When you’re getting ready to go on vacation this summer, chances are you aren’t thinking about preparing your home for your absence. Instead, you’re daydreaming about relaxing on the beach or exploring a foreign city. But summer vacation home prep is important to make sure everything is shipshape when you return.
Here’s how to prepare your home for a summer vacation:
Arrange help
As soon as you have your trip planned, ask a friend, neighbor or family member to keep an eye on your house. Have them water the plants, bring in the mail and put out the trash on collection day. Arrange a pet sitter if needed. If you have to hire someone to do these tasks, get referrals from people you know and trust.
Stop the mail
The USPS will hold your mail for a specified period of time at your request. Do the same for newspapers, subscription boxes and meal kit deliveries unless you have someone who can bring them inside for you.
Schedule lawn care
If you mow your own grass, go over it a day or so before you leave. Have someone mow it again if you’ll be gone more than a week during the growing season. An overgrown lawn is a very visible sign that no one is around.
Put lights on timers
A completely dark house is another giveaway that the place is empty. Put several lamps on timers. Set them to mimic your usual routine so it looks as if you’re home.
Check the fridge
Eat, freeze or give away any food that won’t last until you return. Make sure all food scraps are cleaned up and food packages are closed.
Take out the trash
Empty all indoor trash cans. Put the trash into your outdoor bins with bags tied and lids tightly closed. Be sure the person taking care of your house knows when to put the trash out for collection and when to bring the cans back in.
Turn up the thermostat
No need to waste energy cooling your house when no one is home! You may not want to turn the air conditioning off completely, but do set the temperature higher than normal to conserve energy and reduce your bill. In winter, turn the heat down when you go away. Set it at about 55 degrees to save energy and prevent pipes from freezing.
Unplug electrical devices
Electronics use energy even when they’re not active. Other electric devices can become fire hazards in certain situations. Unplug your TVs, game consoles, computers and printers as well as coffee makers, toasters, microwaves, hair appliances and paper shredders. This helps prevent fires and damage from power surges and lightning strikes.
Shut off the water
You don’t want to come home to broken pipes or plumbing leaks. If no one will be checking on your home, shut off the water supply at the main shut-off valve just before you leave.
Secure your home
As you walk out the door to go on vacation, make sure all doors and windows are locked, alarms are set and video surveillance is synced to your phone.
New homes in OKC
Enjoy your next vacation knowing that a beautiful new home from TimberCraft is waiting for you on your return. Our homes are located in thriving communities where you can enjoy low-maintenance living in beautifully designed energy-efficient homes. With on-site amenities, our communities offer a resort-like feel all year long!
Use our summer vacation home prep tips on your next home from TimberCraft. Call 405-757-7067 today to schedule your tour of available homes in our OKC communities.
