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How to Prepare Your Home Before a Long Trip: The Ultimate Pre-Travel Checklist

Dreaming of sandy beaches, exploring ancient ruins, or simply escaping the everyday grind? A long trip is an exciting prospect, but before you jet off to your adventure, it’s crucial to prepare your home. Leaving your house unattended for an extended period can be stressful, with worries about security, potential damage, and wasted energy lingering in the back of your mind. That’s where a thorough pre-travel checklist comes in. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step you need to take to ensure your home is safe, secure, and energy-efficient while you’re away, allowing you to fully relax and enjoy your well-deserved vacation.

Why a Pre-Travel Checklist is Essential

Many homeowners underestimate the importance of preparing their home before a long trip. It’s not just about locking the doors and hoping for the best. A well-executed pre-travel checklist can prevent a multitude of problems, from minor inconveniences to major disasters. Here are just a few reasons why taking the time to prepare is essential:

• Security: An empty home is a prime target for burglars. Taking steps to improve security will significantly reduce your risk of theft.
• Preventing Damage: From burst pipes to mold growth, many things can go wrong in an unattended home. Preparation can mitigate these risks.
• Saving Money: Unnecessary energy consumption can lead to surprisingly high bills. Adjusting your thermostat and unplugging appliances can save you money while you’re away.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing that you’ve taken all necessary precautions allows you to relax and fully enjoy your trip without constantly worrying about your home.
• Maintaining Property Value: Preventing damage and maintaining your home’s condition protects its value.

The Ultimate Pre-Travel Checklist: A Room-by-Room Guide

To make the preparation process manageable, we’ve broken down the pre-travel checklist into a room-by-room guide. Follow these steps to ensure your home is ready for your absence.

Kitchen

The kitchen is often the source of potential problems, so it requires careful attention before a long trip.

• Empty the Refrigerator: Dispose of any perishable food items to prevent spoilage and unpleasant odors. This includes milk, eggs, meat, and produce.
• Clean the Refrigerator: Wipe down the interior of your refrigerator to remove any spills or crumbs that could attract pests.
• Dispose of Trash: Take out all trash and recycling to prevent odors and pest infestations. Clean trash cans thoroughly.
• Unplug Small Appliances: To conserve energy and protect against power surges, unplug small appliances such as toasters, coffee makers, and blenders.
• Check for Leaks: Inspect under the sink for any signs of leaks. Repair any leaks before you leave.
• Run the Dishwasher: Run a cycle with an empty dishwasher and leave the door slightly ajar to prevent mold growth.
• Turn off the Ice Maker: Prevent water line issues by turning off your ice maker.

Bathrooms

Bathrooms are prone to mold and water damage, making them a crucial area for pre-trip preparation.

• Clean Toilets, Sinks, and Showers: Thoroughly clean all bathroom surfaces to prevent mold and mildew growth.
• Check for Leaks: Inspect faucets, showerheads, and under-sink pipes for any leaks. Repair any leaks before leaving.
• Close Shower/Tub Drains: Closing the drains can prevent sewer gases from entering your home.
• Ventilate: Ensure proper ventilation to minimize moisture buildup. Leave the bathroom door slightly ajar if possible.
• Remove Toiletries: Put away any loose toiletries or personal items that could be knocked over or damaged.

Living Room & Bedrooms

These spaces need less specific preparation but are important for security and energy conservation.

• Unplug Electronics: Unplug TVs, computers, gaming consoles, and other electronics to save energy and protect against power surges.
• Adjust Thermostat: Set your thermostat to an energy-saving temperature. In the winter, set it no lower than 55°F (13°C) to prevent pipes from freezing. In the summer, set it to a higher temperature to reduce cooling costs. A smart thermostat can be programmed remotely for even greater control.
• Close Curtains and Blinds: Closing window coverings helps to regulate the temperature inside your home and deter burglars by making it more difficult to see inside.
• Secure Valuables: Store valuable items in a safe or secure location. Consider taking jewelry and important documents with you.
• Remove Clutter: A tidy home is less appealing to burglars. Put away loose items and clear surfaces.

Laundry Room

Preventing water damage and conserving energy are the main concerns in the laundry room.

