Travel is an exhilarating adventure that is sure to create memorable experiences and build life-long memories, yet one thing should not be overlooked when jet-setting: your home. Making sure it remains secure, safe and well maintained during your absence is of utmost importance.
Secure Your Fortress
Before traveling anywhere, security must always come first. No one wants to come home after an exciting vacation to find their home was an easy target for intruders.
Lock It Down
Although this may sound basic, double-checking all locks and security systems is of utmost importance. Make sure all windows and doors are safely locked. Consider investing in smart locks if keys frequently go missing, otherwise consider getting remote door unlock capabilities for convenience.
Install Security Cameras
Establishing a reliable security camera system can offer tremendous peace of mind. Modern cameras come equipped with motion detectors and real-time alerts sent directly to your phone, giving you peace of mind no matter where in the world you may be. This way, you can keep an eye on your property no matter who may be watching over it.
Timed Lights
A dark house can be an indicator that no one is home. Use timed lights to give the impression someone is present. Set timers that switch on and off lights at regular intervals to mimic your usual household patterns and give an illusion that someone is inside.
Consider Portable Storage
When leaving for an extended trip, portable storage options are a wise decision to keep your valuables safe and secure. Many companies offering this service provide storage containers directly to your home for packing at your leisure before transporting the container directly to an offsite storage facility, giving you peace of mind as your travels commence.
Maintenance Matters
Even in your absence, maintaining your home requires care to avoid returning to a mess upon your arrival home.
Hold Your Mail
An overflowing mailbox can be likened to an expensive neon sign: we are not home. For assistance in holding the mail, visit your local post office or go online to request their service. Alternatively, arrange with a trusted neighbor or friend who will collect it on your behalf.
Plant Care
No one likes coming home to dry greenery. For optimal care of your plants, hire a plant-sitting service or ask a friend to water your greenery regularly. Self-watering planters also help ensure their surroundings remain hydrated for extended periods.
Temperature Control
Do not forget to set your thermostat in energy-saving mode. Too much heat or too little is detrimental to both you and your home’s condition, while smart thermostats allow remote adjustments for maximum comfort in any environment.
Inform Trustworthy Neighbors
Good neighbors can be invaluable. Inform one of your most reliable ones of your travel plans so they can keep an eye on your property and collect any packages left at your door.
Emergency Keys
Give someone you trust a spare key so they can handle unexpected circumstances such as burst pipes and power outages in your absence. This person could also assist in handling emergency calls such as an overdue bill payment.
Financial Planning
Traveling long term requires some financial foresight in order to protect the value of your home from becoming an additional financial strain.
Automatic Bill Payments
Automate your important bill payments so you do not end up in a situation where electricity or water services have been cut off simply because a bill has gone unpaid.
Inform Your Bank
Be sure to notify your bank of your travel plans as early as possible in order to avoid any complications with financial transactions during travel. A sudden surge of foreign transactions might trigger alerts in your account, potentially freezing it and creating inconvenience during a trip abroad.
Enjoy Digital Peace Of Mind
Being away from home does not have to mean giving up control.
Smart Home Devices
Smart home devices offer surprising control and convenience while you are away. Install smart security cameras to monitor your property in real-time. These cameras can send alerts directly to your smartphone if they detect movement, offering peace of mind wherever you are. Smart doorbells with video capabilities enable you to see and communicate with anyone who comes knocking at the door. Smart locks offer convenient temporary access for pet sitters or cleaners without the need to hide spare keys. Combining all your devices into one platform makes managing them much simpler. Simply access one app to manage everything from temperature settings, lighting control, surveillance footage review and security camera monitoring.
Conclusion
Travel should be enjoyed without concern about what is happening back home. By protecting your fortress, overseeing proper maintenance, notifying trustworthy neighbors, making financial preparations and taking advantage of digital tools, you can travel without worry. So enjoy collecting those stamps while your home stays in tip-top condition.
