Being a hardworking father is, well, hard. That’s why everyone needs some time away from their work and home, regardless of their profession. A family vacation is a great way to sightsee new places or visit friends or family in other parts of the country. Time off also rejuvenates you for when you come back. Still, there are different ways to prep your home before vacation that you must do to protect your house and your sanity.
Clean
The most obvious way to prep your house before leaving for vacation is to clean it. A clean house is a nice house. Cleaning doesn’t mean a basic sweep around the house either. Thoroughly clean your home before you leave to reduce pests, grime, dirt, and dust. Take out trash and recycling, wipe the floors, sweep dust, and perform deep cleans in your rooms. The last thing you want to come home to is a house full of mold and vermin. Additionally, clear out any foods that might spoil during your trip. Eat or toss the foods that might rot.
Lock All Entryways
It’s also important that you lock all entryways into the home, especially windows and doors. Even if you live in a safe neighborhood, you never want to leave windows partially open, as it makes it easier for thieves to get inside. Not to mention, bugs can chew through screen doors and nest in your house while you’re away. Lock all doors—even those in the home leading to the garage or basement. You never know if someone could gain access to your home. Securing all possible entryways reduces their opportunity to get inside the house. It may also help to program the house’s lights on a timed schedule to make it seem like someone is still inside.
Prep Your HVAC System
Your HVAC system is an essential component of your house. There are many ways to prep your HVAC system before an extended vacation. You must consider these to save money while reducing your energy bill. Set the thermostat to a routine system to preserve energy. Additionally, install a surge protector in case of thunderstorms. You’ll spend considerably more money replacing or repairing busted electronics if you overlook these things.
Get Help With Mail and Pets
The last way to prep your home before vacation is to have a trusted individual look after your mail and pets while you’re away. Having mail and packages pile up in your mailbox or outside your door is a clear sign no one is home. Someone could use that information to steal your mail and break into the house. It helps to have a trustworthy person, such as a friend, family member, or neighbor, collect your mail. You should also enlist that person’s help to feed, maintain, and care for pets if you have any. This way, you won’t need to stress about them later.
