Preparing for a long-term trip is exciting, but the last thing you want is to worry about your home while you’re away. Proper home maintenance before you go ensures that you’ll return to your property just as you left it—secure, clean, and without any costly surprises.
A Comprehensive Checklist for Pre-Travel Home Maintenance
To help you prepare, here’s a detailed checklist covering everything you must do before your departure.
Inspect the Roof and Gutters
A roof leak can become a catastrophe if left unchecked for weeks or months. Inspect your roof for damaged shingles, tiles, or other signs of wear and tear. Also, make sure your gutters are clean and free of debris to allow for proper drainage. Clogged gutters cause water pooling on your roof, increasing the risk of water leaks or structural damage. If you’re not comfortable checking the roof yourself, hire a roofing professional to inspect and carry out roof repairs before you leave.
Secure All Entry Points
Security is one of the biggest concerns when leaving your home for an extended time. Start by thoroughly checking every possible entry point. This includes not just your front and back doors but also windows, sliding doors, the garage, attic entrances, and basement doors. If any locks are loose or compromised, replace them with stronger, high-quality ones.
You may also want to invest in smart locks or a home security system that allows for remote monitoring. Additionally, setting timers on lights or using smart plugs to simulate activity inside the house can be a great way to deter intruders.
Check for Plumbing Leaks
One of the most damaging home issues that can occur while you’re away is a plumbing leak. Inspect all pipes, faucets, and toilets for signs of wear, rust, or moisture. Even a minor leak can lead to significant water damage over time. For extra precaution, turn off the main water supply, especially if no one will be checking in on the house. If you live in a colder climate, drain the pipes to prevent freezing. Turning off the water heater can also save energy while you’re away and reduce the risk of flooding due to equipment failure.
Unplug Electronics
Many household electronics continue to draw electricity even when turned off. Unplug all non-essential electronics to save on energy bills and prevent any risk of electrical fire while you’re away. Additionally, power surges can damage your expensive gadgets, so it’s better to be safe than sorry. Consider using surge protectors to mitigate potential damage to appliances like refrigerators and freezers that must stay plugged in.
Test Smoke Alarms and Security Systems
It’s essential to make sure that all your smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, and security systems are functioning properly before you leave. Change the batteries in your smoke detectors if needed and test each device to ensure it’s in good working order. If your home security system includes remote monitoring, notify the company about your absence and provide contact information for someone who can respond in an emergency.
Forward Mail and Pause Subscriptions
Nothing says “nobody’s home” like an overflowing mailbox. If you’ll be gone for a while, forward your mail to a trusted friend, family member, or post office box. You can easily set this up with the post office. Additionally, pause newspaper deliveries and other subscriptions that might pile up in front of your home, signaling to potential burglars that the house is unoccupied.
Take Care of Garbage Disposal
Empty all trash cans and ensure no food waste is left in your garbage bins. Even a small amount of leftovers can attract pests like rodents or insects.
Clean the garbage cans to avoid coming home to a smelly, unsanitary mess. If trash collection is scheduled during your absence, ask a neighbor to take your bins to the curb and bring them back to keep up appearances.
Travel with Peace of Mind
Before embarking on your long-term travels, a little preparation can go a long way in protecting your home. From securing entry points and unplugging electronics to hiring help for lawn care and having someone check on your home, these steps will ensure your return is as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Travel confidently, knowing your home is safe, well-maintained, and ready for arrival.