Summer is here and it’s time to get away! When planning your vacation, don’t forget the home you are leaving behind. There are two areas you can group your tasks into: security and home preparation.
With security tasks, your goal is to prevent your home from being a target. Give it the appearance of being occupied and hide anything that looks easy to steal.
- Install or activate a home security system: Consider a smart home system for more control and monitoring, with features like video doorbells and motion detectors.
- Use lighting options: Set timers for lights to come on at dusk daily. Using lights that flicker or change colors can mimic being home watching television. Install motion sensor lighting around the perimeter of your home.
- Notify trusted neighbors and/or building staff: Ask neighbors to keep an eye on your property. Offer to do the same for them when they go away. If you live in a staffed building, be sure they know your away schedule.
- Double check entry points: Before you leave, lock all doors, windows, pet doors and gates.
- Protect valuables: Store them in a safe or safe-deposit box. Tuck any tempting valuables out of sight from windows.
- Do not announce your vacation on social media: You’re excited to get away, but don’t let everyone know your home will be unoccupied. Announcing you’re going to be away makes your home a target for criminals. Mentioning flight information, hotel names or other details open you up to identity theft. Post your photos after you return home.
With home preparation tasks, ensure you return to a clean and healthy home.
- Clean up: You will thank your former self for being so considerate! Clean your house and freshen linens. Take out all trash and recyclables.
- Clear out the fridge: Dispose of, or place perishable food into the freezer.
- Unplug appliances: Some appliances pull power even when shut off.
- Adjust your thermostat: Set the temperature at the minimum or maximum for maintenance.
- Hold mail: Arrange with a vacation hold with USPS or have a neighbor pick it up. This is also a security measure as piled up mail signals that no one is home.
- Hire a house sitter for pet/plant care: Arrange for someone to care for pets and to water your plants. They can also be the first line of defense for any issues in the home.
- Consider turning off the water at the mains: This can prevent leaks during your absence.
Be kind to your future self and be mindful of everything you need to do to reduce stress upon reentry. BON VOYAGE!
