The recent health crisis has held us all pretty tightly to our homes. While it is unfortunate that many of us have had to cut our travel plans short, this unforeseen circumstance has brought about a priceless opportunity for all of us.
We are now taking this time to prepare ourselves and our homes so that when the crisis does subside, we will be ready to move forward with the vacation we have always wanted.
So before you get your bags packed, make sure your home is taken care of while you’re gone. Here are a few tips on how to prepare your home for travel.
Weatherproof all parts of your home.
Weatherproofing your home can be a daunting task, but with enough advanced preparation, it can be a straightforward process. From roofing up to the windows and doors, make sure your home is sealed tightly against any change in weather.
Doing so will save you from having to find out the hard way that a certain orifice wasn’t properly secured. You don’t want your vacation plans ruined because of a water leak due to poor preparation. It means checking all areas for leaks and cracks, including the chimney, garage door, and basement. Also, make sure that your gutters are clean and free of debris, as this can cause a leak as well.
If your floors are made of concrete, it’s best to check them for moisture resistance. You can incorporate moisture mitigation systems to suppress vapor and eliminate the possibility of water seeping through your floors. This technique follows the ASTM F-3010 standard, a common industry practice.
Make sure all appliances, such as TVs and radios, are unplugged.
If you accidentally leave your electronics plugged in, it could harm those who come upon the residence during power outages caused by the crisis. You may also consider taking batteries out of remotes and electronics that need them so that they do not short-circuit.
In doing so, you will ensure that no one is harmed even when you’re not at home. Besides, it also helps save energy while you’re away — hitting two birds in one stone.
Install security systems.
If you’re not home, you want to ensure that robbers don’t enter your house and take advantage of your property. While you might think this doesn’t apply because no one is there, rest assured that thieves will see it as an opportunity for entry.
When installing a security system, make sure it has a motion detector and a camera. It will be the only system necessary to let would-be thieves know that they should stay away from your property.
You can also make use of locks and window bars to keep burglars and robbers out of your home and ensure the safety of those who come to reside there for you.
Set-up automated lighting system.
You don’t want to come home after a long vacation only to find the house in complete darkness. With an automated lighting system, you have to set it up and use your device to control it remotely.
It means having lights connected to a smart home system so that you can automatically turn them on during nighttime.
Leave enough food and drinks for your pets.
Although it’s not advisable to leave your furry friends alone at home, you might need to do so if the situation leaves you no choice. In that case, it’s best to invest in automated pet food storage so that you know your pets will be fed while you’re away.
This equipment will allow you to leave them with plenty of water and a few of their favorite treats to keep them happy and healthy during this time.
Let your neighbors know you’ll be away.
With all of your exterior work complete, make sure to let your neighbors know you’ll be gone for an extended period. If they suddenly notice water or smoke coming out of your property, they will call emergency services and take necessary safety precautions.
It is also a neighborly thing to do as it increases safety in the community. Besides, the best way to get something done is to ask for it. You can even get a trusted neighbor or friend to check on your home from time to time while you’re away.
This way, they get to take a breather from their busy schedule and, at the same time, make sure everything’s all right in your absence.
As you can see, there are many things you can do to prepare your home before traveling. By following the tips in this article, you can make sure that your home is safe and secure while you’re away.
