Summer is fast approaching so you may be planning a family vacation. Time away can be a great way to relax and bond but don’t forget about your home. When your entire family is gone your house is home alone.
Here are 7 things that you will need to make arrangements for if you will be away for more than one or two days. Any longer than that and you must make sure that your home is looked after. Emergencies can arise and after just a couple of days potential criminals begin to see your home as an easy target.
- Newspapers - If you have a daily or weekly newspaper delivered to your door you will want to call and have it put on a vacation hold. Many newspapers will ask you if you would like to donate your newspaper to a local school. Teachers receive them for free because of the donations of people who are on vacation.
- Pets - Animals must have special arrangements made for them. Even cats should not be left alone for more than one or two days. A pet sitter is a good choice if you can find someone trustworthy and reliable. Kennels will require shot records before they will accept dogs for boarding. Be sure to have your dog’s shots up to date at least a week before you leave town. Snakes can be left alone for up to one week if they have been fed and given fresh water. Other animals, such as birds and fish will need individual arrangements made for their care and feeding while you are away.
- Plants - It is a shame to let your houseplants die when you are on vacation.
- Dusting/Housecleaning – If you will be gone for several weeks or longer you may want to throw clean cotton sheets over you furniture to keep the dust from building up. It will be easier when you return to simply remove the sheets and run them through the laundry.
- Perishable Food – Throw away anything that will go bad while you are gone. This would include fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and fresh meat.
- Mail – Fill out a form at the post office and request a “vacation hold”. When you return you can go to the post office and they will give you a container with your mail.
- Gardener – Make sure that your gardener has access to the backyard and any equipment or other items that will be needed. Tell them that you want regular service while you are gone so your house maintains the same appearance.
All of these things can be handled but you must make a list and stay organized. Make a schedule of exactly who you need to call and what items you need to purchase so you don’t wait until the last few days to do everything. Have a back-up plan for any item that you are not sure about. For example, have additional people that can be called if your main person is unable to come. There should be a central location, such as a specific neighbor, who will have an extra house key and know they are permitted to give it to in case of an emergency.
The police department also likes to be notified if you are leaving town for an extended period of time. You will need someone who can make a decision on your behalf if you be unreachable during your vacation. By taking care of all of these items well in advance you will have a more enjoyable vacation and reduce the chance of anything happening that could have been prevented.
