Preparing for an extended vacation can make you feel frazzled. To help reduce the stress, we’ve created this list of five things you should do to get ready. Follow the list and your next vacation will be a breeze because you won’t have to worry about things back at home.
Clean Out Your Refrigerator
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If you don’t want to come home to spoiled and rancid food, clean out your refrigerator before you leave. It’s doubtful that your gallon of milk will still taste fresh or that your leftovers will keep until you get home. Try to eat everything you’ve been saving in the few days before your trip, and then throw out the remaining food before you go. While you’re at it, be sure to take out the trash.
Unplug Unnecessary Electrical Devices
Your toaster, electric razor, and television constantly use power, even when they are not turned on. To avoid unnecessary power usage, unplug all the large electric devices in your home while you’re away. It only takes a few minutes, but you’ll save tons of energy.
Plan for Pet Care
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Sometimes you can bring your pets along on vacation, but if you’re leaving them at home, you need to arrange for their care. A cat might be okay alone for a day or two, but a dog might feel lonely or abandoned. Ask a neighbor to feed your pets and spend some time with them while you’re gone. If you don’t have a close friend or neighbor that can look after your pets, a pet daycare is the next best option. You can find a pet daycare service in most cities that will even board your furry friends overnight. Plus, you’ll know your pets are getting the exercise and attention they deserve.
Secure Your Home
One of the biggest worries people have about going on vacation is making sure that their home and possessions stay safe. A home security system can help, but you can also invest in smart home technology, like cameras and video doorbells, to monitor your home while you’re away. Be sure to also call the post office to put a hold on your mail and consider leaving a light on to make it look like someone is at home.
Set the Thermostat
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If you’re going to be away from your home for more than a day or two, you should turn down your thermostat. This way your HVAC unit won’t be wasting energy and your bill will be a little lower. Of course, you’ll want to be careful about turning your thermostat too low if you’re leaving pets at home. Also, be prepared to come home to an undesirable temperature unless you have a smart thermostat to adjust the temperature of your place before you arrive.
There are lots of things you should do before leaving on an extended vacation, but you don’t need to stress. Follow the tips here and your next vacation can start off worry free.