Pre-Trip Home Maintenance Checklist for Stress-Free Travel

You’re packed, ready to go, and that excitement for your travel plans is kicking in. There’s just one more thing before you lock up and leave: a quick rundown of home maintenance tasks. Taking a bit of time to address some aspects of home maintenance before your trip can make a major difference, setting you up for a carefree trip and a relaxing return. This will ensure everything in your house stays running smoothly while you’re gone, so there are no headaches to deal with when you’re already exhausted from traveling.

1. Plumbing

First on your pre-travel checklist (and one of the most vital) is plumbing. Even a minor leak can become a huge problem if it goes unchecked while you’re traveling. Do a walkthrough of your home, checking faucets, showers, and toilets for any drips or lingering moisture. If anything looks suspicious, you’ll likely want to call a plumber for a quick once-over before you take off. Examine your dishwasher and washing machine as well, looking for cracks or bulges in their hoses that could burst. As an extra safety measure, particularly important for longer trips, you may want to locate your main water shut-off valve and turn off the supply.

2. Electrical

The next step is tackling the electrical system. Make sure to unplug any non-essential appliances including TVs, coffee makers, and toasters. This not only saves energy, reducing your power bill, but also protects them from dangerous power surges that might occur while you’re away. Check that all your smoke detectors are functioning correctly and put in fresh batteries if needed. For additional security, consider buying smart plugs that allow you to control your lights from your phone, making the house seem occupied to deter break-ins.

3. HVAC

Moving onto your HVAC system, adjust the thermostat to a moderate setting to conserve energy. If it’s summertime home maintenance, a few degrees warmer is best. In the winter, putting it on a cooler setting helps prevent pipes from freezing without excessive running. If you’ll be gone for a long period, you may want to shut your HVAC system off completely. This will save water and energy.

4. Exteriors

Head outside for a quick property check. Clear any leaves and debris from your gutters and downspouts to safeguard against water damage from blockages if it rains. Trim back any overgrown tree branches that could be a hazard in a storm, and review your irrigation system to ensure it’s on a proper schedule for your time away. If you’re facing a significant yard cleanup with lots of clippings and branches, a yard waste dumpster is an excellent way to handle the disposal in a single step, ensuring your property remains well-maintained during your absence.

5. Security

Finally, secure your home. Go through and make sure every window and door is firmly locked, and turn on your alarm system if you have one. Reach out to a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on your home, collect your mail, and water your plants if needed. Don’t forget to share your travel dates and contact information with them in case an emergency occurs.

Conclusion

Taking these smart home maintenance steps before you travel might seem like extra chores on an already busy to-do list. However, the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home is secure and well-cared for is priceless. Investing a little time and effort before departure allows you to relax and fully immerse yourself in your travels, knowing that you’ve set yourself up for a smooth and stress-free return.