Anticipating a vacation getaway is an exciting time. Besides deciding which of your best flip flops to pack or how many pairs of dress slacks you’ll need, there are some things you should do at home to prepare for being away.
These tips will increase your safety, secure your home, and make your return more pleasant.
1. If you are going to be away for more than a week, get caught up on your finances and pay any bills that will come due while you’re away, Michael Kaye, CEO of Costa Rica Expeditions tells The Huffington Post.
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2. Keep your home safe by turning off your main water supply to prevent water damage from unexpected leaks. Also, unplug all electronics. Even if they are turned off, they will still use energy while you are away. Unplugging electronics will also help prevent electrical fires, says the Esurance blog.
3. Hold all your mail and newspapers, says Michael Kaye. Letting mail pile up will only advertise to potential burglars that you are out of town.
4. Clean out your refrigerator and take out trash that contains food, says Apartment Therapy. If you will be away for any length of time, food will spoil causing foul odors and attracting pests.
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5. Prepare and freeze a simple, hearty meal for the day you return from your trip, recommends the Esurance blog. Having something like chili, soup, or Bolognese sauce with spaghetti ready to eat will save you money and will be a pleasant treat for returning home.
6. Clean your house. Apartment Therapy says coming home to a clean house makes you appreciate home sweet home even more. Unpacking and getting back into your routine will be easier too.
7. Put your lights on a timer, says Esurance. A dark house or one where the lights are always on tells burglars you are not home. Set the lights to go on and off at preset times of the day.
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