Traveling is exciting, but before you leave, it’s essential to make sure your home is safe and secure to prevent any unwanted issues while you’re away. Whether it’s plumbing, security, or appliances, taking time to address key areas can save you from serious headaches. Here’s a comprehensive list of things to check to avoid issues while you’re on vacation.
1. Avoid Plumbing Issues by Checking for Leaks
Water damage is one of the most costly and damaging issues you can face when you’re away. Leaky pipes, faucets, or toilets can cause significant problems if not addressed. Before you leave, inspect all visible plumbing and fix any leaks. Turning off the main water valve is also a smart idea to avoid water-related issues while you’re out of town.
2. Prevent Security Issues by Locking Doors and Windows
Home security should be a top priority to avoid break-ins and theft. An unlocked door or window can be an invitation for burglars. Double-check that all doors and windows are securely locked. If you want an extra layer of protection, consider reinforcing doors or adding security bars. You could also set up a timer for lights to give the illusion that someone is at home, which can help prevent security issues.
3. Minimize HVAC Issues by Inspecting Your System
Before you head out, make sure your HVAC system is functioning properly to avoid temperature-related issues while you’re away. Check air filters and set the thermostat to a reasonable temperature. If you’re in a location with extreme weather, make sure your heating or cooling systems are working efficiently to prevent any damage to your home from temperature extremes.
4. Avoid Electrical Issues by Unplugging Appliances
Electrical issues, such as short circuits or overloaded outlets, can be a major problem if you leave your appliances plugged in while you’re away. Unplug any non-essential electronics and appliances. For any items that need to stay on, consider using a power strip with an on/off switch to prevent unnecessary power usage and reduce the risk of electrical issues.
5. Prevent Fire Issues by Turning Off Your Gas Stove
Leaving the gas on or a stove unattended can lead to potential fire hazards. Before you travel, double-check that your stove is completely turned off, and there are no open gas lines. If you use a gas stove or oven, ensure all burners are off to avoid any risk of fire while you’re away. This simple check can help prevent any fire-related issues from ruining your trip.
6. Avoid Pest Issues by Checking for Entry Points
Pests are an issue that can quickly escalate if left unchecked. Before traveling, inspect your home for potential entry points where insects or rodents might sneak in. Seal any cracks in windows, doors, or walls to keep pests out. If you notice any signs of infestation, consider calling a pest control service to take care of the problem before you leave.
7. Eliminate the Issue of Unwanted Odors by Taking Out the Trash
Leaving trash or recyclables in your home while you’re gone can lead to unpleasant odors or even pest issues. Take out the garbage and empty your recycling bins before leaving. This simple step can help prevent bad smells and the attraction of pests while you’re away, ensuring you return to a fresh-smelling home.
8. Prevent Appliance Issues by Disconnecting Unnecessary Devices
To avoid any issues with your appliances while you’re away, disconnect devices you don’t need. Water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines are examples of appliances that can malfunction or leak while you’re not around. If possible, turn off these appliances and unplug them to reduce the risk of appliance-related issues such as leaks or electrical malfunctions.
9. Avoid Insurance Issues by Updating Coverage
Before traveling, make sure your home insurance is up to date. Having the right coverage in place can protect you from unexpected issues that may arise while you’re gone. Review your policy and update it if necessary. It’s also a good idea to leave a trusted friend or neighbor with emergency contact details in case something goes wrong.
10. Prevent Security System Issues by Checking Your Alarms
If you have a home security system, ensure it’s set up correctly and all sensors and cameras are functioning. Test your alarms and check that everything is connected to your monitoring system. Security system issues can be especially problematic while you’re away, so double-checking that everything is in place before you leave will give you peace of mind during your trip.
By taking a few simple precautions, you can avoid a wide range of issues that could disrupt your travel plans or cause damage to your home. From plumbing to security, spending a little time inspecting your home before you leave can save you a lot of stress and hassle when you return.
Must-Have Items to Protect Your Home While You’re Away
Before you set off on your trip, ensuring your home is secure and well-maintained should be a top priority. There are several must-have products available that can make this process easier, ensuring that you return home to no surprises. Whether it’s keeping your home safe, preventing potential damage, or just making sure everything runs smoothly in your absence, these items will give you peace of mind. Below is a list of essential products you can find on Amazon that will help safeguard your home while you’re away. Don’t miss out on these practical solutions—your home’s safety starts with the right preparations!
