As the world begins to normalize after what seems to have been the longest couple of years in history, our minds turn to wanderlust. We do the research, get the quotes, buy all the spare parts we need for what-ifs, bring out the travel wardrobe, and dust off the suitcases. Ready, set, go!
But hold on…. there are still a few things to think of before that starting pistol goes off. There are also a bazillion things to think of BEFORE we depart on our much-needed holiday. What we leave behind is just as important as what we take with us. So, from safety to the practical, here are just a few things to think about. These include trying to get ahead of all those baddies gearing up for a summer bonanza of their own – preying on our empty homes.
Parking the RV. While many may be lucky enough to have the ginormous garage or driveway to park our own Winne-beauties in, there are also tons of options for renting them as well. Whatever choices you may have, an RV sitting in front of your home and then not sitting there is a sure sign that you are gone. Consider parking your RV home elsewhere until right before leaving.
Mail & Newspapers. This is an oldie but goodie, as none of us wants our mailboxes overflowing with the inundation of summer sale flyers and our important items or a driveway full of soggy, faded newspapers. Place a hold on or forward your mail before leaving and stop paper subscriptions. Get a neighbor or friend to check and empty it occasionally as well. This also helps to stave off anyone watching your home.
Garbage day. Right? Nothing says ‘no one home’ more than no garbage bins out front on garbage day. Hopefully, you have made friends with one of your neighbors and can ask them to put one of theirs in front of your home. Alternatively, if they have access to your garage, perhaps they can pull out one of yours each week, even though empty.
Lawns & Gardens. Being your own gardener is a rewarding experience. However, with global warming and all that, we can’t rely on nature to keep our green beauties at their best. Overgrown lawns and dead potted plants are yet another clue to an empty house. Dig in and get a landscape company to take over while you are gone, make sure the irrigation is in good working order, or get really chummy with that neighbor again.
Smoke detectors. Make sure the batteries are new before leaving. Many now come with Smartphone apps that you can monitor your detector with.
Electrical appliances. Unplug any unnecessary appliances such as the toaster, coffeemaker, microwave, and printer. It’s just an added measure of safety and may save a few cents on the electric bill with some.
Smart cameras. These inexpensive devices are well worth the investment. Any major online retailer will have a slew of choices and their reviews to help you select the right one. They are paired through your internet to a Smartphone app and allow you to peek inside or outside your home anytime you wish. Most will also have a motion-sensor feature to enable if so desired.
Video doorbell. These are genius devices for fooling anyone into thinking you are still home. Also paired to an app on your phone, they are triggered either by a motion sensor or someone depressing the doorbell. A notification comes to your phone and a real-time video, and you can converse with the person. White lies are permissible here. “I’m not dressed” or “I’m upstairs” or other creative phrases will give the idea that someone is home while allowing them to get to the point without you having to get to the door. Forget the barking dog. Baddies are on to that already, especially since they all sound alike.
Smart lights. Still on the Smart line of thinking, putting Smart bulbs in your patio lights and a few indoor lamps will keep your home from remaining dark every night. Setting their on/off times on your Smartphone app is easy, and varying each device’s time will seem more realistic as none of us turn on or off everything simultaneously. Stagger the times a few minutes apart. They do not use a lot of electricity, and the few cents of consumption used is still much better than losing your belongings.
Thermostats. While we all want to save on the dreaded summer A/C bills, turning them off completely can end up being even more expensive. Remember reading all those cans and bottles that say, ‘Do not store in temperatures above whatever degrees’? This is what they were talking about. It can get very, very warm in closed-up houses. Let’s also remember that nice wine collection we’ve been building up, the bevy of lipsticks, the hidden box of chocolates, and expensive fragrances. You can say goodbye to all of those with heat added. Thermostats can still be set to a reasonable temperature to keep all of those things intact without having to pay bills for our usual frigid settings. Also don’t store combustible items in your hot garage like propane, aerosols, and more.
Medications. A reminder to procure enough–more than enough–of your prescriptions to take with you. Don’t lose time and health trying to get something refilled when you should be having fun on your vacay.
Security Patrols/Neighborhood Watches. Let your HOA security patrol or local watch know if you are leaving so they can keep an extra eye open for you.
Planning is key to keeping those things we leave behind safe. Making a list as we think of things helps to avoid those panicky “Oh no, I forgot” scenarios while traveling. When all is set, hit the road, air, or sea and have a blast! We’ve all earned it this year!
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