{"id":1112,"date":"2021-03-18T14:33:28","date_gmt":"2021-03-18T18:33:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.plymouthrock.com\/?p=1112"},"modified":"2025-05-12T11:23:35","modified_gmt":"2025-05-12T15:23:35","slug":"the-ultimate-pre-vacation-home-checklist","status":"publish","type":"resources","link":"https:\/\/www.plymouthrock.com\/resources\/ultimate-pre-vacation-home-checklist","title":{"rendered":"The ultimate pre-vacation home checklist"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Vacations are meant to be relaxing and stress free. But before heading out the door, you should do more than just pack your bags. Be sure to prep your home and make it look uninviting to burglars, so you won\u2019t return to any surprises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pre-vacation home checklist: 12 things to do before you go<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    \n
  1. Hold the mail and newspapers<\/strong> 
    If you\u2019re going away for longer than a week, put a stop on the mail and newspapers or ask a neighbor to take them in.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Put your lights on a timer<\/strong> 
    Put at least one light in your house on a timer so it looks like someone is home. Programmable timers let you randomize the daily on\/off times.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Move your car<\/strong> 
    Move your car into the garage so that it\u2019s less vulnerable to theft and out of harm\u2019s way in case of a storm.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Set your A\/C and heating system<\/strong> 
    Don\u2019t completely turn off your air conditioning or heating system. If you\u2019re going away when it\u2019s warm, set your A\/C to about 10 degrees below the outside temperature so big appliances don\u2019t have to work extra hard. If you\u2019re going away in the winter, set your heat to around 55 degrees to prevent frozen pipes<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Turn off the water<\/strong> 
    If you\u2019re going away for longer than a week, turn off your main water supply. If you don\u2019t want to turn off all the water, then close the valves to your washing machine, dishwasher, ice-maker and toilets to prevent potential leaks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Adjust your shades and lock up<\/strong> 
    You don\u2019t want your empty home on display, but you don\u2019t want to shut your shades if you normally never do that. Instead close your shades partially to block the view while giving an \u201cat-home\u201d appearance. Also remember to lock your windows and doors to keep burglars at bay.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. Pay your bills<\/strong> 
    Sewer, electric, gas, mortgage, car payment \u2026 the list could go on. Be sure to make any upcoming payments to keep your credit in good standing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  8. Notify your home alarm company<\/strong>
    Let them know that you\u2019ll be away, when you\u2019ll be returning and if anyone will be going into your home. This will be helpful if they need to respond to an alarm.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  9. Arrange for lawn maintenance\/snow removal<\/strong> 
    A snowy driveway or an overgrown lawn is a telltale sign no one is home. Try contacting a local service or enlist a neighbor\u2019s help.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  10. Water your plants<\/strong> 
    Don\u2019t let them go thirsty while you\u2019re away! Also get rid of fresh-cut flowers, which could start to smell.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  11. Clean your kitchen<\/strong> 
    Wash your dirty dishes, clean the sink trap and pour vinegar down your garbage disposal. Wipe down the counters and discard perishables from the fridge and pantry. Make sure the oven and stove are turned off.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  12. Empty the trash<\/strong> 
    Take out the trash so you don\u2019t come home to a horrible stench or unwanted pests. Ask a neighbor or friend to take your cans to the curb and bring them back promptly. Again, the goal is to make it look like someone\u2019s home.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Vacations are meant to be relaxing and stress free. But before heading out the door, you should do more than just pack your bags.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":5000,"menu_order":0,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_oasis_is_in_workflow":0,"_oasis_original":0,"_oasis_task_priority":"","inline_featured_image":false,"_sitemap_exclude":false,"_sitemap_priority":"","_sitemap_frequency":""},"products":[],"state":[79,83,80,81,82,84],"class_list":["post-1112","resources","type-resources","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","state-ct","state-ma","state-nh","state-nj","state-ny","state-pa"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nThe ultimate pre vacation home checklist | Plymouth Rock<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Vacations are meant to be relaxing and stress free. 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