Planning for a vacation is exciting, but it can also be stressful when you think about leaving your home unattended. The last thing you want to worry about while sipping cocktails on a beach is whether your home is safe. Fortunately, with a few simple steps, you can ensure your home is secure and well-maintained, allowing you to fully relax and enjoy your time away from St. Marys, Kingsland, Kings Bay or Camden County, Georgia.
In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about preparing your home before going on vacation. From securing your home and managing utilities to taking care of the outdoors and protecting your belongings, we've got you covered. And if you do come home to an emergency such as a water leak from your AC or a busted pipe, rest assured that ServiceMaster of Camden-Charlton is available 24/7, 7 days a week for emergency water extraction and restoration! Let's get started!
Why Preparing Your Home Before Vacation is Crucial
Your vacation is all booked, hopefully with our friend Christine Turman at Sunshine Vacations Travel Agency, and you are excited to go! But, leaving your home unprepared can lead to unwanted stress and potential costs when you return. Imagine returning home to find a burst pipe or a break-in. Preparing your home can save you from these nightmares and ensure you come back to a welcoming environment.
Important Things to Remember Before Leaving for Vacation
Adjust Your Thermostat
Proper preparation can help you save on energy bills and prevent costly repairs. Just by adjusting your thermostat, it can make a significant difference. Adjusting your thermostat maintains a safe home temperature and humidity level, while also preventing unnecessary energy and cost expenditures for personal comfort. During summer, aim for 82-85 degrees, and in winter, target 60-65 degrees for optimal conditions.
Proper prep can cut energy costs & avoid pricey repairs. Simple thermostat adjustments can make a big impact!
Avoid Coming Home to a Mess
Ensuring your home is in good condition before you leave can prevent unpleasant surprises. A little effort now can save you a lot of trouble later. Nobody wants to come home from vacation to dirty dishes or a pile of unwashed clothes! Be sure to vacuum your carpets, clean the floors and you'll come home knowing you won't have to do it after your travels. If you can't get to cleaning your floors before leaving, contact us for a carpet or hardwood floor cleaning! We'd be happy to help! Some other tips include
- Throw away any food in the fridge or on the counter that will go bad while you’re gone.
- Place an open box of baking soda in the refrigerator to absorb odors.
- Take out the trash.
- Leave closet doors open to prevent musty air.
Unplug Your Appliances
It may seem a little tedious to wander through your home unplugging every single appliance and charger, but the benefits make it worth it. Unplugging electronics like computers, TVs, cooking appliances, and more can prevent excess power usage while also reducing your risk of an electrical fire. The last thing you want to get while on vacation is a call about a fire or smoke damage. If you do, remember that we specialize in smoke damage restoration.
Ensure Detectors are Working
Be sure to also test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are functioning correctly. Replace batteries if needed.
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to confirm proper functioning; replace batteries as necessary.
Check for Leaks
Inspect your home for water leaks. Check outdoors to ensure all faucets are off. Indoors, focus on water connections behind toilets, under sinks, and to water heaters and washers.
Address these issues before leaving to prevent water damage and reduce bills. Consider shutting some off completely. For extended absences, close toilet, washer, dishwasher, and sink valves to avoid leaks. Depending on the season, shut the main water valve, leaving it on in winter to prevent pipe damage. Lastly, turn off the water heater or switch to "vacation mode" for added safety. If you do find any leaks, we recommend our friends over at Cumberland Plumbing to help!
Checking for leaks before leaving for vacation can save you from coming home to water leaks or burst pipes!
Secure Your Home
Your home is your sanctuary, and securing it should be a top priority. It's always a good idea to make it look like you are home, even when you're not home. Here are some essential steps to keep your home safe.
"Be Home"
- If you can, keep a car parked in your driveway. If you do not have a car to park, perhaps a trusted neighbor wouldn’t mind parking their car in your driveway occasionally.
- Use a timer to turn on at least one or two lights in the home regularly. Timers, motion sensor or dusk to dawn outdoor lights are a great idea as well.
- Refrain from posting on social media until you return home, as this can let your followers know that your home is empty.
- Have your neighbor or friend take your trash cans to the curb on designated trash days or ask them to bring the trash cans back in.
Lock All Doors and Windows
This might seem obvious, but it's crucial. Double-check all entry points to ensure they are locked. Also, be sure to bring in any spare keys you have hidden around the outside of your home.
