The anticipation of a getaway—whether it’s a long-awaited vacation, an extended work trip, or a seasonal move—is often tinged with a bit of unease. The thought of leaving your home unattended can be stressful, but with the right preparation, you can ensure your home is safe, secure, and ready for your return. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step to help you leave home with complete peace of mind.
Section 1: Security First: Fortifying Your Home Against Break-Ins
Home security is not just about installing an alarm system; it’s about creating a layered approach that makes your home a difficult target. A combination of robust physical barriers, smart technology, and community awareness is key to protecting your home from potential break-ins.
Subheading: The Layered Approach to Home Security
- A layered approach means using multiple security measures that work together to deter burglars. Relying on just one measure is not enough; a combination of different security types is the best defense.
- Subheading: Securing Entry Points
- Doors:
- Deadbolt locks are essential for exterior doors. Ensure that you have a high-quality deadbolt installed and use it every time you leave.
- Upgrade your door latch plates with 3-inch screws that reach the door framing, not just the trim, to make the door more difficult to kick in.
- Never hide spare keys outside. Instead, give them to a trusted neighbor or use a lockbox with a changeable code.
- Windows:
- Check that all windows, including those on upper levels, have working locks and are securely closed.
- For added security, place a wooden dowel rod in the track of sliding doors and windows to prevent them from being forced open.
- Garages:
- Be aware that garage door openers can be vulnerable to manipulation. Some older models can be compromised with a crowbar or wire. Install a deadbolt on the garage door track to prevent movement.
- Never leave your garage door opener in your car, especially if it is parked outside the garage.
- Subheading: Smart Security Enhancements
- Install motion-activated floodlights at your home’s entry points. These lights deter potential burglars and increase safety at night.
- Use programmable timers to randomize your interior and exterior lighting schedules so your home looks occupied, even when you’re away. This will make your home less of a target.
- Consider investing in a smart security system with remote monitoring, cameras, and alarms that send notifications to your smartphone. These systems can include smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and flood sensors.
- Don’t forget to display a security sign or sticker to deter potential criminals. Even a fake security camera or sign can be a cost-effective deterrent.
- Subheading: The Importance of Neighborhood Awareness
- Get to know your neighbors and exchange contact information. They can watch out for suspicious activity and check on your home while you are gone.
- Let trusted neighbors know when you will be gone, and provide them with your contact information.
Section 2: Preventing Damage: Protecting Your Home From the Inside Out
Protecting your home isn’t just about preventing break-ins; it’s also about preventing damage from leaks, power outages, and extreme temperatures.
- Subheading: Managing Utilities
- Water:
- Turn off the main water valve to prevent potential leaks and water damage. An undiscovered water leak can cause significant damage.
- After turning off the main valve, open all faucets to relieve water pressure in the pipes.
- If you will be gone during cold weather, consider leaving your faucets dripping to prevent pipes from freezing.
- Invest in a smart water monitor with an automatic shut-off feature to detect leaks and stop water flow remotely.
- Electricity:
- Unplug unnecessary electronics such as TVs, computers, lamps, and small kitchen appliances. This saves energy, prevents damage from power surges, and reduces fire risk.
- Thermostat:
- Set your thermostat to an appropriate temperature for the season to prevent damage to your home. During the winter, set the thermostat to approximately 55°F (13°C) to prevent pipes from freezing. During the summer, set your thermostat to 85°F (29°C) to save energy.
- Consider using a smart thermostat for remote monitoring and control. This allows you to adjust the temperature from your smartphone and ensure that your home stays protected.
- Water:
- Subheading: Preparing Your Appliances
- Refrigerator:
- Clean out your refrigerator and discard or freeze perishables to prevent spoilage and odors.
- Use the “penny in a cup of water” trick: put a penny on top of a cup of frozen water. If the penny is at the bottom when you return, it indicates that the freezer lost power and the food may have spoiled.
- Dishwasher: Empty the dishwasher and leave it cracked open to prevent odors and standing water.
- Garbage Disposal: Run a mix of water and vinegar to clean the garbage disposal and prevent odors.
- Refrigerator:
- Subheading: Home Maintenance
- Clean the house thoroughly before leaving so that you will come back to a tidy home.
- Wash all your laundry, including your sheets, before you leave so you have clean clothes and a fresh bed when you return.
- Take out the trash and clean the trash cans to prevent odors and pests. Ask a friend or neighbor to take the trash cans to the curb and bring them back.
