two on at dusk and turn them off again in the morning.
Wild Rose Property Inspection offers inspections to homebuyers and sellers in the Alberta area. Contact us to request our service.