Set Up Security Systems or Cameras
Installing security cameras and alarm systems can deter potential burglars. Modern systems allow you to monitor your home remotely.
Put Mail and Newspaper Deliveries on Hold
A pile of mail is a clear sign that no one is home. Request to have your mail held or ask a neighbor to collect it.
Request a House Watch by Your Local Police Department
Some local police departments offer house watch services. The House Watch program is designed to provide homeowners a means of having their residence checked periodically by an officer when you are away from home on vacation or an extended weekend. If you are interested in this service, visit your local Police Department to complete the necessary form or submit online. They will periodically check your home while you’re away and contact you if they feel something is amiss.
Ask a Trusted Neighbor
Having a trusted neighbor keep an eye on your home can be invaluable. They can collect mail if you forget to put it on hold, take out the trash or put your trash cans away, and report any suspicious activity. You may even want to give them a key to your house and let them know how to shut off water, gas and electricity. In case of an emergency, your neighbor can act quickly.
Taking Care of the Outdoors
Don't forget about the exterior of your home. Proper outdoor maintenance is essential year-round, but especially before going on vacation.
Arrange for Lawn Care
If you do not already have a lawn care service, consider hiring someone to mow your lawn and maintain your garden. This keeps your home looking lived-in and deters burglars. Spencer at Honey 2 Do List does an excellent job for us!
See if your local police department offers a House Watch program that offers homeowners peace of mind by having officers check their residence periodically while they are away on vacation or a weekend trip.
Store Outdoor Furniture and Tools
Secure patio furniture, grills, and gardening tools. This prevents them from being stolen or damaged by weather.
Protecting Your Belongings
Your personal belongings are valuable. Take steps to protect them while you’re gone.
Safeguard Valuables and Important Documents
Store valuable items and essential documents in a safe or a safety deposit box.
Ensure Insurance Coverage is Up to Date
Verify that your home insurance policy is current. This provides peace of mind in case of any incidents. If you need someone to review your policy, we can't safe enough good things about how easy Trace at The Golden Isles Agency-Allstate makes it for our home or Kishan at Treehouse Insurance for our business.
Pack and Store Luggage Safely
Avoid leaving packed luggage in plain sight prior to leaving. Store it in a closet or a secure area to prevent theft.
Enjoy Your Vacation!
Finally, don't forget to enjoy your vacation! Preparing your home before going on vacation is essential for a stress-free trip. But once your on your trip, enjoy it! By following these steps, you can ensure your home is secure, your utilities are managed, and your belongings are protected. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing everything is taken care of.
If you do come home to an emergency water leak or fire/smoke damage, don't hesitate to contact your IICRC Certified ServiceMaster of Camden-Charlton for immediate assistance. Happy travels!
Why Choose ServiceMaster of Camden-Charlton?
With over 20 years of local expertise, ServiceMaster of Camden-Charlton is a trusted name in the cleaning industry. Our commitment to quality, eco-friendly solutions, and customer satisfaction sets us apart from other cleaning services in the area.
IICRC Certified Technicians
Our team is trained and certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), ensuring the highest standards of service and satisfaction.
Local Expertise
We understand the unique challenges of water damage in St. Marys, Kingsland, and the broader Camden County, Georgia region.
Comprehensive Services
Beyond water damage restoration, we offer carpet cleaning, rug cleaning, and other services to help keep your home in top condition and extend the longevity of floors, air & heating systems, dryer machines, and more.
If you’re dealing with water damage or need expert carpet cleaning services, trust the professionals ServiceMaster is proud to be an IICRC Certified Firm. at ServiceMaster of Camden-Charlton, an IICRC Certified Firm. With our IICRC-certified technicians, local expertise, and commitment to excellence, we’re here to restore your home to its best condition, whether it's for routine maintenance or due to damage. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or for 24/7 emergency services. Let us handle the mess while you focus on getting your life back to normal after the unexpected happens.
Frequently Asked Questions
The IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification) is a global standard for cleaning and restoration services. Certification ensures technicians are trained and qualified to deliver top-quality results.
Can you clean and restore rugs damaged by water?Absolutely. We specialize in rug cleaning and can handle delicate or specialty rugs, ensuring they are properly cleaned and restored to their best condition.
Our local expertise, commitment to client satisfaction, and status as an IICRC Certified Firm make us a trusted choice for restoration and cleaning services in the Camden County area.
