Temperatures are rising, the days are getting longer, and you’re officially packed and ready to enjoy some well-deserved R&R. As a homeowner, going away for any length of time can be stressful. Your mind instantly creates the worst-case scenarios.
So before heading out the door, you can take action and protect your home with 10 easy steps to avoid returning to any surprises. Home maintenance professionals can ease your worries, answer your questions, and provide solutions to ensure your home is safe, secure, and in the best shape for a worry-free time while you’re away.
Your 10 point pre-vacation property maintenance checklist, can help ensure your home is secure, your pocket has more savings, and you can enjoy overall home safety.
On average, burglaries rise about 10% between the summer months of June and August, according to a SafeWise survey. Signs of an empty home can give burglars the green light and an open invitation to cause trouble.
To give your home a lived-in look while you’re away, did you…
- Withhold your mail? Ask a trusted friend or neighbor to stop by and collect it for you or use the USPS Hold Mail tool. You can also foil the porch pirates by using services by UPS and FedEx to temporarily stop package delivery while you’re away.
- Program a timer for at least one light in your home so it looks like someone was home? Programmable timers let you randomize the daily on/off times and allude to regular activity during visible hours.
- Review and activate your home’s security features, such as alarms and cameras? Double-checking batteries for your system and ensuring your cameras are working correctly with no obstructed views is helpful and provides peace of mind when you cannot help but check your security system app.
- Are you going on an extended stay? Ask a friend to check in on your home.
You won’t have to worry about penny-pinching on vacation because the greatest part of this checklist is you could be saving money while you’re away. Our homes are full of valuable and essential appliances and systems, yet they tend to not be the most cost-effective to run when they are not in use.
To save more for your fun-filled adventure while being kind to the environment, did you….
- Set your A/C system? You don’t need to have your A/C working double-time while you’re away. Instead, set your A/C around 10 degrees below the outside temperature. Your essential appliances and plants are protected, and your pockets will thank you.
- Turn off your water? Avoid unnecessary expenses by turning off valves for washing machines, ice-makers, and toilets. Doing so can save you money and decrease the potential of a leak.
- Pay your utilities? You might be wondering how this saves you money, but with the excitement of a vacation and a million things to prepare, it can be easy to forget to pay a bill. Avoid late fees and a potential disaster by ensuring your utility bills, such as your electrical bills, are paid.
The main concern for most homeowners while away is the devastating what-if events that can occur. What if there is a fire? What if a pipe bursts? What if someone breaks in?
To ease those worries, did you…
- Unplug all small appliances and electronic devices? Shutting off small appliances like irons and electronic devices like chargers can cut costs on your bill and prevent house fires.
- Check all doors and windows are secure and locked? Don’t give burglars easy access with faulty locks.
- Assess your water pipes for any significant cracks? Addressing these vulnerabilities ahead of time with a home maintenance professional can save your wallet and protect your home from any considerable water damage while you’re away.
Taking action and having an effective plan while you’re away are vital. A pre-vacation checklist can ensure your home is protected, secure, and in tip-top shape for your return. Emergencies happen, but taking the necessary steps beforehand will give you the peace of mind to enjoy your getaway. Bon voyage!