Having a home is a great thing, especially for those who travel all over the world. There is something about the permanence that it gives to people. Additionally, knowing that you have a place to go home to is always reassuring. But being a frequent traveler for work means that your house is left alone most of the time. That can be bad for its state. Depending on your travel schedule, there are some things you can do to ensure that your home is worth going back to.
Lower Maintenance Needs
One of the things you can do is to lower your maintenance needs. A low-maintenance house means that you don’t have to be there all the time to keep it presentable. There are several ways to do this. For the interior, you might want to shift away from carpets and rugs. These absorb and attract dust. This means when you come back, they will likely be thick with it. Go for wood flooring. They don’t catch dust in place, and they are very easy to clean. One wipe and your place looks shiny again. As for the outdoors, if you have a yard, you should invest in erosion control measures. This prevents the soil from being washed away, ensuring your yard in good shape. You can also plant low-maintenance plants that don’t need much water. This means that they will still be green and beautiful when you come back.
Do The Proper Preparations
Low maintenance hoes are great for those who have short trips. A few days here and there won’t matter much for them. But if your trips take longer, then you need to prepare your house for your leaving. If you plan to be away for a week or two, then you need to prepare. For one, you need to have an empty fridge. While it can keep food fresh, long trips can end up with your food wasted. Another thing to do is to set timers on everything. This can ensure that your lights turn on at night to frighten away any robbers. You might also need to pack away any valuables to ensure that they aren’t visible.
Hire A House Sitter
Another option for house maintenance is to hire a house sitter. You don’t technically have to hire one either. If you have a friend or family member who will be in town and needs a place to stay, then hand them the keys. They can then keep everything in good condition in exchange for a rent-free stay. But if you want something more professional, you should be able to hire one online. They have different rates and can be excellent if you have plants and pets to take care of. Ask them for references and do a background check to be sure that they are dependable. Ensure that you have their number and occasionally check on them to ensure everything is fine.
Work With The HOA
If you are lucky and your home is in a condominium, then you likely have an automatic way to keep things in good condition. The Home Owner’s Association requires you to pay fees for the maintenance of the common areas of the building. But some buildings can arrange for a cleaner to come into your condo while you’re away. Inquire at the Property Management Office of your condo about what they can offer when you are away. You’ll need to go to them anyway to notify them that you are away. Use that to your advantage. You might have to pay additional fees, but it can be worth it to have no worries about your rooms while you’re away.
Rent Out To A Tenant
For those who go away for months, then you might want to rent out the house temporarily. You can work with a property management firm to say that your place is vacant for several months. This can allow you to earn some money while ensuring someone is in the house and keeping it clean. It’s a unique approach, but very possible. You’ll have to consult with the property manager and vet your tenant, but this way ensures that you get additional profit from your trip.
When you come home, you want to have a place that looks great. Whether it is a small apartment or a full house, keeping it in good condition while you are away should be your top concern. How you do it depends on your decision, but you have to consider how frequently you are away. While it might seem too much trouble, it is nice to know that you have one less thing to worry about.
