There’s no better feeling than the anticipation of a vacation around the corner. But as a homeowner, you have things to tend to around the house before you can bid adieu. We’re here to help you tackle those tasks with ease using our nifty home checklist—so you can fast-forward to the fun parts of your vacation.
With these tips, you can drastically save energy, prevent unwanted pests, and secure your property against potential threats. Follow these 15 steps to get started on prepping your property before take off.
1. Water Your Plants
Before you head out, give your indoor and outdoor plants a good watering. If you’re gone for more than a few days, consider asking a neighbor to water your plants or using self-watering spikes or globes. This will prevent your plants from dying or experiencing plant stress, ensuring a lush and healthy garden when you return.
2. Toss Out or Freeze Perishable Food
Check your refrigerator and pantry for perishable items that could spoil while you’re away. Toss out anything that will expire, and freeze items like produce and bread to extend their shelf life. This will help prevent bad odors and keep fruit flies at bay.
Pro Tip: Instead of throwing unused perishable items away, try donating them to a local food pantry to prevent food waste. Win-win!
3. Take Out the Trash
While this might be an obvious one, make sure to empty all trash cans in your home before leaving, including bathroom and home office receptacles. If you’re leaving before your trash pickup day, ask a neighbor to bring your bins to the curb for you and roll them back in after. Flies are prevalent in Louisiana during the summer, so eliminating potential food sources will prevent them from swarming near your home.
4. Unplug Electronics
Unplug non-essential electronics to save on energy and protect them from potential power surges. This includes items like lamps, TVs, toasters, coffee makers, etc. Doing so will help lower your electricity bill and minimize the risk of potential electrical fires.
5. Adjust the Thermostat
If there will be no pets staying in the home while you are away, set your thermostat to an energy-saving temperature. We recommend setting it 5–10°F higher than you normally would, making sure not to exceed 85°F. If available, use smart thermostat settings to automatically adjust temperatures based on real-time readings inside your home.
6. Secure Your Mail and Packages
File a request with your local post office to hold your mail or ask a neighbor to collect it for you. Uncollected mail can signal that no one is home, making your property a potential target for theft.
7. Lock All Windows and Doors
Double-check that all windows and doors are securely locked. Don’t forget less obvious entry points like garage doors, sheds, and second-story windows. If you have a home alarm system, be sure to activate it before you leave to reduce the risk of break-ins.
8. Adjust Your Lighting
Set a few lights on timers to give the appearance that someone is home in the evenings to deter potential intruders. We recommend using LED energy-efficient bulbs and limiting the runtime to 2-3 hours per night to minimize energy consumption.
9. Run the Dishwasher and Clean the Sink
Run and empty the dishwasher and clean out your sinks to avoid coming home to moldy dishes and pests. Fruit flies are attracted to sink drains and can rapidly reproduce while you’re away, so it’s important to clean your kitchen before you leave and cover your drains.
10. Tidy Up Your Home
Do a quick cleanup of your home before you leave. This includes dusting, vacuuming, and organizing. Coming home to a tidy house makes it easier to settle back into your routine and unpack without the added stress of additional chores.
11. Mow the Lawn
If you have a yard, mow the lawn and trim any hedges before you go. This helps keep your property looking well-maintained and lessens the workload when you return. A well-kept yard also prevents overgrown landscaping.
12. Set Up Backup Access
Provide a trusted neighbor or friend with a spare key or access code in case of emergencies. Ensure they know how to reach you while you’re away. This ensures someone can check on your home if needed and handle any unexpected issues.
13. Close Drapes and Blinds
Close all drapes, curtains, and blinds to keep your home cool and protect it from prying eyes. This helps save energy and enhances privacy by preventing potential burglars from scoping out the inside of your home.
14. Treat Your Pool
If you have a pool, treat it with the necessary chemicals to keep it clean and prevent algae growth. Consider asking a neighbor to check on your water level while you’re away to combat evaporation during hot months. This will ensure your pool maintains adequate water circulation and ph levels.
15. Plan for Weather Conditions
Check the weather forecast and take necessary precautions. If heavy storms are expected in the coming days, secure outdoor furniture and other items that could be blown away. If your area is anticipating a heat wave, remove any lead-acid batteries from your garage or shed to reduce the risk of an explosion.
Shop Supplies at Doug Ashy
By following this home checklist, you can enjoy your vacation with peace of mind, knowing that your property is secured and taken care of while you’re away. For all the tools and supplies you need to secure your home before hitting the road, visit your nearest Doug Ashy Building Materials store. Our knowledgeable staff is ready to assist you with expert advice and top-quality products!