1. Prevent Plumbing Issues with a Leak Detector
Water damage can be one of the most expensive issues you can face while you’re on vacation. A leak detector can alert you to leaks in your plumbing before they cause any major damage. These devices are easy to install and provide peace of mind, especially if you plan to be away for a long time.
Recommended Product: X-Sense Wi-Fi Water Leak Detector Kit
Why You Need It: With real-time alerts sent straight to your phone, you’ll be notified instantly of any potential leaks or temperature drops, even when you’re miles away. This is a must-have for anyone who wants to protect their home from unexpected water damage.
2. Smart Door Locks:
The security of your home is incredibly important while you’re traveling. Traditional locks can be bypassed, but smart locks offer an extra layer of protection. These locks let you lock and unlock your doors remotely, so you can control who enters your home, even from abroad.
Recommended Product: Keyless-Entry Keypad Fingerprint Smart Lock
Why You Need It: This smart lock works with your smartphone, allowing you to grant access to friends, family, or service people while you’re away. It’s easy to install and integrates seamlessly with your home security system.
3. Prevent Pest Issues with Effective Traps
If you’re worried about pests invading your home while you’re traveling, pest control traps are an affordable and effective way to keep things in check. These traps are easy to set up, and they can help prevent rodents or insects from causing damage to your home.
Recommended Product: Catchmaster Pest Trap (Mouse and Insect)
Why You Need It: These traps are non-toxic, eco-friendly, and highly effective in capturing both rodents and insects. Placing these traps around your home will give you confidence that pests won’t disrupt your peace of mind while you’re away.
Stay pest-free! Buy the Catchmaster Pest Trap here and secure your home against unwanted visitors.
4. Smart Thermostats:
Managing your home’s temperature while you’re away is crucial for both comfort and energy savings. A smart thermostat allows you to adjust your home’s temperature from anywhere, ensuring that you’re not wasting energy while you’re gone.
Recommended Product: Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd Gen)
Why You Need It: This smart thermostat learns your schedule and adjusts the temperature automatically, keeping your home at the perfect level without wasting energy. You can control it from your phone, so even if you forget to adjust it before you leave, you can do it remotely.
Don’t miss the opportunity! Click here to buy the Nest Thermostat and save energy while you’re away.
5. Smart Security Cameras:
Ensuring that your home is protected while you’re away is essential. Smart security cameras provide you with 24/7 surveillance, allowing you to monitor your property from anywhere in the world. These cameras offer video recording and real-time alerts, so you can stay on top of your home’s security.
Recommended Product: Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2
Why You Need It: The Ring Video Doorbell allows you to see and speak to visitors from your phone, even when you’re not home. It integrates with your home security system and provides HD video, so you can feel confident that your home is being watched.
6. Prevent Fire Issues with a Gas Leak Detector
Gas leaks can lead to dangerous situations if left undetected. Installing a gas leak detector ensures that you’re notified immediately if there’s a problem, keeping your home and family safe. This is an important item to check off before you leave.
Recommended Product: First Alert Plug-In Carbon Monoxide and Natural Gas Detector
Why You Need It: This gas detector plugs into any standard outlet and provides immediate alerts if it detects dangerous gas levels. It’s a simple, cost-effective way to prevent dangerous issues while you’re away.
7. Home Insurance Binder:
Updating your home insurance before traveling is essential to ensure that you’re covered for any unexpected events. A home insurance binder will keep all of your important documents in one place, easily accessible in case of an emergency.
Recommended Product: Fireproof Document Bag
Why You Need It: A fireproof document bag is perfect for storing your insurance paperwork and any other important documents, providing you with peace of mind that they’re safe from fire or water damage.
Don’t wait! Get the Fireproof Document Bag here and keep your essential documents safe while you’re away.
8. Smart Light Timers:
One of the best ways to deter burglars while you’re traveling is to make it look like someone’s home. Smart light timers can automatically turn lights on and off at scheduled times, helping to create the illusion of activity in your home.
Recommended Product: Kasa Smart Plug
Why You Need It: This smart plug lets you control your lights remotely via your phone, making it easy to simulate your presence at home. You can even set timers or schedules to turn lights on and off at different times, enhancing your home’s security.
As you prepare for your upcoming trip, consider these products to help you avoid common issues while you’re away. Each of these items is designed to enhance the security, safety, and maintenance of your home, giving you one less thing to worry about. Don’t let these opportunities slip by—click on the links above to get your hands on these essential products today, and travel with peace of mind knowing your home is well-protected.
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Image by Lars Eriksson from Pixabay and Canva
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