Things to Do Around the House Before You Go On Vacation

Going on vacation is a much-needed respite from the everyday stresses of work and home. But before you can relax and enjoy your time away, there are some things you need to do around the house to prepare for your absence. Here’s a checklist of things to take care of before you go on vacation:

Get Done With Necessary Repairs

The last thing you want is to come home from vacation to a broken dishwasher or a leaking faucet. So, before you leave, take care of any necessary repairs around the house. This will help you avoid any stressful surprises when you return. Here are a few repairs you may need to take care of before you leave:

• Fix any broken appliances
• Repair any leaky faucets or pipes
• Get your HVAC system serviced

If you’re not comfortable making these repairs yourself, be sure to hire a professional to do it for you. For example, you may want to hire a plumber to fix any leaky pipes before you leave. These professionals can help you get your home in tip-top shape before your vacation.

Alert Your Neighbors or a Trusted Friend

If you’ll be gone for an extended period of time, it’s a good idea to let your neighbors or a trusted friend know. This way, they can keep an eye on your place while you’re away and call the authorities if anything seems amiss. You should also provide them with a list of emergency contacts in case something does happen.

Not only will this give you peace of mind while you’re away, but it will also help to deter potential burglars who may target unoccupied homes. Also, stop your mail and newspaper delivery while you’re away. Otherwise, your home will look unoccupied and could be more susceptible to break-ins.

Unplug All Electronics

You may not think about it, but leaving your electronics plugged in while you’re away can be a fire hazard. So, before you go on vacation, be sure to unplug all electronics in your home. This includes things like your TV, computer, and any small appliances. Once they’re unplugged, you can then go ahead and turn off the power to your home. This will help you save money on your energy bill while you’re away.

Also, be sure to disconnect any electronics that are connected to the internet. This includes things like your Wi-Fi router and any smart home devices. This way, you can avoid potential cyber threats while you’re away from home.

Clean Out the Fridge

You don’t want to come home to a fridge full of spoiled food. So, before you leave, be sure to clean out your fridge and throw away any expired or perishable items. This will help you avoid food poisoning when you return from vacation.

If you have any perishable items that you won’t be able to eat before you leave, you can donate them to a local food bank. This way, they won’t go to waste, and you’ll be helping those in need. Also, be sure to leave your fridge and freezer doors open while you’re away. This will help prevent mold and mildew from growing in your appliances.

Turn Off the Water and Gas

If you are gone for an extended period, you may want to turn off the water and gas to your home. This will help prevent any potential leaks or accidents while you’re away. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, hire a professional to do it for you.

You should also be sure to empty out your water heater. This will help prevent it from rusting while you’re away. You can do this by turning off the power to your water heater and then draining the tank.

Pack an Emergency Kit

No matter how well you plan, there’s always a chance something could go wrong while you’re on vacation. So, it’s always a good idea to pack an emergency kit. This should include things like a first-aid kit, a flashlight, and a spare set of keys. You may also want to include some cash in case you lose your wallet or have any other unforeseen expenses.

Following these tips can help ensure that your home is safe and secure while you’re away. Just be sure to take the time to plan ahead and pack everything you need before you leave. This way, you can relax and enjoy your vacation without having to worry about what’s going on at home. So, what are you waiting for? Start packing and get ready for your next adventure!