Whether you’re headed to the airport, or on a 700-mile road trip, as you back out of the driveway is not the time to be thinking about the details of how to vacation-proof your home.
No matter what time of year you leave, or for how long, taking simple steps to prepare your home can help you keep it safe, lower your bills, and give you peace of mind while you are away.
Make It Look Like You Are Home
Keep your front room lights and TV on a timer, so that they periodically turn on while you are home. This can discourage burglars from any interest in peeking in. Light timers can be found at your local hardware store or at Amazon. Setting them in the evening and mirroring your schedule can make people think you are still there.
Locking Up
This might be the most common question that vacation-goers ask themselves as they get more than a few miles from home. “Did I lock my doors?” Make sure that every door to the exterior of your home is locked as you leave and double-check. If you keep a spare key outside, make sure you remove that, too. If someone is watching your pets, it’s safer to just let them borrow a key than to keep hiding it.
Unplug Appliances
Power surges and electrical fires are unpredictable and real risks. If no one is home for days at a time, it’s best to unplug electronics. This includes the TV, computer, stereo equipment, lamps, and other electronics. Using surge protectors can also mitigate the risk. Any damage would be far worse in a situation where you won’t be home for a few days.
Shut Off Your Main Water
Water in your home doesn’t take long to cause serious damage. If you have a leak or a broken pipe while you’re gone, the damage can become worse while you are away. The turn-off to the main water is likely either on your house’s exterior or inside the basement or boiler room. Once you find it, turn the handle, or move the lever clockwise until it stops. To ensure that you found the main water valve, check a faucet to make sure the water is cut off.
Invest In an Alarm System (Or Make People Think You Did)
One of the best ways to protect personal assets while you’re gone is to invest in an alarm system for your home. If you don’t want to invest in the alarm system, you could always stick a fake sign in your front yard or place fake security cameras on your porch, or the exterior of your home. This will serve as a strong deterrent.
Have the Numbers of an Experienced Plumber and Electrician Ready When You Return
The reality is that owning a home is unpredictable and it helps to be ready for any situation that can occur. When you vacation-proof your home, it’s about being prepared for these situations. You can save the numbers of an experienced plumber and electrician in your smartphone list. This can also help you gain that peace of mind and enjoy the moments with your loved ones as you travel!
