Prep Your House for Vacation – A Checklist
Prep Your House for Vacation – A Checklist
Prep Your House for Vacation – A Checklist
There’s nothing better than the anticipation of going on a summer vacation. However, there is a certain amount of preparation to do before embarking on your travels. Check out these tips to keep in mind before you leave town:
- Utilitarian – There’s no reason to keep an empty house as cold as an icebox, so be sure to adjust your AC temperature before leaving.
- Manage Electronics – Be sure to completely shut down computers and unplug those energy hog electronics. Believe it or not, many appliances still use electricity even when not turned on!
- Exterior Bulb – Run a test a few days before leaving to make sure all exterior flood/security lights are working. Replace any burned out bulbs.
- Think of the pets – Line up pet care and make sure that the food and treats are stocked up before leaving.
- House sitter – If you have someone coming to check on your house/pets, be sure they have clear instructions and keys and any alarm codes before leaving.
- Bills, Bills, Bills – Be sure to pay any bills that will be due while you’re gone. Also, notify your credit card company that you plan to travel so they don’t freeze your card.
- Don’t be expired – Check drivers license, passport and credit/debit card expiration dates to make sure they will not expire prior or during your travels. That would be terrible!
- Clean it out or It will Stink! – Empty the fridge and pantry of any perishable food and then take out the trash. While you’re emptying, make sure the washer is empty too!
- Keep it Quiet – It may be a bit paranoid, but better safe than sorry! Don’t post on social media about your trip or how long you’ll be gone. No info is truly safe once it’s posted online and you don’t want the info falling into burglar’s hands.
- Right before you walk out the door – Just before you leave, close the curtains, lock the windows and doors, set water heater to vacation mode and set the alarm.
Summer travels will be much more relaxing if you take the time to do some house prep before you leave. Once the list is completed, the only thing to do is sit back and relax on the beach with a fruity drink! Cheers to Summer!
Lisa Priest is always dreaming of that next trip and is a Palestine, Texas Broker/REALTOR® with Picket Fence Realty, Inc. You can reach her via phone or text at 903-948-3343 or read more at BuyPalestine.com.
