If you’re planning a vacation and want to ensure everything goes smoothly, it’s wise to prepare your home before you go away. Here’s a helpful pre-vacation home checklist:

1. Keep It Private: Avoid announcing your vacation plans on social media or telling everyone – the fewer people who know your home is empty, the safer it will be.
2. Enlist a Neighbor’s Help: If you live in a house, ask a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on things, bring in your mail, and help with any outdoor maintenance needed while you’re away. Provide them with a key and your contact information in case of emergencies.
3. Use Timers for Lights: Consider keeping a couple of lights on, setting them on timers if you have them, or controlling them remotely with your smartphone.
4. Unplug Unneeded Devices: This will save power and prevent the risk of electrical fires.
5. Set Your Thermostat: Keep it at 15°C (59°F) to avoid pipes bursting in cold climates.
6. Turn Off the Water Supply: This will help prevent potential water damage.
7. Leverage Smart Technology: If you have smart home technology, use it to check on your home with security cameras, turn on and off the TV, and open and close blinds to make your home appear occupied.

With a little pre-planning, you can go on vacation with peace of mind, knowing your home is well-prepared and secure. Enjoy your trip!