Title: Tips for Preparing Your Home Before Leaving on Vacation

1. Secure Your Home

The last thing you want while you're away is to come back to a break-in or damaged property. Here are some simple but effective ways to secure your home:

• Lock All Doors and Windows: Double-check that all entry points are securely locked, including garage doors, patio doors, and even windows in rooms you might forget about.

• Set Up Motion-Sensor Lights: Motion-sensor lights around your front and back yard are a great deterrent for burglars. They activate when they sense movement, making it look like someone is home.

• Invest in a Smart Security System: Consider installing a smart security system with cameras you can monitor from your phone. Some systems can even simulate activity in your home by controlling lights and sounds.

• Notify a Trusted Neighbor: Let a trustworthy neighbor know you’ll be away so they can keep an eye out for any suspicious activity and pick up your mail or packages.

2. Prepare for Utilities and Maintenance

Before you leave, ensure your home’s systems will be running smoothly while you're away. You don’t want a surprise repair bill when you return.

• Adjust Thermostat Settings: If you’re going on vacation during a season of extreme weather, you don’t want your HVAC running unnecessarily. Set the thermostat to a moderate temperature, like 78°F (for summer) or 55°F (for winter), to save energy without compromising the health of your home.

• Unplug Electronics: Unplugging electronics like TVs, kitchen appliances, and computers helps prevent damage from power surges and saves energy. Also, it reduces the risk of fire hazards.

• Check Appliances and Water Fixtures: Ensure all faucets are turned off and check for any leaks. If you have automatic appliances like dishwashers or washing machines, make sure they’re turned off too.

• Schedule Any Necessary Maintenance: If your lawn or garden needs tending, make sure you've arranged for someone to water your plants or mow the lawn. If you have pets, arrange for a pet-sitter or use a trusted boarding service.

3. Take Care of Your Mail and Deliveries

Nothing says “I’m away” like a pile of mail building up in your mailbox or packages left on your porch. Here’s how to handle deliveries while you’re gone:

• Put Your Mail on Hold: USPS offers a mail hold service, so your letters won’t pile up and signal to anyone that you’re not home. You can easily set this up online for free.

• Pause Deliveries: Make sure you pause any regular deliveries, like newspaper subscriptions or weekly subscription boxes, while you’re away. This will avoid unwanted clutter on your doorstep.

• Use Package Lockers or a Neighbor: If you’re expecting any packages, consider having them delivered to a secure locker or ask a neighbor to accept them for you.

4. Tidy Up and Clean

Coming home to a tidy, clean house is always a good feeling. Take a little time before you leave to get your home ready for your return.

• Take Out the Trash: Empty trash bins in every room to avoid unpleasant smells or attracting pests while you’re away.

• Clean the Fridge: Dispose of any perishable food that could spoil while you’re gone. If you’re away for an extended period, you might also want to turn off the fridge to save energy and prevent any unexpected smells.

• Clean Surfaces and Floors: Wipe down countertops, sweep or vacuum the floors, and make sure your home is ready to welcome you back without the hassle of cleaning when you return.

5. Prepare Emergency Contacts and Information

Make sure you’re covered in case anything unexpected happens while you’re away.

• Leave Emergency Contacts with a Trusted Friend or Family Member: If something goes wrong while you’re on vacation—whether it’s a water leak, a power outage, or a neighbor needing to reach you—make sure someone knows how to contact you and how to handle emergencies.

• Backup Important Documents: If you’re traveling abroad, consider making digital copies of important documents like your passport, insurance info, and emergency contact details. Keep these in a secure, accessible place like a password-protected cloud storage service.

6. Give Your Home a Lived-In Look

Finally, a key part of preventing burglaries and keeping your home feeling alive is making it look like someone is there, even when you’re not.

• Use Timers for Lights: A smart plug or timer for your lights will make it look like you’re home by having them turn on and off at various times throughout the day.

• Leave Your Car in the Driveway: If you have a vehicle you don’t mind leaving behind, leave it in the driveway or garage. The presence of a car suggests someone is home.

• Install Smart Blinds or Curtains: If you have smart window coverings, set them to open and close at certain times to simulate activity in your home.

7. Enjoy Your Vacation Worry-Free!

Once you’ve taken these steps, you can relax knowing your home is secure and well-maintained. Now you can focus entirely on your vacation and enjoy your time away, knowing your space is ready and waiting for your return.