As my family and I pack up for another holiday trip, I’m working through all of my travel checklists. I have lists on what to pack, lists on what to do before we leave, lists on what to do while we’re away, and, of course, our holiday gift list. There’s another to do list that I can’t neglect….Steps to secure our home and prepare it for an extended absence before we leave. Here are a few steps we take to make sure our home is safe and sound for us to return to:
- Leave a set of keys with someone you trust, like a neighbor you are good friends with, or a family member. There are many reason why you will be thankful for this later. You’ll always have them waiting for you on your return, if you forget your keys. If you need something urgently, your friend can send them to you. Of course, if you have pets or plants that require care, your housesitter or petsitter might need a spare set of keys, but it’s always reassuring to just have someone check on your home while you are away on a holiday trip or vacation.
- Ensure that you’re leaving your home as safely as possible. Check that your stove, water, candles are all turned off.
- Unplug unnecessary electronics. Even the smallest electronics drain your electricity and it’s better for your electric bill and the earth to unplug them.
- Make sure you’ve made arrangements for your mail. Nothing alerts a thief to an empty home like an overflowing mailbox! And you wouldn’t want any of your mail to be lost or stolen in your absence. Either contact the post office about putting a hold on your mail or have someone pick it up.
- Put a few lights on a timer or, if your pets are being cared for at home, ask that the caregiver turn on lights for the night.
- Have you paid all of your bills? I’ll check this two or three times. It’s always better to be reassured that you won’t come home to unnecessary fees because of a forgotten bill.
- If you have an alarm, set it but don’t forget to let the person who has the keys know how to set and disarm the code.
- Take a moment to spray your house with your favorite scent, it’ll help keep your home from getting that musty, non-lived in smell after traveling for an extended period.
- Be sure to take out your trash and throw away any fruit or vegetables. It’s worth giving your fridge a good look. It really does ‘stink’ to return home to rotten food.
I’ll let you know if there are any things that come to me once we return home after being away for two and a half weeks. What do you make sure to do before leaving your home for travels?
