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Spring break is right around the corner. Though vacations are exciting, there are a lot of things you should do before you take off—to ensure you have peace-of-mind while you relax away from home.
Don’t Leave Clues for Thieves
Vacation times (Spring Break, Thanksgiving, Christmas) are when criminals are most likely to pay your home a visit. You can take a few steps to help your home look lived in, to reduce the likelihood of criminal activity while you’re away.
- Park at least one car in the driveway, so it appears that someone is home.
- Hold all mail (including packages) or ask a trusted neighbor to bring in your deliveries.
- Don’t leave spare keys outside.
- Put your lights/lamps on a timer to mimic your family’s typical schedule.
- Mow your lawn and ensure your hedges and plants are maintained.
- Install smart locks for house/pet sitters.
- Don’t mention your travel plans on social media until after you’ve returned home.
Pre-Clean Your Home
Nobody wants to come home to a smelly situation. Keep your relaxation going even after your vacation by taking time to clean your home before you leave. You can return from your vacation and rest, rather than cleaning up a mess.
- Clean your refrigerator and freezer (before taking out the trash)
- Take out the trash from every room
- Vacuum, dust, wipe down sinks, counters and the bathroom
- Make the beds
Set Everything to Energy-Saving
- If you’re gone for more than three days, take a vacation from your electric bill. Dial back your energy usage to save big on your energy bill.
- If you don’t have pets, set your thermostat to 85 degrees in the summer and 55 in the winter. If you do have pets staying home, decide on a setting that will keep them safe and comfortable.
- If you have smart home automation from Trane, turn your thermostat off completely so it won’t turn on every time your house sitter stops in. But if you have pets in the house, keep it on for them.
- Unplug all small electronics, like chargers, that will constantly draw electricity and increase your bill.
- Close blinds and curtains to keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. That way your unit won’t have to work too hard while you’re on vacation.
- Place your water heater on vacation mode if it has that option, so it operates more efficiently and gets a break.
Once you’ve checked off your list, you’re all set. Sit back, relax and enjoy your vacation with peace of mind, knowing you’ll return home to happy, secure home and a lower monthly energy bill.
