Heading out for vacation?
verify to complete these 15 essential home tasks before you head out.
They’ll save you time, money, and ensure a worry-free trip.
Credit:Xavier Lorenzo/Getty Images
Congratulations on your upcoming vacation.
Be sure to check off these 15 essentialhome tasksbefore going on vacation.
Xavier Lorenzo/Getty Images
1.
Prevent food waste by giving any canned or jarred goods set to expire to a local food pantry.
Do the Dishes
A sink full of dirty dishes attracts pests and odors.
Give thekitchen counters, appliances, and floors a good sweep and scrub before you go.
Hidden food scraps left in the drain can get smelly and quick.
Take out all the trash and recycling before leaving.
If all else fails, drop off the garbage in city or county trash dumps before you depart.
Unplug Electronics
Even when electronics are plugged in but are not in use, they use standby power.
Unplugging them all together can reduce electricity bills and protect appliances against unexpected power surges.
To reduce the risk of minor electrical hazards, plug anything else into aGFCIsocket or surge protector.
Adjust the Thermostat
Set the thermostat to an energy-saving temperature.
Depending on the season, this may mean turning off the heat or air conditioning completely.
Of course, do not leave any space heaters or window air conditioners running while you’re gone.
Turn your Water Heater to Vacation Mode
Vacation Mode is a setting available onmost water heaters.
Vacation mode runs the boiler at a significantly lower temperature, therefore saving energy (and money).
Do not turn the water heater off completely, as this can cause more harm than good.
Simply lowering the temperature is the safest option.
If your water heater doesn’t have a vacation setting, simply turn the dial to “low”.
Ensure that any house sitters know exactly where to find it.
If you havesmart locks,share the code with visitors or others you trust.
Enable security systems to sound with window access or motion detection in vulnerable areas.
Water Houseplants
Keep indoor and outdoor plants thriving when nobodys home bygiving them a good wateringbefore leaving.
If youre away for an extended period and no one else is available, try self-watering spikes or globes.
Dont forget to prepare for backyard gardens or grass that will be left unattended during the heat of summer.
Making it look like someone’s home is a simple way to deter burglars from targeting your house.
If you live in a two-story home, program a couple timers upstairs as well.
