When you travel, you open up your mind to new experiences and create lasting memories. The beauty of traveling lies in the ability to shake up your daily routines and provide an opportunity to experience freedom. But as you prepare to pack your bags and refresh your boarding pass, one element of your life remains silently waiting for your consideration: your home.
Leaving your home vacant for a couple of days, whether you are heading to work for the day or for a week-long vacation, requires more than simply locking the doors. To enjoy a peaceful vacation and maintain peace of mind, it is essential to ensure your home is protected, energy-efficient, and prepared to welcome you back home without surprises.
This is not your traditional pre-trip checklist. Let us explore some of the most often overlooked, yet incredibly beneficial steps to help protect your home before you leave.
Shut Down Appliances That Do Not Require Power
There are many appliances that will consume energy, even though they are not being used. This is known as phantom loading. Phantom loading can add up quickly. Take a moment to review each appliance in your home, unplug those items that do not require power: toasters, blenders, lamps, gaming systems, and even your Wi-Fi router if no one will be using your internet for streaming or monitoring security cameras. Your home does not need to remain connected to the grid while you are enjoying a beachside cocktail.
Clean For Your Future Self
Think of it this way: would you prefer to return to your home after a long journey, only to be greeted by a dusty, crumb-filled environment or a welcoming space that smells of fresh air?
Do a load of laundry before you leave. Clean the dishes and run the dishwasher. Wipe down the countertops in your kitchen and discard any food that has expired in your refrigerator. Take out the trash.
Even better, schedule a roof washing and thorough exterior cleaning prior to your departure. Roof cleaning not only protects the structure of your home, but it also maintains the overall appearance of your property and the cleanliness of the entire home. A dirty, moldy roof not only attracts algae, but it could also quietly affect your health if left untreated for too long.
Suspend Deliveries And Consider The State Of Your Mailbox
Nothing screams “I’m not home” louder than a mailbox overflowing with mail or a package sitting on the porch, soggy and unattended. Visit your local post office and suspend delivery of your mail for up to thirty days. If you have scheduled deliveries while you will be away, cancel or redirect them to a trusted friend. For extended absences, ask a trusted neighbor to periodically check your property and collect mail/packages.
Create The Appearance Of Occupancy
This is not about paranoia; it is about common sense. A few strategically placed timer-controlled lights can greatly contribute to a sense of safety and security.
Set your lights to simulate your normal usage patterns—lights on in the evening, lights off at night. It costs less than peace of mind. Leave your blinds open enough to allow light to enter, but not so much that everyone can see inside your home. You do not want to give anyone the impression that your home is empty or staged.
Additional Tip: Leave a pair of worn-out shoes on the porch. It tells people that someone is home.
Heating, Water, And Pipes—Your Unseen Enemies
Water damage waits for no one. When you plan to leave your home during the cold winter months, you will want to keep your plumbing from freezing. Run your heating system at a low temperature (usually between 50°F and 60°F), which will help prevent your pipes from bursting.
During the warmer summer months, you may also want to turn off your water supply at the main valve. If a pipe were to rupture or leak while you are away on vacation, you will avoid having your entire kitchen flooded while you wre enjoying Mojitos in Mexico.
Plants, Pets And The People That Care About Them
This one is obvious, but under-appreciated. As a pet owner, you probably have arranged for a pet sitter. But did you think about your plants? That wonderful Monstera on the windowsill needs some water and care while you are away. Arrange for a plant sitter or buy a self-watering system. There are many products available today that allow you to automatically water your plants and avoid overwatering.
Plan For Your Return
You will appreciate yourself later for taking this extra step. Do a load of laundry and put fresh towels in the linen closet. Also, consider stocking your freezer with 1 or 2 simple-to-prepare meals. Who wants to spend their first hours back in the country searching for groceries? Travel is not only about the destination. It is also about returning home refreshed and relaxed.
Review Your Home’s Security System
You do not need a high-tech, panic-room-type security system. However, a few simple checks will go far in providing you with peace of mind. If you have a smart security system, test to confirm it is functioning and sending notifications correctly. Replace any batteries in cameras or alarm systems.
Final Pre-Trip Review
Take a final lap around your home and review everything. Check each room to ensure you’ve completed the following:
- Did I turn the thermostat off?
- Are all faucets turned off?
- Is the garage locked?
- Are all windows closed and locked?
- Are any appliances running?
Completing this simple review may eliminate weeks of wondering and worrying while you are away.
Conclusion
Leaving your home should feel liberating. Free. Refreshing. However, peace of mind is not a given. Peace of mind is created through lists, switches, and deliberate decisions made along the way.
Therefore, as you prepare to depart, take a few moments to provide your home with some TLC. It is not because you believe something will happen to your home while you are away. Rather, it is because returning to a peaceful home is one of the greatest, untold benefits of travel. Safe travels. May your home welcome you back, as you left it, quiet, clean, and content.
