If you’re planning to go on holiday, don’t forget that apart from booking accommodation, flights, and tourist attractions, you should also make sure your home is ready before you leave. There are certain tasks to complete so you can enjoy a worry-free trip. Learn about the six tasks to complete before going on holiday:
Don’t Forget About the Pets
Image via Flickr by liverpoolhls
If you can’t take your pets along, you’ll need to find a way to keep them comfortable and happy. They should probably stay with someone they know and like, such as a close relative, but if that’s not an option, you can always hire a pet sitter. Of course, some types of pets, such as cats, will be fine on their own if you’re only gone for a couple of days. Just be sure to leave out some food and water for them and set the thermostat to keep the house at a comfortable temperature.
Shut off the Water Supply
You should turn off the water shut-off valve to avoid potential leaks unless you need it on for sprinklers or an ice maker. If you’re away for a long time, have a neighbor run the faucets every couple of weeks to stop sewer gas from infiltrating your home.
Change Your HVAC Filters
Before you leave your house, don’t forget to change the filters of your HVAC unit. Taking care of your HVAC system ensures that it’ll work more efficiently and therefore decrease your utility bills. Another advantage is that your home will have better indoor air quality as the filter blocks allergens such as dust and pollen.
Use up Perishable Food
No one likes to get home from a lovely trip only to find a stinky fridge full of spoiled food. The best course of action is to consume or throw away any food that’s about to expire. If it’s a long trip, you might want to unplug the fridge and leave it open to prevent mildew and mold growth.
Put Lights on a Timer
If you’re just traveling for a short period, leaving a few lights on should be enough to deter thieves. However, if you’re going on a long trip, you should invest in a timer, which will turn the lights on and off at certain times of the day, giving the impression that there’s always someone at home.
Unplug Small Appliances
Did you know that many appliances consume energy even when they’re not being used? If you’re going away for a long time, it’s important to unplug electronics like computers and televisions so you don’t find a larger-than-necessary electricity bill when you get home. It’s also going to protect your devices against power surges, which can damage them.
Going on holiday with your family can be a great way to relax and have fun, but if you don’t take care of your home, you might come back to a few unpleasant surprises. In order to avoid any headaches, create a checklist of all the important tasks you need to complete before you take off on vacation.
