Your home is vulnerable when you’re away on vacation. It’s a target for burglars, and if you’re not careful, you could come home to find your possessions gone or your home damaged. It’s essential to take some precautions before you leave to protect your home while you’re away. You want to make sure your home is safe, and you also want to make it look like someone is still there. Here’s a checklist of things to do before you travel.
1. Make sure all doors and windows are locked.
Of course, you want to ensure all your doors and windows are locked before you leave. Doing so will deter burglars and keep your home safe. But, it’s also a good idea to add some extra security. If you have a deadbolt, use it. You can also put bars or dowels in the tracks of your sliding glass doors.
When locking your doors, be sure to also lock any garage doors or side doors. And, if you have a home security system, set it before you leave. Some security systems will ring an alarm if a door or window is opened, alerting your neighbors or the police. You can also set your system to notify you of any activity while away.
2. Stop your mail and newspaper delivery.
If you have mail or newspapers delivered to your home, stop the service while you’re away. A pile of mail or newspapers is a dead giveaway that no one is home. To stop your mail, you can put a hold on it with the post office. For newspapers, you can call the delivery service and ask them to suspend your service.
You can also ask a neighbor to pick up your mail and newspapers. If you do this, give them your key so they can access your home. Ask them to also take out any garbage that might accumulate while you’re away.
3. Unplug all electronics.
Before you leave, it’s a good idea to unplug all of your electronics. This includes items like your television, computer, and coffee maker. Not only will this save you money on your energy bill, but it will also protect your electronics in case of a power outage. If there’s a storm while you’re away, you don’t want your electronics to be damaged by a power surge.
You can also plug your electronics into a surge protector. You can use it to protect your appliances from power surges and keep them safe while you’re away. Especially your refrigerator – you don’t want your food to spoil because of a power outage!
4. Check the plumbing.
Before you leave, it’s a good idea to check your plumbing. Make sure there are no leaks or drips, and all your faucets are turned off. It’s also a good idea to turn off the water in your washing machine. This will prevent any water damage if there is a leak while you’re away.
If you find any leaks, be sure to repair them before you leave. Call expert plumbing services if you need help. They can fix the leaks and ensure your plumbing is in good working order. You can also ask them to check your water heater and sump pump while they’re there.
5. Put lights on timers.
Burglars are more likely to target a home that looks empty. One way to make your home look lived-in is to put lights on timers. This will give the appearance that someone is home, even when they’re not. You can put lights in your living room, bedroom, and bathroom. Just be sure to set the timer, so the lights turn on and off at different times.
You can also put your TV on a timer. This will create the illusion that someone is home watching television. You can even put a radio on a timer, so it turns on and off throughout the day. Depending on the timer you use, you can even set it to turn on and off at random times.
6. Arrange for pet care.
If you have pets, you’ll need to make arrangements for their care while you’re away. You can ask a friend or neighbor to check on them and provide them with food and water. If you have a dog, you can ask them to take your dog for walks. You can also hire a professional pet sitter to take care of your pets while away.
Look for a pet sitter who is bonded and insured. This will protect you in case your pet is injured while in their care. You should also ask for references and meet with the pet sitter before leaving. This will allow you to get to know them and ensure they’re a good fit for your pet.
Following these tips will help you prepare your home for travel. By taking these precautions, you can rest assured that your home is safe and secure while you’re away. Always err on the side of caution when it comes to your home’s security. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry!
