1. Unplug electronics.
Your unattended electronics can not only run up your electricity bills while you are on vacation, they also pose a fire hazard. To save yourself money and worry, unplug televisions, small appliances – like coffee makers, toasters, microwaves, etc. – laptops and other devices.
2. Turn off the water.
While water leaks are rare, no one wants to come home to a flooded house. If you can reach the main water shutoff in your home and know that nothing will need water when you’re gone (like automated irrigation systems), then shutting it off can offer great peace of mind. If you cannot access the main water shutoff because you are in a condo or rental, you can at least shut off the water supply to the washing machine (if applicable), which is a common spot where leaks occur.
3. Clear out trash and clutter.
A clean home is a boon to come back too, so taking out the garbage before you leave is a good idea. Plus, you don’t want waste festering inside, becoming a breeding ground for insects, mice, ants and more.
4. Clear out the fridge and countertops.
Likewise, make sure you eat as much out of the fridge and off countertops (like bowls of fruit, bread, cookies, etc.) as you can before you leave for vacation. If you can’t consume everything, determine what will go bad while you are gone and either donate it or throw it out. But do not unplug the fridge or freezer. You may leave non-perishables (think jam or condiments) in the fridge. And in your freezer, you may leave everything as long as the power supply is reliable.
5. Turn down the air conditioner or heater.
If you live in a very humid area, it may not be wise to turn off the air conditioner during your summer vacation because this will allow moisture and therefore mould to build up in your home, so instead you can set it to turn on at a slightly warmer temperature than normal. If you head out during winter instead, do not shut off the heater, as this can cause pipes to freeze, but you can turn down the temperature at which it kicks on to save some cash.
6. Consider setting up a dehumidifier.
As mentioned earlier, totally disabling the AC may not be the best idea in warm, humid places. Instead of running the AC (or if you don’t have one), you can set up a dehumidifier. It is best to go with a model that can drain itself into a sink or tub, since you won’t be home to empty it.
7. Consider finding a house sitter.
If you have house plants, pets or other things that just cannot be left alone when you are on holiday, a house sitter could be worth it. Ask friends or family if they wouldn’t mind popping in every so often to make sure everything is ok. If no one is available, professional house- or pet-sitting services are also available.
Some preparation now before you head out on holiday will give you extra peace of mind while you’re gone and keep your home safe and ready to return to once you're back.
