If you’re a homeowner who frequently travels for work or pleasure, then you know the importance of setting up your home in a way that makes it easy to leave and return to. After all, the last thing you want is to come home from a long trip and find that your home is in disarray. Here are some tips on how to set up your home so that it’s always ready for your next adventure:
Set Up a Home Security System
If you’re going to be gone for an extended period of time, it’s important to set up a home security system that will deter burglars and give you peace of mind while you’re away. This includes security cameras, motion sensor lights, and a security system that will alert the police in case of a break-in. You can even set up your system so you can check up on your home through your security cameras, even if you’re abroad.
Make Sure your Insurance is Up to Date
Before you leave on a long trip, it’s essential to ensure that your homeowner’s insurance policy is up to date and provides the coverage you need in case something happens while you’re away. This is especially important if you have valuables in your home that would be difficult or impossible to replace.
Arrange for Someone to Check on Your House
If you have a trusted friend or family member who lives nearby, ask them if they wouldn’t mind checking on your house while you’re gone. This could involve tasks like bringing in the mail, watering the plants, or just making sure everything looks okay from the outside. You can also ask them to park their car in your driveway every now and then, so outsiders won’t know you’re gone. Having someone keep an eye on things will help you relax and enjoy your trip, knowing that your home is in good hands.
Inspect Your Electrical Network
Leaving on a long-term trip can be exciting, but checking your electrical network is important. Damaged wires or outlets can be dangerous, so it’s essential to address any issues before you leave. Otherwise, this could lead to a fire. If you have any concerns about your electrical network, it’s best to call a professional electrician. They can inspect your wiring, and if there are any damages, they can repair them before you leave. This will help ensure that your home is safe while you’re away and that you don’t have to worry about any potential accidents.
Unplug Everything
Before you leave, make sure you unplug everything. This includes your refrigerator, oven, microwave, coffee maker, and toaster. Additionally, you should turn off all lights, fans, and any electronics that will not be used while you’re away. Doing this will help prevent potential fires or other accidents while you’re gone. However, you should install automatic lights that can turn on at certain times so your home won’t appear unoccupied.
Inspect Your Plumbing System
It’s important to inspect your plumbing system for any potential damages. Damaged pipes can lead to water damage, which can be costly to repair. Additionally, it’s important to make sure that all your faucets and drains are in good working order, so you don’t have any leaks while you’re away. But if you have any concerns, it’s better to call professionals who can take a look and assess if your plumbing needs work. You can hire reputable plumbing services that can come and repair any damages before you leave. This will give you peace of mind regarding your home and allow you to enjoy your trip while you’re away.
Turn Off the Water
Another crucial step in preparing your home for a long-term trip is to turn off the water at the main valve. This will help to prevent any water damage in case of a leak while you’re gone. If you have a sprinkler system, you’ll need to turn that off as well. And if your trip will keep you away over the Winter, it’s a good idea to drain all the water from your pipes by turning on all the faucets in your home until they run dry. This will prevent any pipes from freezing and bursting while you’re away.
Arrange for Lawn Care
If you have a lawn or garden, it’s important to arrange for someone to take care of it while you’re gone. This includes mowing the lawn, watering the plants, and removing any leaves or debris that may accumulate. If you have potted plants, it’s also a good idea to arrange for someone to water them daily or weekly.
Remember, the goal is to make things as easy and stress-free as possible so you can enjoy your time away without worrying about what’s happening at home. With a little bit of planning and preparation, there’s no reason why settiang up your home for long-term travel can’t be simple.
