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How to Prepare Your Home Before a Long Trip: The Ultimate Pre-Travel Checklist
Planning a long-awaited vacation? The excitement of exploring new destinations or reuniting with loved ones can be overwhelming. However, amidst the thrill of preparing your itinerary and packing your bags, it’s crucial not to overlook the vital task of preparing your home for your absence. Leaving your house unattended for an extended period can present various risks, from potential burglaries and weather-related damages to simple inconveniences like overgrown lawns or a dead houseplant. A comprehensive pre-travel checklist is your key to ensuring a worry-free trip and a smooth return to a safe and secure home. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step pre-travel checklist to help you prepare your home before embarking on your adventure.
Why a Pre-Travel Checklist is Essential
Before diving into the specifics, let’s understand why taking the time to prepare your home is so important. A thorough pre-travel checklist offers numerous benefits:
- Security: Deterring burglars and preventing break-ins is paramount. Simple measures like reinforcing doors and windows, and making your home appear occupied can significantly reduce the risk.
- Preventing Damage: Unexpected weather events, plumbing issues, or appliance malfunctions can cause considerable damage while you’re away. Taking preventive steps can minimize the potential for costly repairs.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing that you’ve taken care of all necessary preparations allows you to relax and fully enjoy your vacation without constantly worrying about what might be happening back home.
- Maintaining Appearances: Keeping your lawn maintained and mail collected prevents your home from looking neglected, which can be an invitation for unwanted attention.
- Saving Money: By unplugging appliances and adjusting your thermostat, you can significantly reduce your energy consumption and lower your utility bills while you’re away.
The Ultimate Pre-Travel Checklist: A Room-by-Room Guide
This comprehensive pre-travel checklist is organized by area to help you systematically prepare your entire home. Remember to adapt it to your specific needs and circumstances.
1. Security Measures
Protecting your home from potential intruders is a top priority.
Reinforce Entry Points
- Check and reinforce all doors and windows: Ensure that all locks are functioning correctly. Consider installing deadbolt locks on exterior doors for added security.
- Sliding glass doors: These are particularly vulnerable. Place a sturdy rod or dowel in the track to prevent them from being opened from the outside. Consider security film for added protection.
- Secure garage door: Ensure the garage door is properly closed and locked. If you have an automatic opener, consider disconnecting it to prevent unauthorized access. Unplugging the unit is also a good idea.
Make Your Home Look Occupied
- Use timers for lights: Program timers to turn lights on and off at different times of the day and night. This creates the illusion that someone is home. Vary the timing to make it seem more realistic. For example, set a lamp in the living room to turn on at dusk and off at 11 PM, and a bedroom light to turn on later in the evening.
- Consider a smart home system: Smart home systems allow you to control lights, thermostats, and security systems remotely from your smartphone. You can even simulate occupancy patterns.
- Arrange for lawn care: An overgrown lawn is a clear sign that a home is unoccupied. Hire a lawn care service to mow your lawn while you’re away.
- Stop mail and newspaper delivery: Accumulating mail and newspapers are telltale signs of an empty house. Request a temporary hold on your mail delivery from the postal service and cancel newspaper subscriptions.
- Ask a trusted neighbor to help: A reliable neighbor can collect your mail, water your plants, and keep an eye on your property. Provide them with your contact information and emergency contacts. Offer to reciprocate when they travel.
Install a Security System
- Consider a professional security system: A monitored security system provides 24/7 protection and can alert the authorities in case of a break-in.
- Install security cameras: Security cameras can deter burglars and provide valuable evidence in case of a crime. Place cameras in visible locations, such as near entry points and in the backyard.
- Display security system signage: Even if you don’t have a security system, displaying a sign indicating that your home is protected can be a deterrent.
2. Kitchen Preparations
The kitchen is a potential source of problems if left unattended.
Empty the Refrigerator
- Discard perishable items: Remove any food that could spoil while you’re away, such as milk, eggs, and fresh produce.
- Clean out the refrigerator: Wipe down shelves and drawers to prevent odors and mold growth.
- Dispose of trash: Take out all trash and recycling before you leave.
