5 tips you NEED to do before leaving home for a vacation or business trip.
Preparing for and planning a vacation can be a very stressful endeavor, so stressful in fact that many travelers stop at the bare minimum. But with a little extra effort, you can take steps before you leave home that will help ensure you won't return home to disaster. These five tips might cost you a few minutes extra work, but they might save you a lot of time and heartache in the long run.
1) Check all appliances/faucets.
Before leaving home you should check all appliances and faucets to make sure that they are off. Accidentally leaving on a stove or a bathtub can cause fires/floods that could well cause permanent damage to your home. Be sure that you unplug everything that you can unplug. Short circuits are that much more deadly when no one is around to notice the sparks. And remember to turn off appliances that are on timers, like alarm clocks and coffee makers. That way you'll avoid accidents and driving your neighbors crazy.
2) Have mail/newspapers held or picked up.
When newspapers and mail pile up on the front porch, it is a sure fire sign that the home is unoccupied and a prime target for thieves. Have a trusted friend or neighbor pick up these items and store them for you until you return home. Usually the post office will hold your mail upon request.
3) Get timers for your lights.
Setting lights on timers is a great way to make your home appear as if people are home, even if in fact the place is deserted. Light timers can be picked up at most local hardware or home improvements stores and are very inexpensive. Even when you aren't traveling they are good because you can set them so that you will never need to come home to a darkened house.
4) Check your vehicle before road trips.
Before a long road trip it is a good idea to take your car in to the repairman to get it checked out for problems. You should always check the fluid levels and tire pressure and wear and tear especially. Also, make sure you are equipped with the materials needed to change a flat tire. Windshield wiper blades and accessibility of snow chains is a good thing to check when traveling through intemperate climates.
5) Lock all doors and windows.
This may seem like common sense, but many people leave a back door or window cracked or open when they are on vacation. Reasons include allowing a pet access to the house. If for any reason you do not want to lock up your home completely, consider getting a house sitter to watch your things. At the very least, notify your police department that you will be out of town.
Finally, try to be as inconspicuous as possible when you are leaving your house. Pack in your garage instead of your driveway. Do not make a big show of leaving.
Following these tips will ensure that returning home doesn't ruin your vacation.
