Planning for an extended vacation is exciting, but leaving your home unattended for an extended period can bring about concerns. Whether you’re escaping the Coachella Valley heat for cooler climates or heading abroad, it’s crucial to secure your home to prevent potential issues while you’re away. By preparing your home with a few proactive steps, you can avoid unexpected emergencies and enjoy your trip with peace of mind. This checklist will guide you through essential tasks like turning off the water, setting timers, and ensuring proper HVAC maintenance to keep your home safe and secure.
1. Turn Off the Water Supply
One of the most critical steps before leaving your home for an extended period is turning off the water supply. Leaks can cause extensive damage, especially if left unattended for days or weeks. If you’re away for a short period, at least turn off the water to appliances such as the washing machine, dishwasher, and toilets.
For extended vacations, consider shutting off the water at the main supply valve. This will prevent flooding in case a pipe bursts or a leak develops. Additionally, drain your pipes by running the faucets after turning off the main valve. This helps avoid any remaining water causing issues.
Tip: If turning off the water isn’t an option, invest in a smart water shutoff device that can detect leaks and shut off the water remotely.
2. Unplug Appliances and Electronics
Even when not in use, appliances and electronics still consume energy, contributing to your utility bills. They also present a fire hazard if they malfunction. Before leaving, unplug all non-essential devices such as televisions, microwaves, computers, and gaming systems. Don’t forget smaller appliances like coffee makers and toasters.
For essential appliances like your refrigerator, consider unplugging if you’re away for a significant period. If not, adjust the temperature to a more energy-efficient setting.
3. Set Timers for Lights
To make it appear as though someone is home, install timers on your lights. Set them to turn on in the evening and off late at night. This simple task can deter potential burglars from targeting your home.
Smart light bulbs or smart plugs allow you to control your home’s lighting from anywhere using your smartphone. This gives you added flexibility and security. You can even mimic your typical lighting schedule to make your home appear lived-in.
4. Secure All Doors and Windows
For additional security, consider installing deadbolts or smart locks on exterior doors. Smart locks allow you to monitor and control access to your home remotely, giving you peace of mind.
5. Adjust the Thermostat and HVAC System
It’s important to keep your HVAC system running efficiently even while you’re away, particularly if you’re leaving your home in a climate like Coachella Valley’s. Set your thermostat to a temperature that won’t waste energy but will still protect your home’s interior. During summer, set it to around 85°F, and in winter, keep it around 55°F to prevent pipes from freezing.
If you have a smart thermostat, you can adjust the temperature remotely or set it to follow a schedule. Regular HVAC maintenance before you leave, such as replacing filters and checking for issues, is also essential. An efficient system will save you energy and reduce the risk of malfunctions while you’re gone.
Tip: If you’re away during a heatwave or cold snap, ask your home watch service to monitor your HVAC system for any issues.
6. Manage Your Landscaping
An overgrown lawn or untidy landscaping can signal that no one is home, making your property more attractive to burglars. Arrange for regular lawn care if you’re going to be away for an extended period.
Consider trimming trees and shrubs near windows to eliminate hiding spots for potential intruders. If you use a sprinkler system, ensure it’s set to a timer and check for leaks before you leave. You don’t want to come home to a flooded lawn or garden.
7. Pause Mail and Deliveries
A mailbox stuffed with letters and packages sitting on your doorstep can make it obvious that no one is home. Put your mail on hold through the USPS, or ask a trusted neighbor or friend to collect it for you. For packages, pause any scheduled deliveries, and if you receive frequent online orders, consider rerouting them to an alternative address.
If you have regular newspaper deliveries, make sure to pause those as well. A stack of unread newspapers is a clear indication that your home is unoccupied.
8. Notify a Trusted Neighbor or Hire a Home Watch Service
It’s always a good idea to inform a trusted neighbor of your travel plans. They can keep an eye on your property, collect any unexpected packages, and alert you if anything seems amiss.
If you don’t have someone nearby to rely on, consider hiring a professional home watch service like Coachella Valley Home Watch. They offer personalized home monitoring, conducting regular checks to ensure everything is in order. They can provide services such as HVAC inspections, water shutoff verification, and even managing unexpected home issues while you’re away.
9. Set Your Security System
If you have a home security system, make sure it’s fully functional and activated before you leave. Modern systems allow you to monitor your home remotely through apps that send you real-time alerts. Test your system beforehand to ensure that all cameras, motion detectors, and alarms are working properly.
Tip: Many home security systems can integrate with smart home devices, giving you more control over lighting, locks, and even thermostats from a single platform.
10. Clean Out Your Refrigerator and Take Out the Trash
To avoid coming home to unpleasant smells, clean out your refrigerator of any perishable items. Discard old leftovers, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products that might spoil while you’re away. If you’re leaving for more than a month, consider unplugging your refrigerator and leaving the door slightly open to prevent mold and odors from building up.
Taking out the trash is another must-do. Leftover garbage can attract pests, and nobody wants to return to a smelly home.
Conclusion: Plan Ahead for a Stress-Free Vacation
Leaving for an extended vacation doesn’t have to be stressful. By following this checklist, you’ll ensure that your home is safe, secure, and energy-efficient during your time away. Whether you turn off the water supply, set timers for lights, or hire a professional home watch service, taking these precautions will give you peace of mind and allow you to enjoy your vacation to the fullest.
If you’re looking for extra assurance, Coachella Valley Home Watch offers comprehensive home monitoring services tailored to seasonal and vacationing homeowners. They will help safeguard your property, handle unexpected issues, and keep your home in perfect condition while you’re gone. Contact them today for more information on how they can help protect your home.
Conclusion
Protect your home while you’re away. Contact Coachella Valley Home Watch today for professional and reliable home watch services.