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Pre-Vacation Checklist

Summer has nearly arrived, which means it's time to put the finishing touches on your vacation plans! After you've booked the flights, reserved the hotels, and secured the babysitters, it's time to think about getting your home ready for your absence. Whether you're leaving for a weekend or weeks at a time, it's important to take these steps so that your home remains in good condition while you're away and prevents disaster upon your return. The last thing you want to worry about is your home while you're away on vacation. Follow this checklist to ensure your home is taken care of before leaving.

By following these simple steps, you can relax on your vacation knowing that your home is taken care of.

Prepare Your HVAC

One of the most important things to do before you go on vacation is to adjust your home's temperature. You don't want to come home to a stuffy or freezing cold house. If you have an automatic thermostat, you can set it to turn off while you're gone. If you don't have an automatic thermostat, you can turn the temperature up in the summer and down in the winter.

While you might be tempted to leave some windows open for circulation, we don't recommend doing this for long periods of time for security reasons. If you have a housesitter stopping by every few days, ask them to open the windows while they're at the house.

By following these simple tips, you can make sure your home is comfortable and energy-efficient while you're away.

Preparing Your Plumbing

Another important aspect of your home you'll need to check on before vacation is your plumbing and making sure it's in good working order. This means checking for leaks and ensuring all fixtures are in good condition.

If you have a leak, it's important to get it fixed before you leave. A small drip can quickly turn into a big problem, so it's better to be safe than sorry. It's also a good idea to turn off the water to your home if you are gone for an extended period of time. This will prevent any accidental flooding while you're away.

By taking these simple steps, you can rest assured that your plumbing will be in good shape while you're gone, and you won't be walking into a flooded home upon your return.

Prepare Your Electrical

One of the most important things to do before you go on vacation is to make sure your electrical system is in good working order. This will not only prevent safety hazards and potential fires but also save you a great deal of money on wasted electricity use. This means checking for potential hazards and ensuring all of your appliances are unplugged.

If you have any appliances that use a lot of energy, it's a good idea to unplug them while you're gone. This will help prevent any accidental fires and minimize energy waste.

While you might be tempted to leave some lights on to give the allusion that someone is home, it's a massive waste of energy and money. It's also a good idea to turn off all the lights in your home before leaving. This will save you money on your electricity bill and help prevent any accidents.

Miscellaneous Preparations

  • Water plants and put them in a sunny spot

  • Set timers for outdoor lights

  • Pack up valuables

  • Arrange for pet care

  • Stop mail and newspaper delivery

  • Clean the house

  • Close curtains and blinds

If you need help getting your HVAC, plumbing, or electricity in order before you leave, don't hesitate to contact our team at Dailey Company, Inc. for assistance!