![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ustoa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/YMT.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nPrepping for your travels is exciting. You\u2019ve gotten your itinerary squared away and your packing list is growing longer and longer. But before the adventures can begin, you should make sure your house is vacation-ready. You\u2019ll need a pre-vacation checklist to help keep your home safe and clean while you\u2019re away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Home Preparation Checklist For Leaving On Vacation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ustoa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/YMT-2.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nDon\u2019t let the excitement of your upcoming trip distract from the tasks needed to prepare your home before departure. Before jetting off to gorgeous parts of the world, be sure to consider the following tips so that you return to a clean house and optimal sanity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Clean Your House & Fridge<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The last thing you want when you return from a beautiful vacation is to enter a messy house. Before you jet off, make sure you thoroughly clean your home. Cleaning your house before a vacation ensures you will have less work to do once you return from your trip. Dust surfaces, vacuum the floors, wipe the counters, take out the trash, and put away the laundry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Throw out any fruits sitting on the counter and clean out your refrigerator. If you still have a few days before your trip, save money and cook up food that could go bad while you\u2019re gone. Toss whatever you don’t use or place it in the freezer. Once you\u2019re done cleaning the house, be sure to take out all trash so you can return to a fresh-smelling home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Practice Fire Prevention<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Before you head out, do a thorough scan of anything that could cause a fire. Unplug electronics that won\u2019t need power while you\u2019re gone. This includes routers, air fresheners, computers, televisions, chargers, and small kitchen appliances. You’ll protect your space from catching flames, as well as avoid a hefty energy bill upon your return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, triple-check your smoke detectors. If something were to go wrong, you\u2019d at least want them to sound off so your neighbors can take action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ustoa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/YMT-3.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nProgram the Thermostat <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A great way to save some money while you\u2019re off exploring the world is by setting your thermostat. You want the air circulating so you can avoid condensation. If you don\u2019t have a smart thermostat, set your thermostat to a warmer temperature in summer and a colder temperature in the winter. Just make sure it\u2019s above freezing, since you don\u2019t want to freeze your pipes. Leaving a fan on is a great alternative to keep that air flowing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Put Your Mail on Hold<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Built-up mail is a signal to burglars that someone isn\u2019t home. If you are preparing your house for an extended vacation, reach out to the United States Postal Service<\/a> before you leave and ask them to put your mail on hold. They will keep your mail anywhere from three to 30 days. You can also ask a friend to stop by your house every few days to check your mailbox.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAsk a Friend to Stop By<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s always the best when your friends or family members show up for you even while you\u2019re away. If you can, ask a friend or family member to stop by your home to water plants, check on pets that don\u2019t need 24\/7 supervision, and maintain other household chores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you aren\u2019t comfortable asking a friend to check on your home while you\u2019re away, technology can help. Some companies will match you with a house sitter while you\u2019re out of town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Secure Entry Points<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The worst thing is being out of town and realizing you might have forgotten to shut the window after that warm, breezy day. Before leaving, be sure to close and lock all windows and doors. You want to eliminate the possibility of someone having easy access to your home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you have an alarm system and accidentally leave a door unlocked, someone could walk into your home or apartment without setting off the alarm to alert the authorities. Double-check all entryways to make sure you have secured your home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t Forget the Details<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Getting ready for a trip means crossing off your packing list and preparing all your proper documents<\/a>. Call your bank and let them know you\u2019ll be traveling. Alert your alarm company if you have one, and be sure to follow the above rules when preparing your home for your time away. You\u2019ll have peace of mind and enjoy your trip more knowing that a secure and well-prepped home is waiting for you when you return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nDon\u2019t let the excitement of your upcoming trip distract from the tasks needed to prepare your home before departure. Before jetting off to gorgeous parts of the world, be sure to consider the following tips so that you return to a clean house and optimal sanity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Clean Your House & Fridge<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The last thing you want when you return from a beautiful vacation is to enter a messy house. Before you jet off, make sure you thoroughly clean your home. Cleaning your house before a vacation ensures you will have less work to do once you return from your trip. Dust surfaces, vacuum the floors, wipe the counters, take out the trash, and put away the laundry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Throw out any fruits sitting on the counter and clean out your refrigerator. If you still have a few days before your trip, save money and cook up food that could go bad while you\u2019re gone. Toss whatever you don’t use or place it in the freezer. Once you\u2019re done cleaning the house, be sure to take out all trash so you can return to a fresh-smelling home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Practice Fire Prevention<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Before you head out, do a thorough scan of anything that could cause a fire. Unplug electronics that won\u2019t need power while you\u2019re gone. This includes routers, air fresheners, computers, televisions, chargers, and small kitchen appliances. You’ll protect your space from catching flames, as well as avoid a hefty energy bill upon your return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, triple-check your smoke detectors. If something were to go wrong, you\u2019d at least want them to sound off so your neighbors can take action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A great way to save some money while you\u2019re off exploring the world is by setting your thermostat. You want the air circulating so you can avoid condensation. If you don\u2019t have a smart thermostat, set your thermostat to a warmer temperature in summer and a colder temperature in the winter. Just make sure it\u2019s above freezing, since you don\u2019t want to freeze your pipes. Leaving a fan on is a great alternative to keep that air flowing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Built-up mail is a signal to burglars that someone isn\u2019t home. If you are preparing your house for an extended vacation, reach out to the United States Postal Service<\/a> before you leave and ask them to put your mail on hold. They will keep your mail anywhere from three to 30 days. You can also ask a friend to stop by your house every few days to check your mailbox.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s always the best when your friends or family members show up for you even while you\u2019re away. If you can, ask a friend or family member to stop by your home to water plants, check on pets that don\u2019t need 24\/7 supervision, and maintain other household chores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you aren\u2019t comfortable asking a friend to check on your home while you\u2019re away, technology can help. Some companies will match you with a house sitter while you\u2019re out of town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The worst thing is being out of town and realizing you might have forgotten to shut the window after that warm, breezy day. Before leaving, be sure to close and lock all windows and doors. You want to eliminate the possibility of someone having easy access to your home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have an alarm system and accidentally leave a door unlocked, someone could walk into your home or apartment without setting off the alarm to alert the authorities. Double-check all entryways to make sure you have secured your home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Getting ready for a trip means crossing off your packing list and preparing all your proper documents<\/a>. Call your bank and let them know you\u2019ll be traveling. Alert your alarm company if you have one, and be sure to follow the above rules when preparing your home for your time away. You\u2019ll have peace of mind and enjoy your trip more knowing that a secure and well-prepped home is waiting for you when you return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nProgram the Thermostat <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Put Your Mail on Hold<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Ask a Friend to Stop By<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Secure Entry Points<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t Forget the Details<\/h3>\n\n\n\n