As people are learning to adapt to the challenges of the post-COVID world, the tourism industry is also finding new ways to make traveling safe and fun for those planning a vacation. The year 2020 has been quite overwhelming and understandably, looking for a holiday would naturally be high up on the to-do list for many people.
However, planning a trip during such trying times can be tough with masks, sanitizers, and other precautionary measures becoming a norm. In such a scenario, packing your luggage for that long-planned holiday you have been looking forward to isn’t the only thing on your pre-vacation to-do list.
You should also prepare your home for an extended absence. Some appliances may break down or your HVAC or plumbing systems can get damaged if pre-emptive measures are not taken. After all, the last thing you want is to face a disarrayed home when you come back tired from a long trip. You can follow these 5 tips to prepare your home so that when you do return from a vacation, you are not met with any unpleasant surprises.
- Cleaning
This tip is obvious and, most likely, something that you’d do anyway. Donate or throw away any perishable food items in your pantry. Empty your trash cans, especially wet waste. Cleaning your garbage disposal of any lingering peels or other waste is necessary as it can emit a foul odor and attract pests. Flush the garbage disposal with distilled white vinegar and water.
Dust your home and vacuum carpets to prevent the accumulation of grime. Scrub and clean sinks and toilets. If you have a lawn, try to mow and weed it before leaving. Check your washer and dryer and do any remaining laundry.
- Put A Halt To Your Deliveries
You should keep your mail and other subscription deliveries on hold while you are away from your home. The pile-up of mail can signal potential burglars to the fact that you are not at home. Alternatively, you can also ask your friends or family members living nearby to pick your mail.
- Unplug Your Appliances
It would be wise to unplug electrical appliances that don’t require power while you are gone. Doing so has multiple benefits; it can lower your electricity consumption, lower the risk of an electrical fire, and also saves your appliances in case of unexpected power surges. You can unplug appliances like your coffee maker, computers, television, unused chargers, etc.
You can also prepare and prevent any unexpected expenses when your household appliances or systems break down. You can contact your local technician to look into any problems concerning your appliances. If you are not aware of any local vendors, purchasing a home warranty can help you in such situations and it doesn’t even take much out of your pocket.
You can opt for home warranty plans as there are various home warranty companies that offer comprehensive coverage at subsidized rates. As a long term solution, you can invest in a home warranty plan that covers all your valuable home appliances.
- Check Your Plumbing
Make sure to check for any dripping faucets or leaking pipes. This leakage problem is not only wasteful and adds to your water bill, but it can get nightmarish if not tended to properly. You can shut off the main valve to avoid any unexpected plumbing problems. If any problem persists, you can seek the help of professionals.
Conversely, home warranty plans also offer coverage for plumbing related issues. Home Warranty Companies employ the services of local technicians to attend to all your plumbing requirements.
- Adjust Your Thermostat
Experts advise programming your home’s temperature to high or low depending on the season. However, please note that turning the thermostat down too low can freeze the pipes, and turning it up too high can cause humidity, that in turn stimulates mold and other problems. Thermostats, these days, come equipped with vacation modes that you can use. If you have a smart thermostat, you can even use your phone to set the temperature wherever you are.
The traveler in you certainly needs a vacation and dwelling on what could go wrong in your home will not help you relax. It is better to be prepared than face unexpected and sometimes expensive problems later on. Making a list of things to prepare your home and following these tips can let you enjoy your vacation without worry.
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