Planning for a vacation can be a stressful process. Making sure that your home is safe and secure while you are gone is as important as your travel plans. Here are some tips to remember so that you don't worry while on vacation.
Create Lists
You should make two lists. The first one will remind you to make sure that you bring everything that you want and need while you are away. The second list will be your departure checklist. Did I remember to lock the back door? Did I unplug the iron? Is the apartment renters insurance policy paid up and in place? Post these lists on the refrigerator. Any family member who thinks of another item for one of the lists should add it.Cleaning
While a full spring cleaning isn't necessary, you don't want to come home to a messy house. Donate or throw away perishable food. Put the laundry away. Put fresh, clean sheets on the beds. Place a few easy to prepare meals in the freezer. Hire someone to do yard work at least weekly.Have a Friend, Neighbor or Relative Stop By Daily
Leave a list of things that you would like them to take care of. Have them come over a day or two before leaving so they know what your expectations are. Many people withhold their mail and cancel newspaper delivery and trash services when they go away. Mail falling out of your mailbox or papers piling up on your step is like leaving a sign on your garage door announcing, "We aren't home!" However, burglars will also notice that the mail carrier, newspaper delivery person and trash service skip by your house. It's better to keep those services running as usual.Have the trash taken out the night before trash day. Newspapers can be picked up daily and recycled. Mail should be brought in and put in a secure place. Don't have your mail piled up on the counter. Leave a box in the front hall closet or somewhere out of sight for mail. Make sure that your pets and plants are taken care of. Write down detailed schedules for their care. Leave your itinerary and instructions on how to contact you in case of an emergency. If you have a home security system make sure they are comfortable with its operation. Notify your alarm company with the names of persons authorized to enter your home while you are gone.
