Millions of people rush off on vacation every year, not thinking twice about the safety and security of their homes while they’re rushing to get to their destinations.
It’s for this reason we put this Ultimate Home Close up Checklist together.
So - before you rush out the front door, there’s a couple of things that need to be done, to ensure you come back to a home in a pleasant condition.
I know, I know, you’re itching to get going. You’ve waited the whole year, slogging away, just so that you can take a break and get away from it all.
All you can think about is getting to your destination, ASAP.
But, doing the things on this list will allow you to actually enjoy your vacation, without thinking of your home, or returning to a burgled one.
The items on this checklist probably won’t take more than an hour to complete, so do yourself a favor, and follow the recommended steps.
To Enjoy a Stress Free Vacation – Do This
When you’re rushing to get out the house it can be easy to forget to do the simplest of things, that’s why we created this Ultimate Home Close up Checklist.
So you don’t forget, pin this checklist on the inside of the door you’ll be leaving through. It’s quick, easy to follow and will help you take care of the essentials.
PS: it’ll help if someone else in your family double checks that you’ve done everything.
They may catch something you’ve missed – have a second copy for a checker to tick off.
Without further ado, let’s get into it:
#1 Let your insurance broker know
You probably call your bank and let them know you need foreign currency because you’re travelling.
In the same way, inform and check with your broker to ensure your home is covered in the event of your absence.
NB: Some insurance companies won’t cover your home if it’s left unattended for certain amounts of time. DOUBLE-CHECK with your broker to make SURE yours IS covered.
#2 Get someone to check your home frequently
This is actually a no-brainer. The more activity there is around your home, the less attractive it will be to potential burglars.
Some insurance Companies actually require you to have your home checked at least once a week in your absence.
Check with your Insurance Broker.
Let the person or Company check for:
Insect infestations (Need to be dealt with ASAP)
Mold (Could be triggered by water leaks)
Water leaks – any visible signs
Perimeter security – doors, windows, fences
Lighting – no dark areas where someone can hide
#3 Make it look like someone is home
Stop newspaper subscriptions or have someone come round to remove it and any other post.
Install exterior motion detection spotlights that will deter potential intruders.
Install long life light-bulbs in your home (they don’t burn out quickly) and put them on a timer.
Set your lights to come on at regular times during the evening. Set the interior lights to also go on and off at random times during the night to make it look like someone is in the house.
#4 Ask someone to deal with the garbage
An empty bin standing in a driveway for more than one day is a sure sign to burglars that the occupants of the house are absent.
Before you leave, make sure to throw trash out of the house.
Coming back to a closed home with trash that’s been decomposing for two weeks or more can be nauseating and the smell will linger for weeks on end.
Let someone come round to take the bins out on trash day and bring them back in.
#5 Reset the thermostat
While you’re gone, the AC really doesn’t need to be at the optimal temperature you enjoy.
Set it to a money saving temperature that’s probably around 4 degrees warmer or cooler than you normally have it.
Setting it lower or higher will help prevent the growth of mold or mildew, while saving you money at the same time.
#6 Switch off and unplug non-essential appliances
Detaching non-essential appliances (TV’s, PC Chargers, Coffeemakers, etc) from the power sockets in your home will protect them from possible power surges and you’ll save money.
Make sure you leave any lighting equipment attached if necessary if they’re on a timer.
#7 Let your neighbors park in your driveway
If you normally have a car parked outside in the driveway, then try get someone (your neighbor or family members for instance) to park their cars there.
If you go away in winter and you leave a car outside, ask someone to come past and remove any snow and to rinse the car off if it’s dusty.
Leaving cars outside with loads of dust or snow on them are signals that your home is unattended.
#8 Remove valuables
Items with sentimental value can never be replaced, no matter how much they’re insured for.
If you have sentimental items, important documents, jewelry or anything else of value to you, then don’t leave then unattended in your home.
Consider storing them in a safety deposit box until your return from vacation.
Alternatively, you could leave them with your family or friends if they don’t mind you taking up a corner of their home, attic or garage.
Conclusion
When you plan your vacation, you should also incorporate the home close up process.
By following the basic steps outlined in this checklist, you can save yourself and your family a lot of stress or possible loss.
Did we miss anything? What do you normally include in your closing up process?
Let us know what you do when you go on vacation. If you use our tips, come back here sometime and let us know if it helped you.
We hope that this Ultimate Home Close up Checklist has helped you. You can also sign up for our checklist and grab a downloadable copy.
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