How To Prepare Your Home For When You’re On Vacation

While you are busy making plans and packing up to go on vacation, don’t forget to think about your home before you leave. Rushing to get your vacation underway, it’s easy to overlook some simple tasks that can go a long way in protecting your home. Here are some smart tips to ensure you return to a home that is in the same condition as when you left it. Bon voyage!

1. Stop USPS mail delivery.

Ask the United States Postal Service (USPS) to hold your mail. You can request the service online with an option to pick up your mail on your return or to start delivery on a specific date. The postal service will hold your mail for up to 30 days from the indicated start date.

2. Stop package deliveries.

If you have subscription services that deliver items automatically, make sure they will not be delivered while you are away. Packages piling up on your doorstep are like welcome mats for burglars. If you have something that you know will be delivered while you are gone, make proper arrangements with a neighbor or friend.

3. Put your car in the garage.

Vehicles left in the driveway or on the street quickly become targets for car thieves. Vandals may damage cars parked on the street, and storms can damage vehicles exposed to the elements. Finding a tree branch on top of your car or a scratch on your door isn’t the best way to end a vacation. If you aren’t taking your car with you and can’t park it in your garage (not everyone does), we also suggest parking it at a friend or relative’s house so that it can be off the street or driveway area while you are gone.

4. Schedule lawn maintenance.

If you have a sprinkler system, make sure it is set to automatic. Be sure to set the timer for early morning to conserve water. If you will be gone for more than a week, arrange for someone to come mow your lawn and water any potted plants or gardens.

5. Put lights on a timer.

Use timers to turn lights off and on at random times to give the appearance that someone is at home. Smart lighting can let you adjust lighting remotely from anywhere in the world, whether you’re relaxing on a beach in Bali or careening down the side of a mountain in the Alps. Making sure that your home appears occupied is an excellent way to deter potential thieves, which goes a long way to giving you and your family valuable peace of mind while you are on vacation. 

Along these lines, you may want to consider installing a set of beautiful permanent Christmas lights for year-round peace of mind, festivity, and fun. We heartily recommend our friends at Oelo for your first and only choice when it comes to outdoor LED lighting accessories for your home. With a setup by Oelo, you can digitally control your lighting system remotely and securely change the color, movement, and timing of your permanently affixed and durable LED lights. A perfect accessory to enjoy while you are at home or on vacation.

6. Adjust your thermostat.

You will want to set your air conditioning to between ten and twenty degrees below the average highs. This will keep large appliances from working overtime to keep things cool. In the winter, set the indoor thermostat to at least 60 degrees to prevent pipes from freezing. If you have pipes that are likely to freeze, wrap them in insulation before leaving.

7. Turn off the water.

Not everyone is comfortable turning off the main water supply; however, it’s a good practice to turn off the water to the following:

• Water Heater
• Dishwasher
• Refrigerator
• Washer

Limiting the water supply can reduce water damage if there’s a problem with the plumbing or a leak develops.

8. Adjust curtains and shades.

Closing all curtains and blinds makes a home look unoccupied. Open some curtains slightly and raise blinds to give the appearance of being at home without letting anyone get a clear view of the interior. Think about what can be seen at night with lights on and partially open window coverings. In the summer, closing the blinds in east or west facing windows will help keep your home cooler.

9. Lock windows and doors.

Make sure all windows and doors are locked, including pet doors. Not only can thieves gain access through pet doors, but wildlife visitors can also. It’s amazing how much damage squirrels or raccoons can do in just a few days.

10. Install cameras.

Consider putting in a doorbell camera to monitor the outside of your home. Placing other exterior cameras near primary entries can help deter suspicious activity and provide peace of mind. Many cameras are internet-capable, allowing you to view your home remotely and be notified when motion occurs.

11. Check your home’s exterior.

As a final check, make sure there are no access points from the exterior of your home. Secure crawl spaces to prevent access to four- and two-legged intruders. Check that garage doors are locked.

If you’re leaving when storm activity is high, take a look at siding and shingles. High winds and driving rain or snow can damage exterior finishes, especially if they are in need of repair.

12. Take out the trash.

Throw away any perishables that may begin to smell while you’re away. Take all standing trash out and clean any dirty dishes to avoid having unpleasant odors or pests greet you at the door.

13. Leave contact information.

Consider leaving contact information with a family member or neighbor on where you’ll be staying and how to reach you outside of a cell phone number. Cell service is not always available and in case of emergency, documenting a direct line at your destination is good practice, especially if you will be traveling internationally.

Enjoy Your Vacation

Knowing you’ve protected your home proactively lets you enjoy your time away with reduced stress. You’ll return recharged to a home that has been well cared for during your absence with hopefully no new unwanted surprises!