Over 200 Million Americans planned summer travel last year. This year, early planning and summer holidays are already underway. Before you leave for your well-earned trip, don’t forget to pack the sunscreen and complete our Home Away Checklist! Taking these 15 steps ensures your home is as safe as possible while you are away enjoying the sun and fun. 1. Stage your home & schedule foot traffic: Staging your home to look occupied gives a lived-in appearance. Partially closed or timed shades block the view and inside lighting gives the at-home appearance. Ensure all windows and doors are locked before you leave and don’t forget to schedule a neighbor or friend to stop by for a bit – especially in the evenings. Getting some eyes on your home ensures all is in working order and provides some needed activity to avoid the vacant appearance. 2. Stop deliveries: Nothing says “not here” like a stack of mail or boxes piled up at your doorstep. Be sure to stop mail deliveries or arrange for a neighbor to pick up daily. 3. Secure vehicles: Car theft is on the rise nationally with Richmond, VA seeing double digit increases. Not surprisingly, unlocked cars are particularly susceptible and 80% of car crime occurs at night. Be sure to empty cars of personal items and park vehicles in well-lit areas. 4. Secure valuables: Leaving important documents, jewelry, firearms, or other personal property unsecured is unwise and potentially dangerous. Ensure all items are safely stored away to protect against fire or theft. 5. Use timed & motion sensor lights: A well-lit home is a deterrent for bad actors. Simple timer plug-ins and motion sensor lights make protection a breeze. 6. Maintain your landscaping: Especially if you are away for long stretches, arrange for a neighbor, friend, or provider to mow your lawn and water flowers. 7. Unplug appliances: Small electrical appliances like coffee pots and ice makers should be unplugged. If not in use, there’s no need to keep motors running and risk an electrical fire. 8. Adjust refrigerator temperatures: These unit’s compressors are not designed to work hard when empty. Avoid failures by turning them down or off. 9. Shut off water: Water can be turned off at the street or house. Drain cold as well as hot water lines afterwards. If a whole-system shutdown isn’t right for your home, close the washing machine, dishwasher, icemaker, and toilet valves to avoid potential leaks. 10. Ready HVAC systems: Units can freeze up quickly in particularly hot climates. Be sure to adjust your thermostat to a temperature that cycles out the humidity but also gives the unit a rest since system failures are common for overworked units. Usually, about 10-15 degrees lower than scheduled highs should do the trick. 11. Adjust hot water heaters: Electric hot water heaters can be turned off or set to vacation mode - avoiding unnecessary utility bills. Gas hot water heaters have pilot lights that need to be shut down safely. Drain the tank, once shut off, by running hot water until the unit is empty and lines are clear. 12. Notify your security provider or police: Giving a heads up that you’re away allows providers to properly monitor your home. Some police departments can add your home to a patrol watch if their resources allow. 13. Test smoke detectors: Check all smoke detectors before leaving and ensure batteries still have lots of life. 14. Run garbage disposals: Don’t forget to give the disposal a quick run with either a cleaning pod or a vinegar and hot water mixture to flush out any remaining food particles. Let’s avoid the first thing greeting you home being rank smells! 15. Take out trash: Easy to miss, make sure all trash receptacles have been emptied. With this comprehensive Summer Home Away Checklist, your home will be ready for the long break just like you are. Never want to miss a post? For more useful real estate tips & tricks, subscribe to our mailing list or contact us with any real estate questions.
Authored by: Kat Medaries, REALTOR® MT Realty Advisors of Long & Foster Real Estate Village of Midlothian Sales, 1100 Jefferson Green Circle, Midlothian, VA 23113 Licensed to sell in the Commonwealth of VA | Equal Housing Opportunity For informational purposes only. Not intended as legal, financial or credit counseling advice. Seek the assistance of a professional should you require.
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