Unplug Appliances
- Unplug small appliances: Unplug toasters, coffee makers, blenders, and other small appliances to save energy and prevent potential electrical hazards.
Check for Leaks
- Inspect plumbing: Look under the sink and around the dishwasher for any signs of leaks. Address any issues before you leave.
3. Bathroom Preparations
Similar to the kitchen, bathrooms can present water-related issues.
Check for Leaks
- Inspect plumbing: Check under sinks, around toilets, and in the shower for any signs of leaks. Address any issues before you leave.
Clean Drains
- Clear drains: Pour a drain cleaner down all drains to prevent clogs and odors.
4. Plumbing and Water System
Water damage can be devastating, so taking precautions is crucial.
Turn Off the Water Main
- Consider turning off the water main: This is the most effective way to prevent water damage from burst pipes or leaks. However, this will also disable toilets and faucets. If you have a sprinkler system, consider isolating that instead, if possible.
Adjust the Water Heater
- Lower the water heater temperature: Reduce the temperature setting on your water heater to save energy. Some water heaters have a “vacation” setting. Alternatively, you can turn it off completely if you’re comfortable doing so.
5. Electrical System
Prevent electrical hazards and save energy.
Unplug Electronics
- Unplug electronics: Unplug TVs, computers, gaming consoles, and other electronic devices to save energy and protect them from power surges.
Adjust Thermostat
- Set the thermostat: In the summer, raise the thermostat to a higher temperature to save energy. In the winter, lower the thermostat but keep it above freezing (around 55 degrees Fahrenheit) to prevent pipes from freezing.
6. Outdoor Preparations
Protect your property from the elements and maintain its appearance.
Secure Outdoor Items
- Bring in outdoor furniture: Bring in patio furniture, umbrellas, and other outdoor items that could be damaged by wind or stolen.
- Secure garbage cans: Store garbage cans in a garage or shed to prevent them from blowing away.
Lawn Care
- Mow the lawn: Mow the lawn before you leave to prevent it from becoming overgrown.
- Trim shrubs and trees: Trim any shrubs or trees that could obstruct windows or doors.
Prepare for Weather
- Clear gutters: Clear gutters of leaves and debris to prevent water damage.
- Check for roof leaks: Inspect your roof for any signs of leaks and make repairs as needed.
- Winterize pipes: If you’re traveling during the winter, take steps to winterize your pipes to prevent them from freezing.
7. General Home Maintenance
Address any minor issues before they become major problems.
Check Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
- Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors: Ensure that all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly and have fresh batteries.
Clean the House
- Clean the house: A clean house is less likely to attract pests and will be more welcoming when you return.
Inform Your Bank and Credit Card Companies
- Notify your bank and credit card companies: Inform your bank and credit card companies of your travel dates to prevent your cards from being flagged for suspicious activity.
Arrange for Pet Care
- Make arrangements for pet care: If you have pets, arrange for a pet sitter or boarding facility to care for them while you’re away. Provide detailed instructions and emergency contact information.
Leave Emergency Contact Information
- Leave emergency contact information: Leave a list of emergency contact information for your neighbors, pet sitter, and house sitter. Include your contact information, the contact information of a trusted friend or family member, and the contact information of your insurance company.
Final Pre-Travel Checklist Review
Before you lock up and head out, take one last walk through your home to ensure you haven’t missed anything. Use the following questions as a quick final pre-travel checklist:
- Are all doors and windows locked?
- Are lights on timers?
- Is the mail and newspaper delivery stopped?
- Is the lawn care arranged?
- Is the refrigerator cleaned out?
- Are appliances unplugged?
- Is the water main turned off (if applicable)?
- Is the thermostat set appropriately?
- Are outdoor items secured?
- Are smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors working?
- Has a trusted neighbor been informed?
- Has emergency contact information been left?
Enjoy Your Trip!
By following this comprehensive pre-travel checklist, you can rest assured that your home is safe and secure while you’re away. Take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy your well-deserved vacation! Knowing you’ve taken these steps will provide peace of mind and allow you to fully immerse yourself in your travel experience. Safe travels!
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