Whether you’re a meticulous vacation planner or more carefree, you don’t want to be laissez-faire when it comes to leaving your home. That’s why the pre-vacation prep of your home is a necessary step in your departure routine.

Whether a weekend jaunt rather or a multi-week adventure, you need to make sure your home is safe and secure from burglars or hazards.

Don’t wait for the last minute to handle these must-do items. Better yet, create a handy list for future reference so it becomes easier and easier each time.

Preventing Break Ins

Don’t make your home seem desolate and empty while you’re gone. That’s a perfect invite for break-ins!

• Using several outlet timers, program inside lamps and tv’s to turn on in the evenings to make it seem like someone is home. The newest “smart home” devices allow you to control lights remotely, turn lights on and off “randomly”, or even learn your regular lighting habits and mimic them while you’re away. *Make sure your bulbs are working!
• Get outside motion-sensitive lights in the front and back yards to deter anyone from walking toward your home at night.
• Ask a good neighbor to take out garbage and recycling bins on trash day. And have them return them the next day. You don’t want to stand out as the only home on the block without your trash containers out.
• Make arrangements to have your lawn mowed and outdoor plant containers watered. This is a must if you plan to be away for more than a week.
• Park your car in the driveway or ask a neighbor to park there if they have an extra car.
• Give a good friend or neighbor a key so that they can do a walk-through of your home, especially if you are gone for a while. They can water houseplants and double check to see if everything is okay.
• Pause your regular mail or newspaper delivery (done easily at USPS.com) and have a neighbor bring in any packages.

Preventing Mishaps

There are certain things you need to do before you leave to prevent a fire, water damage, or any other hazard from happening.

• Shut off your main water valve so that you’ll prevent water damage if a pipe bursts. At the very least, you should shut off the water valves to your washing machine, dishwasher and sinks.
• Unplug small appliances and electronic devices. This includes toaster, coffee makers, TVs, modems, exercise machines, etc.
• Set your thermostat to a consistent temperature. You don’t want burst pipes in the winter or an overheated home in the summer. Aim for 60-65 degrees in the winter. Keep thermostats set in the 70’s in the summer to prevent mold and mildew growth. If you travel frequently, consider purchasing a wireless thermostat that can communicate with your smartphone to let you know if your home is getting too hot.
• Double check that all windows are locked and secured. Same with all doors, and remove any hidden outside keys.
• Adjust shades and certain curtains so no one can look inside your home, but at the same time doesn’t make your home look unlived in.
• Check your washing machine for forgotten laundry.
• Empty all bedroom and bathroom trashcans. Do a sponge wipe of all countertops.
• In the kitchen, remove perishable food from the fridge, take out the garbage, wash and store dishes, and check that your garbage disposal is empty of scraps.
• Prevent mildew by leaving the washing machine door, dish washer door, and shower doors and curtains somewhat ajar.
• Do a quick sweep of the floors for crumbs to avoid attracting ants and other critters.
• Make sure storm drains are cleared of debris to prevent costly water damage.

Technology for Vacationers

There are several options for those of you who want to go more high-tech when it comes to monitoring your home. Most devices can connect to your smartphone and keep you updated while on vacation and notify you if something isn’t right.

• Indoor and outdoor cameras, like Ring or NestCams, are almost a must. They can monitor and alert you to activity that can be helpful in both break-ins and potential home mishaps and hazards.
• Consider getting a smartlock that allows you to “unlock” your door from miles away. Instead of giving out keys, you can let the appropriate people in your home only when necessary and approved.
• As previously mentioned, smart thermostats can be great for adjusting indoor temperature remotely in case of unexpected extreme weather. They may also save energy by adjusting to the outdoor temperature when needed.
• Alexa and similar devices can be used to program or remotely control lights and electronics. There are even “away” modes that allow the device to listen for signs of break ins.

Have an awesome vacation!