Whether you’re a meticulous vacation planner or more carefree, you don’t want to take any chances when it comes to leaving your biggest investment, your home.

No one wants to be enjoying a day at the beach and then feel like something is amiss back home.

That’s why a pre-vacation prep of your home is a necessary step in your departure routine.

Even if you are only gone for a few days rather than a week-long adventure, you need to make sure your home is safe and secure from burglars or hazards and avoid any unnecessary expenses or insurance claims.

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

Make It Seem Like You’re Still Home

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

Let there be light:

• Use timers on inside lamps and motion sensors to make it seem like someone is home. There are also “smart home” devices that you can use remotely to change things up even more.
• Program a timer so that lights (and even your TV!) can go on each evening for several hours. Again, if you don’t want to go old school, check out “smart home” gadgets that you can use remotely.
• Get outside motion-sensitive lights in the front and back yards to deter anyone from walking toward your home at night.
• Remember always to check if your bulbs are working before you leave!

Don’t forget about trash day:

• Ask a trusted neighbor to take out the 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.

Don’t forget about the outside:

• Ask a family member or friend to mow your yard.  Or hire a professional. If you plan to be gone more than a week, be sure to ask someone to water your potted plants or garden as well.
• Make sure storm drains are cleared of debris to prevent costly water damage.

Create a sense of activity:

• Don’t leave your driveway empty. Park your car in the driveway or ask a neighbor to park there if they have an extra vehicle.

Help from Neighbors or Friends

It’s always good to let your nearby neighbors know you’ll be away. That way, you’ve got someone keeping an eye on your home.

• Provide friends and neighbors with your contact information and anyone they can call if there is an emergency.
• A trusted neighbor can look out for any delivered packages. Or you can temporarily stop the regular mail or newspaper delivery.
• Give a family member or friend 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 check to see if everything is okay. Burst water pipes can happen when no one is home to notice!

Prep Your Home

Be sure to do certain things before you leave to prevent a fire, water damage, pests, or any other hazards 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. Water damage is costly!
• Unplug small appliances and electronic devices, including toasters, 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, and set 10 degrees lower than the outside temperature in the summer to avoid mold and mildew from forming.
• Double-check that all doors and windows are locked and secured, and remove any hidden outside keys.
• Adjust shades and curtains so no one can look inside your home, but at the same time doesn’t make your home look like no one is home.
• Don’t leave wet laundry in the washing machine!
• Empty the trashcans in all the rooms and wipe down all the countertops.
• Remove perishable food from the fridge.
• Take out the garbage to avoid a stench when you return.
• Empty the dishwasher, and check that your garbage disposal is empty of scraps.
• Do a quick sweep of the floors for crumbs to avoid attracting ants and other critters.

Other Technology for Vacationers

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

You can get a smart lock that allows you to “unlock” your door from miles away. Or you’ll know when someone rings your doorbell or when the temperature rises. You can even get an indoor camera that detects motion or a front door camera.

New gadgets come out every year and get easier and easier to use remotely via an app on your smartphone. Carefully research these “smart home” devices to see if they match your needs and budget.

Hopefully, you’re all prepared to leave your home and protect your biggest investment.

Have an awesome vacation!