By Tyler R. Morrissey
We are in the midst of the final full month of summer. If you have not taken a summer vacation yet the clock is ticking. When you take a vacation from the trials and tribulations of everyday life, your most important asset, your home, does not take a break. Instead of forgetting about your property while you’re away, there are steps you can take before you travel that will not only give you the peace of mind, but will make returning from your trip a breeze.
Mail Call
Picture yourself relaxing on the beach with a cool drink in your hand and a breeze coming off of the water, when suddenly you realize it. Did I remember to stop my mail? As you prep for a vacation, something as simple as your daily mail or newspaper delivery can easily slip your mind. Real Simple recommends that you contact the post office at least three days before to stop all mail delivery until you return. The reasoning behind this is you don’t want your mail piling up and spilling out of the mailbox. Not only is this an eyesore, but it’s a tip-off that nobody is home. If you are an avid Amazon Prime user, don’t forget to hold any UPS deliveries as well.
In the Doghouse
Some hotels and resorts these days are becoming more pet friendly, but if you are staying somewhere that does not allow man’s best friend you will need to make arrangements for your pets while you are away. The Huffington Post has compiled a list of 25 things to do before you leave for an extended period of time and one of these tips is to ensure your animals are taken care of while you’re away. Take four-legged friends to a family member’s home or a trusted neighbor. If that’s not an option you can always scope out a trusted kennel or even send your dog for a vacation of their own.
It’s Electric
Maybe you are only taking a few weekend getaways this summer. If so, HGTV recommends leaving a few lamps on in the main floor of your home to make the property look occupied. If your trip consists of three or more days, it might be a good idea to invest in some automatic timers that can turn your lights on and off at staggered intervals. It’s also a good idea to adjust your thermostat or air conditioner so you won’t waste energy and electricity in your absence.
Water Works
A homeowner’s worst fear is any type of water damage. The TODAY Show suggests turning off your home’s water at the main shut-off valve to help prevent any plumbing leaks while you’re on vacation. While you set your work email to “vacation mode,” it’s also a good idea to do the same with your hot water heater. Most water heaters have a vacation mode that will only let it run occasionally while you’re gone. Many don’t realize that if you’re gone for two weeks, the water heater will be constantly firing up all day long to maintain a high temperature. When you return home simply flip the switch back and you’ll have hot water again within 20 minutes.
