Vacations are designed to be times of relaxation, but you need to take care of a few things before you leave. Coming home to a disaster is not a good way to stay stress-free. That’s why you should make sure to handle these housekeeping items before you leave for your destination.
Adjust the Thermostat
There’s no reason to waste a ton of energy or pay a high electric or gas bill if you aren’t at home. You should adjust your thermostat before you leave for vacation to reap the benefits of energy savings while you aren’t there. You can also use a timer so that your thermostat will turn on and off at certain times. This will keep you from returning to a house that is too hot or cold. Getting a smart thermostat will make controlling the temperature in your home effortless. In fact, some apps even let you control your thermostat from your phone.
Clean the Gutters
Over time, gutters can become blocked or clogged, causing leaves to build up and water to collect, which creates the perfect place for birds and other pests to build nests. Cleaning your home’s gutters before you leave for vacation is a great way to keep this from happening. Roaches and rats can hide well in gutters, and they can also find ways into your house while you are gone. Coming home to an infested home is not a great welcome. Either clean your gutters yourself before you leave or hire someone to do it so that you can rest easy while you are away.
Inspect the Roof
Issues with your roof may not be apparent at first unless you are looking for them. That’s why you need to have your roof inspected or inspect it yourself before vacationing. Missing shingles, dents, or signs of rotting are all red flags. Your roof can let in water without you knowing it. This can lead to mold growth and rotting in your walls. Have your roof checked, and handle necessary repairs before you leave. This is especially important if you live in an area where hail damage is common.
Follow these tips and you’ll be sure to leave your worries at home. You can relax on your vacation knowing that you did everything you could to protect your house before your trip. Taking care of housekeeping ahead of time can save you time and money down the road, and it is a great way to invest in your home.
Looking for tips to stay safe when you go on vacation? We recommend reading: Travel Tips to Make Your Trip Extra Safe.