Ah, vacation! That blissful time when you can forget all your worries… except for your home. Before you set off to sip cocktails on the beach or scale a mountain, let’s get your house ready for its own little holiday. Here’s a checklist, peppered with a dash of humor, to ensure your home doesn’t throw a party in your absence:
- Turn Off the Water
Remember when Frozen wasn’t just a Disney movie in your living room? To avoid an indoor ice-skating rink, turn off the main water supply. Your home’s rendition of ‘Let It Go’ with bursting pipes is not as adorable.
- Mail: Your Own Mini’ Out of Office’
Set up mail forwarding or pause delivery. It’s like putting your mailbox on vacation mode so it doesn’t get stuffed like a Thanksgiving turkey.
- Washer/Dryer: The Forgotten Fossils
Check them! Otherwise, you might come back to fossilized socks and what was once your favorite shirt.
- Thermostat: Not Too Hot, Not Too Cold
Set it just right. You don’t want to return to a home that’s decided to mimic the Sahara or the Arctic.
- Light Timers: The Home Alone Special
Set timers for lights. It’s like leaving a T.V. on for your pet but for burglars.
- Fridge: The Science Experiment Prevention
Clear out things that could evolve into new life forms for long trips. Nobody wants a penicillin discovery in their fridge.
- Trash: The Stinky Surprise
Take it out. Unless you’re trying to create a DIY stink bomb.
- Unplug Electronics: Zap the Vampire Energy
Your gadgets need a break, too. Plus, you’ll save some electricity – and maybe the world?
- Dishwasher: The Forgotten Rainforest
Run it to avoid opening it later to a new ecosystem.
- Open Cabinets: A Free Spa for Your Pipes
Let the warm air caress your pipes to keep them from freezing. It’s like a spa day for your plumbing.
- Lockdown: Fort Knox Your Home
Check all entries. You don’t want to make it easy for uninvited guests (unless they’re willing to pay rent).
- Water Heater: Chill Out
Turn it down. It deserves a break, too.
- Water Softener: Don’t Be Hard on It
Give it a vacation by shutting it off. It’s been softening things up for too long.
And there you have it! With these steps, not only will your home be safe and sound, but you’ll also have a few extra chuckles thinking about it while you’re away. Bon voyage!
