In the previous part, we shared some tips about home security on preparing your home for the holidays and some additional things you need to do about preparing your home for vacation.

P.S. Click this link if you want a free downloadable checklist. 

Here are more tips to get your home ready for your next holiday.

Tips On Preparing Your Home For Vacation

Whether it's keeping your home tidy or taking care of your appliances, here are some tips you can consider before going on a holiday vacation.

Cleaning Your Home Before Going On A Holiday Vacation

Keep your home clean and well-organized by following these tips:

1. Put Perishables In Your Refrigerator To Use, Give As Gifts, Or Discard

Clear your fridge of expired food before your vacation to avoid a rotting smell. Give your neighbor food to avoid wasting it. Limit yourself to home-cooked meals the week before your vacation to use up all your groceries. 

2. Make Sure The Garbage Disposal Is Clean

Clearing the garbage disposal before vacation will prevent odors. While running the disposal, add citrus peels for aroma.

3. Remove All Trash And Recyclables

Leaving your trash and recyclables in your home while on vacation can attract pests and rats. Toss and recycle in bathroom, kitchen, and garage containers. Request a neighbor to bring your empty receptacles to the curb and inside if you travel before pick-up day.

4. Utilize And Empty The Dishwasher

While on vacation, unclean dishes or silverware in the dishwasher may attract bugs or rodents. To arrive home to clean dishes, run and unload the dishwasher.

5. Check For Wet Clothes In Your Washing Machine

Do not leave wet clothes in your washing machine when traveling; otherwise, they will deteriorate. After washing it, you don't want to mildew your ugly holiday sweater. 

6. Check Your Garage For Critters

Check the garage for pests and tiny rodents. If you detect any, over-the-counter medicines and insecticides may help. A pest control firm may help keep unwelcome "guests" out while you're on vacation.

7. Clean And Change Your Sheets

Spend time washing and drying used bedding. After a long day of travel, you'll appreciate a clean bed and new sheets. This will also prevent bacteria growth.

8. Bathroom Towels: Wash And Dry

Wet bath towels can cause mold and mildew in your bathroom: machine-wash and dry old towels.

9. Clean All Of Your Dirty Clothes

Washing and drying dirty garments will reduce your chores after vacation. Also, this will keep bacteria from forming on sweaty clothes and let you come home to a complete wardrobe.

10. Clean The Floors And Vacuum The Carpets

You want to avoid untidy floors and carpets when you return from vacation. Vacuuming carpets and sweeping floors before the holiday will keep your home clean and look fantastic when you return.

11. Clean The Countertops

Remove food crumbs and clutter from countertops to deter insects. For a fresh scent and welcome kitchen when you get home.

12. Wash The Toilet, Bathroom Sinks, And Shower

These wet locations might grow mildew. Clean these places thoroughly before your winter holiday to return to a clean and welcoming bathroom.

Interesting Read:

• Holiday Fire Safety Tips
• Staging Tips for Holiday Home Sales
• The Effects Of Seasonality On The Real Estate Market

Taking Care Of Your Home Appliances Before Going On A Holiday Vacation

Reduce the risk of damaging your appliances and energy use while you're away.

1. Unplug All Of Your Electronics

Unplugging electronics saves money and protects your home from power surges and fires.

2. Unplug Your Small Kitchen Appliances

To avoid wasted energy and power surge damage, unplug your toaster, coffee maker, blender, etc.

3. Reduce The Temperature On Your Thermostat

Adjust your thermostat to 55–60 degrees Fahrenheit in cooler months to rest your heating system instead of turning it off and freezing your pipes. You can check your home's temperature while abroad with a smart thermostat. You can adjust the thermostat remotely using a smartphone app in extreme cold.

4. Turn Off All Of The Water Faucets Securely

Check each area and ensure all faucet handles are closed before leaving so water doesn't drip for days or weeks.

5. Reduce The Water Heater's Temperature

Your water heater can rest while you prepare for winter vacation. Reduce the unit's temperature to minimize utility expenditures. Gas heaters can be manually lowered. Try checking your electric water heater for vacation settings that lower water temperature. 

6. Shut Off The Water Valve

Before going for a long winter vacation or a holiday visit to family, turn off your main water supply line. While you're away, the water stays at full pressure in pipes, so if one bursts, water will flow until it's turned off. That said, shut down the water supply pipe to avoid a flooded basement or pool in the living room.

7. Examine Your Smoke Alarms

Smart smoke detectors are useful in sending notifications while you're away. Make sure that they are working well by testing your smoke alarm batteries and system. 

When is your next holiday vacation? How do you make sure that your home's safe when you get away? Feel free to share your tips in the comment section.