Is there anything more exciting than preparing for an upcoming vacation? Whether you plan to go snorkeling on a Caribbean island or visit the suburbs to see relatives, designating time to relax away from home is necessary for your overall health and well-being. But before you can truly kick back and relax, there are a few important things to do before you leave for vacation. Taking the necessary steps to ensure your home is secured prior to your departure can make coming home a lot more enjoyable.

Why You Should Prepare Your Home Before Vacation

When planning for a getaway, many people forget about their homes. But unfortunately, leaving your home unattended for days or even weeks can create a number of risks. For example, an empty house is more likely to attract trespassers or intruders, which can quickly lead to damage to your property and belongings.

In addition to this, not being properly prepared to leave makes returning home challenging. From expired foods to flooded basements, anything can happen in your absence. But taking preventative measures prevents this from happening so that you and your family can stay safe.

On top of that, following a checklist of how to secure your home before vacation provides peace of mind that your home is safe and sound no matter where you are. When you prepare your home for an extended absence, you can fully unplug and enjoy what matters most: your vacation. Whether you plan to ski in the mountains or lounge on the beach, taking precautionary steps to secure your home can help you truly relax.

7 Things To Do Before You Leave for Vacation

Preparing for a vacation also involves readying your home for your departure. By having a checklist of necessary steps, you can have peace of mind knowing that your home and belongings are safe and secure. To plan for your time away from home, here are seven important things to do before you leave for vacation:

Unplug your electronics.

Before you leave, be sure to unplug your appliances and electronics in order to reduce the risk of fire or damage from power surges.

Clean your refrigerator and freezer.

If you plan to be away for an extra long time, consider cleaning out your fridge before you go. Remove perishables such as fruits, veggies, meats, or dairy products that are likely to spoil to reduce the risk of mold.

Clean up.

The last thing anyone wants after a long trip is to come home to a messy space. To prevent this, clean before you leave — i.e. remove the trash, wipe down surfaces, and wash the dishes — so that you can return to a tidy space.

Set a timer for lights.

To deter criminals from attempting to break in, make your home appear occupied by setting a timer for your lighting to turn on and off throughout the day.

Secure your belongings.

Criminals are more likely to break into a home when its owner is away. To combat theft, ensure that your doors and windows are securely locked to deter intruders. To be extra safe, consider adding a security system or outdoor cameras to monitor your home even when you’re away.

Notify your neighbors.

Let a trusted neighbor know of your plans to be away so that they can keep an eye on your property. You can also ask that they pick up any papers or packages delivered in your absence.

Adjust the thermostat.

Be sure to adjust your thermostat so that you can maintain a comfortable temperature. Doing so not only helps you save money on your energy bills but also prevents damage from extreme temperatures.