- If you will be gone for an extended time, have someone mow the lawn and remove snow from driveways and walkways.
- Check your home for any needed repairs, and make those fixes before you leave..
Section 3: Making It Look Lived-In: Deterring Burglars Through Appearance
Making your home look occupied is a powerful deterrent to burglars.
- Subheading: Lighting and Timers
- Use timers to create a realistic lighting pattern, setting lights to turn on and off at different times, as if someone is home.
- Use a mix of interior and exterior lights on timers to create the illusion of occupancy.
- Install motion-activated lights for added security.
- Subheading: Window Treatments
- Partially close your blinds or shades to block views but maintain an “at-home” appearance. Avoid completely closing them, as this can signal that the home is empty.
- Subheading: Mail and Package Management
- Put your mail on hold through the post office, or have a trusted neighbor collect mail and packages to prevent piles that signal an empty home.
- Avoid having packages delivered to your home when you are away. Criminals look for packages that are not collected promptly.
Section 4: Preparing for Longer Absences
Longer absences require additional planning and preparation.
- Subheading: The Extended Vacancy Checklist
- If you are leaving for more than a couple of months, you should take additional precautions.
- Arrange for someone to check on the house at least weekly or monthly.
- Subheading: House Sitters and Trusted Contacts
- If you hire a house sitter, have them take on tasks such as flushing toilets, collecting mail, watering plants, and mowing the lawn.
- Provide your house sitter with temporary access codes for smart locks, or use a lockbox for spare keys. Share contact information for emergencies.
- Subheading: Car Care
* If possible, move your car into the garage to protect it from theft and weather.- If you are not taking your car with you, use a trickle charger to keep the car battery from dying.
- Subheading: Long-Term Winterization
- For extended winter absences, take specific steps such as depressurizing water pipes, draining systems, and turning off the hot water heater.
Section 5: Valuables: What to Keep Safe and Where
Protecting your valuables is a critical part of preparing for an extended absence.
- Subheading: Identifying Valuables
- Identify all types of valuables including jewelry, cash, electronics, important documents, artwork, antiques, collections, and firearms.
- Subheading: Securing Your Valuables
- Keep your valuables in a fireproof and waterproof safe. Consider bolting the safe to the floor to make it more difficult to remove.
- If possible, place valuables in a safety deposit box at your bank or a secure storage unit.
- If they cannot be moved, store valuables in less obvious locations.
- Subheading: Insurance Considerations
* Inform your insurance provider about any extended absences.
* Check your policy for any riders or specific requirements to avoid having a claim denied.
Section 6: Psychological Preparation and Emergency Planning
Leaving your home for an extended period can be stressful. Planning for emergencies and managing anxiety are vital to your peace of mind.
- Subheading: Managing Anxiety
- Leaving your home unattended can be a significant source of stress. Knowing that you have prepared a detailed checklist and have a reliable house sitter, can provide peace of mind.
- Remote monitoring systems such as cameras and smart locks, can help you to feel more at ease while you are away.
- Subheading: Creating an Emergency Plan
- Keep a detailed emergency contact list with phone numbers for trusted friends, neighbors, and family members who can respond quickly to a problem.
- Keep local service providers readily available, including plumbers and electricians.
- Have a plan in place to deal with specific emergencies such as power outages, water leaks, and severe weather events. Discuss these plans with your house sitter.
Conclusion
Preparing your home for an extended absence may seem like a lot of work, but with a comprehensive checklist and a little planning, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By taking the time to implement these steps, you can leave your home with confidence, knowing that you’ve taken every precaution to keep it safe, secure, and well-maintained. Create your personalized checklist, follow these tips, and get ready to enjoy your time away without worry. For additional help, consider downloading our free checklist to keep all the steps at your fingertips. Safe travels!
Additional Points to Consider:
- Real-Life Anecdotes: Throughout this post, we have included relevant examples of what can go wrong when you leave your home. Sharing stories about burst pipes and break-ins can help to illustrate the importance of planning ahead.
- Visual Aids: Consider using images or infographics to make this blog post more engaging.
- Call to Action: Please share this article and leave a comment about your own experiences with leaving your home for an extended absence.
This post is designed to be a comprehensive guide, covering all critical aspects of preparing your home for extended absences. By addressing security, maintenance, and psychological aspects, it provides readers with the knowledge and tools they need to leave with complete peace of mind.