How to Ensure Your Home Stays Well-Kept When on the Road

If you are travelling, either for work or pleasure, you want to enjoy yourself and make the most of your new surroundings. What you don't want is to be worrying about your home while you are away. Ensuring your property is secure and well-maintained is important. After all, no one wants to come home from vacation to find out their belongings have been burgled, their cat hasn't been fed, or the neat and tidy lawn has turned into a jungle.

It's important to put measures in place before you leave to ensure that you come home to a living environment that looks exactly the same as when you left it. This might involve methods such installing smart security systems or hiring a house sitter to keep things ticking over and allowing you peace of mind to enjoy your trip. Here are some essential tips to ensure your home stays well-kept while you are on the road.

Security should be your top priority when leaving your home unattended. There are many opportunistic criminals out there who will see an empty home as the perfect chance to get their hands on your valuables. Making your home look occupied is the first step, as this will deter any potential thieves. Put your interior lights on a timer so that they come on for a few hours in the evening, giving the illusion that you are at home. Put your mail on hold to prevent it from piling up in the doorway, or ask a trusted neighbor to collect it for you as well as keeping an eye on things. Leave a car parked in the driveway if possible.

Installing home security is essential. Motion sensor lighting is a great deterrent, and a video camera doorbell will capture any suspicious activity. Smart locks protect against unauthorized entry and can allow you to control access remotely.

A well-maintained exterior can give the impression that someone is home. Nothing will attract potential thieves more than an unkempt and overgrown lawn. If you are going to be away for a long period, ask a friend, relative or neighbour to come around each week and give your backyard a once-over with a leaf blower and lawn mower. You could even hire a landscaping service to keep things in order.

You don’t want bad weather to cause problems while you’re away and unable to deal with it, so take measures to prevent damage before you leave. This means inspecting and clearing gutters and drains to protect against water damage, and securing or storing any loose garden furniture in case of strong winds.

Sudden leaks or electrical issues can result in costly damage if left unchecked. Take precautions before leaving. Shut off the water supply if you’ll be away more than a couple of weeks. This will prevent leaks and, if travelling in winter, frozen pipes. Unplug electronics to reduce the risk of electrical fires, and set your thermostat to the right temperature to save energy but also prevent extreme cold.

Having someone check on your home every now and then can ensure it is in good order while you are travelling. The regular activity can also deter burglars from breaking in. Ask a neighbour, a trusted friend, or a family member to pop in once a week. They should pick up any piled-up mail, water your plants, and check everything is as it should be. If you have a pet at home, you’ll need someone to come in every day to look after it.

It’s difficult to bring a pet with you while travelling, so you’ll need to make plans to ensure your furry friend is looked after. If you’re only going to be gone a few days, you may be able to leave your cat or dog at home, as long as you have an automated feeder and someone to pop in and check on them. Any longer, and you will need a pet sitter or put your animal in a cattery or kennel. Although they might not enjoy your absence and their unfamiliar surroundings, this will ensure they are properly fed, cleaned, and looked after.

A house sitter is someone who will live in your home for the duration of your trip. It is a great option if you are going to be on the road for a couple of weeks or more. This person will be able to water your plants, care for your pets, and maintain your property in your absence. Ideally, this will be someone you know and trust. But if you can’t find someone willing and available to do the job, there are plenty of apps and websites that allow you to find the perfect house sitter for the dates you’re away. These prospective house sitters are vetted and subject to reviews, so you can always find someone who is reliable and competent.

No one ever wants to use their insurance, but when you eventually need it, you’ll be grateful for it. Having home insurance will ensure you are prepared for any unexpected events while you are away. If your home is subject to a burglary, weather damage, or fire, your insurance policy will enable you to claim financial compensation for your loss of property and time.

Ensure your policy is up-to-date before you depart, and that it covers any possible damage or loss that might reasonably occur. Keep a digital copy of your policy on your phone or in the cloud so you can refer to it if needed while travelling.

In summary, leaving your home unattended while traveling can be incredibly stressful. Nevertheless, by implementing precautionary measures, you can minimize risks and ensure your home remains secure and well-kept in your absence. These steps outlined above will enable you to travel with peace of mind that your property is in good hands.

Enjoy your trip away, and safe travels!

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