7 Tips to Put Your Mind at Ease When You Go on Holiday

June 19, 2019

Are you leaving home for a well-deserved holiday to wind down and to recharge your batteries? Ready to hit the road? Before you leave home, you should take certain precautions. That is why we are providing some tips so that you can leave with your mind at ease!

1. Draw the blinds and curtains

Who wants to show that their house is empty? Even when you leave just for the day, you inevitably close the blinds and draw the curtains to ensure maximum privacy. As well as protecting your privacy, this keeps your home cooler (keeps the blazing sun out!), so that your home is more comfortable when you return.

2. Ask a neighbour to collect your mail

It’s obviously not a good idea to leave your home unattended for a long period of time. The same goes for letting the mail pile up in your mailbox. Ask your neighbours to keep an eye on your home and to collect your mail and newspapers so that your home does not appear to be unattended.

3. Unplug your appliances

Do you have a pool or spa? Unplug the pool or spa heater, but not the filter! If you have air-conditioning, turn it off or turn it down to the minimum setting. We also recommend that you unplug your computer, your television and even your micro-wave. You’ll thus avoid unnecessary energy consumption.

4. Contact your heating oil or propane company 

If you are going away for a long period, don’t forget to contact your heating oil or propane company in order to temporarily stop your automatic oil or gas deliveries. The same goes for your concierge service. You can never be too careful!

*If you’re going to be away for more than 30 days, advise your insurance company. Your property insurance coverage may depend on this.

5. Do a thorough clean-up both inside and outside your home

Take out the trash, the compost and the recycling to avoid unpleasant odours or visits from new four-legged or other animal friends. Clean up inside the house and in your yard as well. Clean out the fridge and wash the dishes, both last night’s dishes that are still in the sink and those in the dishwasher. You’ll be glad you did when you return home.

6. Find a pet sitter or a boarding facility for your pet 

Your dog or cat won’t be travelling with you? No problem! If you decide to leave your pet at a boarding facility while you’re away, don’t forget to book a spot for them and to ensure their vaccines are up-to-date. If you prefer to leave your cat at home because they are fairly independent and don’t require constant supervision, find a pet sitter who will come and take care of them. This also provides an opportunity to have someone check on your home while you’re away!

7. Don’t broadcast you’ll be away on social media

And finally, here’s one last bit of advice: to protect your home and your property, be discreet about your holiday plans on social media. Never announce your departure date or the length of time you’ll be away from home in a Facebook posting! And if you feel like posting what you’re visiting or seeing in real time during your road trip, do be careful or, better yet, refrain from doing so. You’ll have plenty of time to do so safely as soon as you’re back at home.