Six Home Tasks to Tackle Before Leaving for Vacation

We all love going on vacation, whether it be just for several days or for longer. However, for homeowners, preparing the house before leaving is essential. Doing so basically ensures a smooth return; you can just go about your vacation without worrying about the state and security of your lovely home.

The problem for some is, they often forget everything they need to do to prep their home for their absence since they’re too excited about the vacation. But fret not because we’ll readily give you a checklist of things that need to be done.

  1. Get Cleaning Done

Cleaning is one of the most stressed tips for homeowners but, unfortunately, is often overlooked when it comes to prepping a house for long absence. This isn’t just for your own sanity but also to keep everything from going awry. The last thing you want to happen is for those fruit flies to take over your home. If you’re leaving for a long vacation, deep cleaning is recommended – and that Simplicity vacuum of yours will be the boss.

Vacuum and dust hard-to-reach ledges, above cabinets, and light fixtures. You might also want to have your vacuum checked to see if it needs a Simplicity repair service so that you can clear out all parts of your home with ease. Other places that need proper vacuuming include window tracks, windowsills, empty drawers and cabinets, and carpet.

  1. Program Your Thermostat

Setting your thermostat to an away mode is a great way to save energy while you’re on vacation. This feature is typically available on smart thermostats or newer models, allowing you to adjust the temperature. In the winter, the thermostat will automatically lower the temperature for heating, and during summer, it’ll raise the temperature for cooling. If you have a smart thermostat, you can disable the away program several hours prior to arriving so you can get home at a perfectly heated or cooled home.

  1. Suspend Your Deliveries

Got a mail service? Be sure to suspend it while you’re gone. Your mails stacking up on your home is an obvious sign for potential thieves and burglars that no one’s home. Call your local postal service so that your mail can be held at their office until you return. Keep in mind that the duration of suspension service varies depending on the service and your location. The same goes for your newspapers or other delivery services that you’re receiving regularly. Stacking up uncollected deliveries may attract criminals into your home.

  1. Take Out All the Garbage

Check all parts and rooms of your home for trash and get rid of all of it before going on vacation. Check for anything that might decompose and attract vermin and bugs. You can start with the fridge and check for food or fresh produce that is already near to getting spoiled. If you have no plans on eating or cooking them before leaving, dispose of or give them away. Also, make sure to empty all the trash cans inside and outside your home.

  1. Don’t Forget Your Plants

Depending on the plants you have at home, they may or may not need care while you’re gone for a few days. For instance, outdoor plants usually require little to no maintenance. If you got tons of houseplants that need regular tending, you can set slow-release watering containers or build a self-watering planter. You can also get plant monitoring devices to track their soil’s moisture levels.

Also, be sure to remove all dead blooms and foliage and keep them in a shady area. In case you have a garden, you can hire a local gardener or landscaping company to take care of it. Got vegetables in your garden? Harvest ripe ones before leaving!

  1. Motion Sensors and Timed Lights

Installing motion sensors is ideal for creating an illusion of occupancy while you’re away. You can install motion detectors on your outdoor lights. Basically, they can send a signal to illuminate the area around the property when they sense any movement.

Timed lights are not only known for their cool features but also the ability to deter break-ins. Before leaving your home, put them on timers. You can either use smart bulbs or analog outlet timers. You can then set them on different schedules every day to give off a better sense that someone’s home. Timed lights can be purchased at local home supply stores.

The things we’ve listed above are some general tips, and you sure are free to add more to your checklist, especially if you have a big house to prep. Following what’s on your checklist will definitely give you peace of mind, knowing that your house is safe and sound.