How to Prepare Your Home Before Leaving for Summer Vacation
Avoid any unwanted surprises when you return home by following these easy tips to prepare your home before leaving for you summer getaway.
Adjust the Thermostat
You can save big on energy costs when you’re away from home by The U.S. Department of Energy suggests leaving it at 85 F to 90 F during summer vacation. That number can be adjusted depending on your region of the country.
2. Put Water Heater in “Vacation Mode”
Most tank water heaters have a temperature gauge that includes a “vacation mode.” Using this setting prevents the heater from wasting energy heating water that won’t be used. Just be sure to return the gauge to its usual setting once you are home from vacation.
3. Unplug Appliances and Electronics
In addition to saving money on your energy bill, you also minimize the risk of an electric fire or damage to appliances due to an electrical surge while you’re gone by unplugging any electronics not associated with home security, lighting or your refrigerator. Think televisions, printers, toasters and any other appliance or device that will not be used while you’re away.
4. Clean Out that Refridgerator
Take a few minutes to go through your refrigerator, pantry and countertops to remove any perishable food items before you leave on vacation. Use what you can before leaving, but if it will go bad before you get home, toss it. This is also a great time to take out the trash and line up a neighbor to take your cans to the curb if you’ll be gone for an extended period of time.
5. Put Lights on Timers
While old-school timers that come on and go off at the same time every day are better than nothing, if possible consider using a smart home system or a 7-Day Random Vacation Timer so that your lights turn on and off at different times. This prevents would-be thieves from recognizing a pattern while you’re away.
6. Check All Locks and Security Systems
This may seem obvious, but be sure all doors and windows are locked, including any gates or sheds. If you have a security system, be sure to arm it before you leave. If you’re the type who can never remember if you turned something on or off, there’s likely an app for your smartphone associated with your home security system where you can double-check and correct it from your vacation spot.
7. Make a Lawn Care Plan
Depending on how quickly grass grows in your yard as well as how long you will be gone, you should consider finding or hiring someone to mow your law while you’re gone. An overgrown yard presents several possible issues including possible pests and potential fees from HOAs or municipalities. Additionally, tall grass is another thing that bad guys use to identify vacant homes.
8. Account for Plants, Too
If you’re a plant lover, be sure that your potted plants get some attention while you’re away too. When you’re finding someone to tend to the lawn, be sure to schedule someone to water both your indoor and outdoor your plants as frequently as you normally do.
9. Pause Newspaper, Mail and Package Deliveries
A jam packed mailbox, a pile of packages on your porch and a stack of newspapers in the driveway are all signs that no one is home. Be sure to take a few moments to pause your deliveries while on vacation, or ask a neighbor to pick them up and hold on to them until you return.
10. Prepare for Potential Severe Weather
We’re no strangers to storms in the midwest. Whether it’s a raging thunderstorm or tornado-like conditions, those storms can pop up with little to no warning. Be sure you secure all outdoor furniture. Put away cushions and umbrellas. Take minute to inspect outdoor drains and clear away any debris that could block water and cause flooding.
