Once you are in vacation mode, usually a good two or three days at least before you jet off to some far-flung and exotic location, all your common sense seems to go flying out the window.
It can seem perfectly acceptable to spend a whole day seeking out the best open-toed shoes that will work for both the day and night-time, but if someone even suggests that you empty the fridge in preparation for your impending vacation, you openly squirm.
“Why are you ruining my vacation vibe with these mundane and boring household tasks?”
Unfortunately, though, unless you want to return from your trip with a whole host of household problems to fix, there is a list of tasks that you need to carry out before jumping on the plane and ordering your first (of many) gin and tonics.
1. Turn off Your Main Water Supply
Coming back from the trip of a lifetime and being faced with a water-damaged home is probably top on your list of nightmare scenarios; unfortunately, it is more common than you might think. Common, but completely preventable.
All you need to do is ensure that you turn off your main water supply and hey presto, no chance of a leak. However, if you do forget to do this, it can be helpful to have local plumbers on hand to rectify any damage immediately and advise you on how to keep your home safe from water damage in the future.
2. Unplug all Electronic Devices
Not only will this save you a few dollars, but it will also stop you from becoming a victim of an electrical fire which can be caused by a faulty outlet or appliance. Make sure that you unplug anything that uses electricity, from your TV to your toaster to your lamps. Always better to be safe than sorry.
3. Take Care of Perishables
Make sure that you clean out your fridge of any items that are likely to go off while you are away; after all, nobody wants to come home to a rotting tomato or inadvertently make a cup of coffee with some sour milk.
It is also equally important to remember to seal any open boxes of food and to put any dried goods in airtight containers. Not just because they may become stale, but also because you don’t want to come home to a house full of mice, ants, and other common household pests.
Make Sure your Insurance Policies are up to Date
If the worst does happen and your home is broken into or your car is vandalized while you are away, wouldn’t you prefer to find out knowing that you are adequately covered by your insurance, rather than return from your vacation with a hefty bill to pay?
It is important to check that all your insurance policies are up to date as well as to check what each insurance actually covers. For example, are the possessions you take away with you covered by your homeowners’ policy or do you need to take out additional cover? It can also be beneficial to check that your home security systems are all in working order and maybe even ask a neighbor or friend to come round every few days to check that your home is secure and to turn on a few lights to deter thieves.
