3 Ways to Prepare Your Home Before You Take A Family Trip
When you’re preparing to take a big trip with your family, you likely have a million things on your mind that you need to take care of before you will actually get out the door. From the actual planning of your trip, packing up each member, and preparing all the logistics, it’s easy for something to slip through the cracks that could cause a major problem down the road.
One thing many families overlook when leaving for a family trip is preparing their home for their absence. Even being gone for a few days can have an effect on your home, which is why you should try to schedule in some time to ensure your home is just as ready for your trip as you are. To help with this, here are three ways to prepare your home before you take a family trip.
Clean It Up
Although it might not be very high on your priority list now, no one wants to come home from vacation to a messy house. And though it might take a little more planning and a bit more time, cleaning your house before you leave can save you from major headaches when you return. HGTV.com recommends doing things like cleaning out your fridge, getting your laundry done, cleaning the grout around your bathroom fixtures, and spraying for bugs as part of your home cleaning preparation. All these things will ensure that you don’t come home to any interesting smells or surprises after your trip.
Save On Utilities
If you’re not spending time in your house, it only makes sense to also save some money by cutting back on your utility bills over the period that you’ll be away. To get the maximum savings in this area, you might want to take a few extra measures in addition to just turning off all your lights. DIYNetwork.com suggests doing things like unplugging small appliances, turning down your water heater, and turning off the water valves to water fixtures. By doing these things, you’ll pay even less on your utility bills and save water and energy in the process.
Secure Your Property
While locking your doors and windows will help keep your home safe while you’re away, there are a few other simple things you should do for an added measure of protection for your property. Michael Kaye, a contributor to the Huffington Post, recommends holding your mail at the post office, taking care of your landscaping, removing any hidden keys, and pulling the shades on your windows so as to not give away any tell-tale signs that your home is vacant. These measures could all help to further secure your property until you return home from your family trip.
If you’re planning to get away with your family soon, use the tips mentioned above to do so safely and securely.