• Turn off Water Supply: If you’re concerned about leaks, turn off the water supply to your washing machine.
• Clean Washing Machine: Run an empty cycle with a washing machine cleaner to remove any residue and prevent odors.
• Empty Lint Trap: Clean the lint trap in your dryer to prevent fire hazards.
• Unplug Washer and Dryer: Unplug the washing machine and dryer to save energy.

Exterior

The exterior of your home is the first line of defense against intruders and the elements.

• Secure Doors and Windows: Double-check that all doors and windows are locked securely. Reinforce weak points with deadbolts or security film.
• Stop Mail and Newspaper Delivery: Piled-up mail and newspapers are a clear sign that a home is unoccupied. Contact the post office and newspaper delivery service to suspend delivery.
• Arrange for Lawn Care: An overgrown lawn can signal that a home is empty. Arrange for lawn care services to maintain your yard while you’re away.
• Inform Neighbors: Let trusted neighbors know that you’ll be away and ask them to keep an eye on your property. Provide them with your contact information and the contact information of a local emergency contact.
• Adjust Outdoor Lighting: Use timers or motion sensors to control outdoor lighting. This can deter burglars and make your home appear occupied.
• Clear Gutters: Clean your gutters to prevent water damage from overflowing rain.
• Bring in Outdoor Furniture: Secure or store outdoor furniture to protect it from theft or weather damage.

Pre-Travel Checklist: Security Measures

Security is paramount when leaving your home for an extended period. Implement these security measures to protect your property:

• Install a Security System: A professionally monitored security system can provide 24/7 protection against burglary and other threats. Consider systems with features like window and door sensors, motion detectors, and security cameras.
• Use Smart Home Devices: Smart home devices, such as smart locks, smart lights, and security cameras, can be controlled remotely from your smartphone. This allows you to monitor your home and adjust settings even when you’re away.
• Install Motion-Activated Lights: Motion-activated lights can deter burglars and provide added security.
• Reinforce Doors and Windows: Strengthen doors with deadbolts and reinforce windows with security film.
• Make it Look Occupied: Use timers to turn on lights, TVs, and radios at different times of the day to create the illusion that someone is home.
• Consider a House Sitter: If you’re going to be away for a very long time, consider hiring a house sitter to live in your home and provide ongoing security.

Pre-Travel Checklist: Energy Efficiency Tips

Conserving energy while you’re away not only saves you money but also helps to reduce your environmental impact. Follow these energy-saving tips:

• Adjust Thermostat: As mentioned earlier, set your thermostat to an energy-saving temperature.
• Unplug Electronics: Phantom energy consumption from plugged-in electronics can add up over time. Unplug appliances and electronics when not in use.
• Turn off Lights: Make sure all lights are turned off before you leave.
• Seal Windows and Doors: Check for drafts around windows and doors and seal any gaps with weather stripping or caulk.
• Lower Water Heater Temperature: Reduce the temperature of your water heater to the “vacation” setting or turn it off completely to save energy.

Pre-Travel Checklist: Important Documents and Contacts

Before you leave, gather important documents and contact information and store them in a safe place. This will make it easier to deal with any emergencies that may arise while you’re away.

• Travel Documents: Keep copies of your passport, driver’s license, plane tickets, and hotel reservations.
• Insurance Information: Have copies of your home insurance policy and car insurance policy.
• Emergency Contacts: Provide your neighbors, house sitter (if applicable), and local emergency contact with your contact information.
• Medical Information: Keep a list of any medications you’re taking and any allergies you have.
• Financial Information: Have access to your bank account information and credit card information.
• Home Security System Information: Ensure you know your security system password and the contact information for the monitoring company.

Final Thoughts: Enjoy Your Trip with Peace of Mind

Preparing your home before a long trip may seem like a daunting task, but it’s an investment that will pay off in peace of mind. By following this comprehensive pre-travel checklist, you can rest assured that your home is safe, secure, and energy-efficient while you’re away. So, pack your bags, grab your passport, and get ready to enjoy your adventure, knowing that you’ve taken all the necessary steps to protect your most valuable asset. Happy travels!

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