Prep Your Home for Your Winter Vacation
Whether you’re going away for a holiday vacation or the entire winter, these tips will help ensure that your home is safe and secure while you’re gone. Leaving for a long vacation is hectic from a planning and packing standpoint, but don't forget to add a few of these items to your list to ensure your home is ready too.
Keep reading for what I think is the most useful home prep checklist around for extended winter absences, plus one bonus tip!
Winter Extended Travel Home Prep Checklist
Unplug appliances
Consider using smart devices to time your lights
Have someone water your indoor plants
Coordinate package pickups or forward your mail
Hire snow removal services if you have common areas to maintain, like sidewalks.
Make sure smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors have fresh batteries
Adjust your thermostat
Move vehicles into the garage
Remove all trash, and recycling from the home
Close your fireplace flue to prevent unwanted animals and bugs from getting in
Lock all windows and doors
Don't share your travel plans in advance on social media
Make sure your pipes are cared for. If you're taking a short trip consider letting water drip out of your faucets, not a lot, just a few drops. If you're gone all winter, consider shutting off the main water valve and running the faucets to make sure the lines are drained before you leave. If your home is in extreme temperatures you can have a plumber blow compressed air through your pipes to prevent freezing.
BONUS - If you’re considering selling your home during the winter months, take advantage of any scheduled time away and have your real estate broker maximize open houses, broker opens, and showing windows. With less listing competition during the holidays, it can be a great time to showcase your home to potential buyers.
If you're in the market to buy/sell a home, or you just want to chat about real estate, let’s connect! I'm happy to share insights, market resources, vendor referrals, or anything else that would be helpful in your journey.
