There are a few things you need to do to prepare your home for holiday travel. By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your home is safe and secure while you are away.
Notify your neighbors. Let your neighbors know that you will be away and give them your contact information in case of an emergency. Ask them to keep an eye on your home and report any suspicious activity to the police.
Secure your home. Make sure all doors and windows are locked and that there are no easy ways for someone to break into your home. Consider installing a security system or motion-sensor lights.
Unplug electronics. To prevent electrical fires, unplug all electronics and appliances that you will not be using while you are away.
Turn off the water supply. If you are going to be away for more than a few days, consider turning off the water supply to your home. This will help to prevent leaks and water damage.
Empty the refrigerator and freezer. If you have any food that will spoil while you are away, throw it away or give it to a neighbor or friend.
Clean and declutter your home. A clean and decluttered home will make it less inviting to potential burglars. It will also make it easier to unpack when you return home.
Arrange for mail to be held. Contact your local post office and ask them to hold your mail while you are away. This will help to prevent mail from piling up and making your home appear unoccupied.
Schedule a house sitter. If you can afford it, consider hiring a house sitter to watch your home while you are away. A house sitter can also help with tasks such as watering plants and checking on your home.
Make Sure Your Sump Pump Works. Shutting off your main water supply can prevent the water from a leaking pipe from damaging your home, but your basement could still be at risk of damage from rain or floodwater while you’re away. Before you leave for the holidays, make sure your sump pump works properly.
To check your sump pump, pour some water in the pit containing the pump. The pump should turn on automatically. If the pump does not, repair any problems before you leave your home. Extra time and effort now can head off coming home to a flooded basement.
Additional Tips
- Let your insurance company know that you will be away. This will help to ensure that you are covered in case of any damage to your home while you are away.
- Leave a spare key with a trusted friend or family member. This will give them access to your home in case of an emergency.
- Park your car in the garage or a well-lit area. This will make it less visible to potential burglars.
- Make sure your lawn is mowed and your sidewalks are shoveled. This will make it appear as if someone is home.
Conclusion
By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your home is safe and secure while you are away on holiday travel. This will give you peace of mind and allow you to enjoy your vacation without worry.
I hope this article is helpful. Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Susan Brewer Service First Real Estate (636)936-8600
Published on 2023-11-14 15:37:11
