Spring weather is right around the corner, and you and your family might be itching to load up the car and head for Florida beaches and warmer weather. As you pack the suitcases with sunscreen, bathing suits and flip-flops, consider adding these things to your home’s checklist before you hit the open road so you can have peace of mind and a warm return.
Set Timers For Lights
Home burglaries are probably not a thought on your mind every day, but it’s something you should think about before leaving your home for an extended period of time. Would-be burglars will notice if your house is dark every single night or if no cars are coming and going from the driveway.
Buy timers for a few lights in your home and have them turn on at dusk and off at dawn. That way, it will appear that you are home, making your house less likely to be on the receiving end of mischief.
Lock Doors And Windows
We often end up feeling a little too comfortable in our communities and don’t think twice about leaving things unlocked, even if it’s just for a few hours.
Sometimes we even permanently leave a window unlocked because it’s a pain to unlatch each time we want fresh air. And who hasn’t had a pesky backdoor that jams each time it’s locked, so it’s easier to leave it unlocked?
But, if you’re going to be miles away from home, make a point of checking all windows and doors before you leave for vacation, including second-story windows. You can leave a spare key with a trusted neighbor or friend in the event of an emergency where police or the fire department need to enter your home.
Unplug Electronics You Won’t Use
Who doesn’t love saving a little bit of money on their electricity bill? Before you officially leave for vacation, consider unplugging most of the electronics in your home, like the television, computer, coffee pot and microwave. Just make sure to not disconnect any of those timers we mentioned above.
You can even take it a step further and leave the thermostat at a reasonable temperature that won’t hurt houseplants or pets left behind. You’ll notice a dent in your electric bill next month, which you can save toward your next vacation.
Remove Perishable Items From Fridge
Picture this: you and your family are vacationing in paradise for a week, only to come home to a smell emanating from the fridge because you accidentally left soon to expire produce in the crisper drawer. Not the warm welcome home you were expecting. Before you leave, take a glance through the fridge and throw away anything that will expire before you return. Make sure to remove the trash bag from the house before you leave, too.
Leaving your home for an extended period of time can be stressful but at SFM Insurance, we can help you find the right home insurance coverage for your family. Contact us for a free, no-obligation discussion about protecting your assets today. For more tips and our latest updates, visit us on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn!
