8 THINGS TO DO BEFORE YOU GO ON VACATION
You are ready to take that well deserved vacation! Here are a few ideas to improve your vacation and your return home. Well worth a few minutes before you go.
1. Hold All of Your Mail and Newspapers or Ask a Neighbor to Pick Them Up
A pile of newspapers on the front stoop is a dead giveaway that you’re out of town and off of your property.
2. Remove Your Spare Key
Leaving an extra key under the doormat or in a fake rock isn’t a great idea while you’re on vacation. If you have a spare key, give it to a neighbor you trust while you’re away.
3. Close Your Curtains and Shades
You don’t want people to peer into your house and see that it’s empty today. And tomorrow. And the next day… Bonus: Closing your curtains and shades will save you money on your energy bills by keeping the sun out!
4. Turn Down Your Hot Water Heater
An empty house doesn’t need hot water, and your water heater will cost you money while you’re gone. So turn it down!
5. Clean Out Your Fridge
The last thing you want when you return home is to open the fridge and smell curdled milk. Before you leave, toss anything that might spoil during your trip.
6. Sprinkle Baking Soda in the Toilet
To avoid being greeted by the nasty stench of stagnant water when you get home, sprinkle baking soda in the toilet bowl. This also works with sink drains.
7. Unplug Your Appliances
There’s no need to waste energy on toasters, computers, televisions and other appliances while you’re gone. Instead, unplug them.
8. Take Out the Garbage
Unless you like the smell of garbage permeating your house, take it out now.
Bonus
9. Empty Your Washer
Moist clothes will attract mildew and mold if they’re left in the washing machine. Before you go, make sure that your machine is clear and your clothes are dry. Also, it’s a good idea to turn off the water to the washer, too, so that if it leaks, you won’t have a flooded laundry room.
10. Adjust Your Thermostat
Save energy and money by adjusting your thermostat while your gone. There’s no reason to cool an empty house!
Have a great vacation!
Joan Wilson (Realtor, SRES, Ecobroker, Certified REO, HAFA, and Short Sale Specialist)
Pacific Sotheby's International Realty
Call or Text: 760-757-3468
I believe buying or selling a home should be fun, easy, and stress free. Let me show you how.
CAL BRE License # 01341483
