The Ultimate Guide to Prepare Your Home for Vacation

To save on your air conditioning expense, turn your air conditioning off or turn it to 85 degrees. If you have a programmable thermostat, set it to return your house to its normal temperature the night before you return home.

You can avoid water damage while you are gone by shutting off the water at the main shut-off valve. Even if your dishwasher, sinks, toilets, or washing machine won’t be running, a leak in the line can create costly repairs if left unnoticed.

You can save on your electric bill by turning your water heater to vacation mode while you are away. There is no need to continually heat water if no one is using it.

Even if your appliances or tech devices are powered off, being plugged into the wall still drains electricity. Unplug all the devices you can, such as television, computers, sound systems, toaster ovens, mixers, or iron. This is another way to prevent an electrical fire as well.

Before you leave, check all the smoke detectors. Placing fresh batteries in them will ensure they are in working order for the duration of your trip.

You will want to keep your pool pump running when you are gone to prevent algae growth. Having someone check it or installing a daily timer can help ease your mind about pool maintenance. If you have a self-propelled/robot cleaning vacuum, you may want to leave it running or cover the pool to prevent debris build-up.

Although it might seem strange, having a pest control company look out for home can ward off nuisance pests. You don’t want to return to a cricket infestation or a mouse problem.

It is always best to have someone pop by the house and check on it every now and then while you are gone. Give a trusted friend or neighbor the numbers of your preferred maintenance services, such as a plumber or gardener in case something comes up.

To avoid a horrible odor when you walk back in the door of your home, throw away any perishable food from your refrigerator and dump any milk or cream. Leaving an open container of baking soda can also help prevent an awful smell from invading your kitchen.

Run your garbage disposal with about a half cup of vinegar and water to clean out any smells or food particles. Wash and clean your sink thoroughly to prevent any mold or bugs from making their home on food waste while you are gone.

Always go through your pantry and look for open containers or bags. Store opened items in sealed plastic bags or sturdy storage containers.

Taking out the trash should be one of the last things you do. Not just in the kitchen, but in every room of the house.

To prevent staining and bacteria growth, pour chlorine in the toilet bowls. Ask your house sitter to flush the toilets periodically.

Preparing for vacation will also involve safety plans, such as anti-burglary strategies, but this list can help your home look and smell fresh when you get back home. This can ease your mind and help you enjoy your time away.