It’s time: your vacation is finally here! This welcome moment of respite is a chance to recharge your batteries and fill up on new memories.
Whether you plan to be gone for a few days or several weeks, it’s essential to prepare your home for this extended absence. How? We’ve prepared a list of things to do before you leave so you can free your mind and get the most from your vacation!
1. Prepare your home before you leave
En route to your travel destination, have you ever wondered whether you turned off the stove? Avoid anxiety-inducing questions with this travel checklist!
- Water the plants: for outdoor plants, program your automatic watering system based on the regulations in your municipality. Water your indoor plants before you leave and get some automatic watering spikes that you stick into the soil. You can also get a trusted neighbour to water your indoor plants.
- Appliances: unplug non-essential devices (TV, coffee maker, toaster, computer, etc.) to avoid voltage surges or fires.
- Water supply: if possible, shut off the water supply to prevent leaks.
- Refrigerator: as much as possible, empty your fridge out of perishables such as fruit, vegetables, dairy products, meat and leftovers.
- Garbage cans: empty all the garbage cans in your home. Also empty the recycling and compost and wash out dirty bins.
- Security: if your home has an alarm system, activate it just before you leave and make sure that the parameters are set properly. You could also put a timer on some of the lights in your main rooms to simulate your presence. Finally, make sure that your smoke detectors are working properly and that the batteries aren’t drained.
2. Manage your accounts and settle your bills
Accounts payable don’t go on vacation… so it’s better to look after them before you leave! Here are a few useful reminders.
- Scan your documents in Edwix: bills, receipts, utility contracts (water, electricity, telephone), bank statements, etc. Then you can set up automatic payment reminders in Edwix. (Here’s how)
- Schedule automatic payments: in your online account or your financial institution’s app, check that withdrawals are active or schedule transfers for the bills that will come due during your absence. Activate email notifications to monitor your accounts remotely.
3. Tell those around you
It’s always a good idea to be able to count on someone, whether a trusted neighbour or a family member, to check on your home during an extended absence.
- Keys: give them a set of keys, either in a lockbox or in person.
- Mail: ask them to pick up your mail so that your mailbox doesn’t overflow.
- Neighbourhood watch: if your neighbourhood has one, sign up with your neighbourhood watch network.
4. Find a pet sitter
If you have pets, find a sitter who will feed them, change their litter and play with them.
If you don’t know anyone who is available, veterinary clinics and networks like Pawshake offer this service.
One last little piece of advice: to prevent having your home robbed, don’t mention that you’re leaving on social networks. Wait till you’re home to post your great photos!
Have a great vacation!
