Your Guide to a Worry-Free Vacation: The Home Alone Checklist

Imagine this: You're living your dream vacation, lounging on a pristine white sand beach, or exploring a charming new town. Suddenly, the "Home Alone" vibes kick in – not because of a mischievous little guy, but because your home is flying solo. Cue the classic concerns: "Did I lock the front door?" "Are the blinds pulled down?" "Did I remember to unplug that potentially fiery gadget?" These are all very valid worries! Let us be your guide to crafting a foolproof "Home Alone" checklist, so you can jet off on your getaway worry-free!

Preparing Your Home: Tidying Up Before You Go

First things first – tidying up your home. Sure, it might seem like the last thing you want to do before vacation, but let's be honest, returning to a clean house is far better than walking into chaos. Here are some simple tasks to consider:

• Take out the trash: It's a quick chore that prevents unwelcome odors and pests from greeting you upon your return.
• Spruce up your kitchen: Wash the dishes, wipe down surfaces, empty the sink, and toss out perishables from the fridge or pantry.
• Don't forget your plants: Give them a good watering, as they won't survive long without it.
• Tackle the lawn (if it's that time of year): If you'll be away for more than a week, it's wise to mow your lawn to prevent it from becoming overgrown while you're gone.

Ensuring Security & Safety: Protecting Your Home While Away

Now, let's talk security and safety – leaving your home unattended can be nerve-wracking, especially when you're miles away. These tips will help ease your mind:

• Notify your home alarm company: If you have a security system, inform them of your absence and any visitors expected during your time away.
• Light it up: Use light timers or motion-sensor lights outside your home to create the illusion of occupancy. Programmable timers offer random on/off settings for added authenticity.
• Secure your space: Draw your shades enough to block visibility from outside but not so much that it's obvious you're away. Ensure all windows and exterior doors are locked.
• Shut off the water: If you'll be gone for more than a week, consider turning off the main water supply or individual valves to large appliances to prevent potential leaks.
• Adjust the thermostat: In winter, set it to around 55-60°F to conserve energy. In summer, set it about 10 degrees lower than the outside temperature to ease the load on your appliances.
• Unplug potential fire hazards: If any of your appliances could overheat or malfunction, unplug them to eliminate the worry of potential sparks while you're away.
• Phone a Friend: Have a trusted friend check your home while you're away. Knowing someone's looking out for potential issues like leaks or floods can ease worries. Time is critical with water damage, so quick alerts can make a difference. If an emergency does happen, our restoration team is standing by 24/7 ready to serve.

With this Home Alone Checklist in mind, you can enjoy your vacation worry-free, knowing your home is safe and sound. Happy travels!