Your vacation should be full of fun and relaxation with not a care in the world.  The last thing you should be worried about is your home when you are away.  Weather your going out of town for a few days, a few weeks, or longer follow these 10 easy ways to prepare your home for your absence.

10 ways To Prepare Your Home

1. Adjust Your Thermostat

The last thing you want to do after a wonderful vacation is come home to a huge electric bill.  Set your air conditioner to 85 degrees in the summer and your heater to 55 degrees in cold weather.

2. Set Programmable Light Timers

Light timers turn your household lamps on and off at the times you set them.  This gives the appearance you are still home. Set a few of the timers to light at different times of the night.   You can also use these timers to set a radio to go on and off.  Make sure you test the timers prior to leaving on vacation.

3. Unplug

Even when your appliances and electronics are off they still are using energy when they are plugged in.  Unplug items like coffee makers, toothbrushes, computers, toasters, TV’s, and sound systems.

4. Turn Off Your Water

Avoid coming home to a leak, turn off the water to your home.  Just keep in mind this might affect your sprinkler system.

5. Water Heater

Set your water heater on vacation mode and save money on your heating bill.

6. Clean Out Your Refrigerator

The last thing you want to come to is a stinky house.  Throw out items that will expire while you are away.  Leave a opened container of baking soda to absorb any ordors.

7. Mail

Contact the USPS to suspend delivery of your mail or have a neighbor collect it for you.  If you are lucky enough to have a neighbor help out ask them to remove any flyers or papers left at your door.

8. Spare Keys

If you normally keep a spare key to your home in an outside hiding place remove it while your gone.

9. Smoke Detectors

Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are all in working order and have fresh batteries.

10. Social Media

Don’t announce to the world that you are out of town, even if you are on private settings.  Post your vacation photos once you return.

 

SaveSave