5 Things to Do at Home Before Leaving for Your Winter Vacation

With the arrival of colder weather, some homeowners may be planning family vacations in pursuit of some sun and sand. In addition to packing and planning, there are some things homeowners should take care of around the house before jetting off:

1.       Ask a friend to check in on the house every few days

A driveway full of snow and newspapers on the front porch are a giveaway that no one is home. Ask a friend (or friends) to collect your mail, clear away newspapers, water your houseplants, and clear the driveway of snow (or hire a professional). Have your friend do a quick walkthrough of your home as well, to check for water leaks or burst pipes.

If you have extra driveway space, consider informing your next-door neighbour that you will be away and that they are free to use your driveway. Cars moving in and out of your driveway helps add to that “lived-in” look.

2.       Set your thermostat and turn off your water

This is especially important in the winter months, when cold temperatures can cause burst pipes. Turning down the heat to around 16°C will keep heating costs low while minimizing the risk of pipes freezing. To be safe, it’s also a good idea to turn off your water main to prevent flooding in the case of a burst pipe. After turning off your water main, open your faucets one at a time to drain them, and then turn them off.

3.       Set a lighting timer

Plug-in timers can be inserted into your outlet and allow you to use a timer on a single lamp (most effective if the lamp is situated near a front-facing window). However, a potential burglar staking out your house may notice that the same lights turn on and off at the same time every day. Smart lighting is another alternative, allowing you to control lights from your smartphone, set them on a schedule, and turn different lights on and off randomly. Try to avoid leaving lights on all night or during the day, as this can be a sign that no one is home.

4.       Unplug electronics

Devices left plugged in still consume electricity. Unplug electronics you don’t need to leave on, such as phone chargers, appliances, computers and TVs.

5.       Clean!

Coming home to a clean home after a relaxing vacation will help you stay relaxed! It can also prevent unpleasant surprises, such as a fruit-fly infestation. Make sure to do the dishes, clear out the fridge of anything that might spoil while you are away, and take out your garbage. Lastly, don’t forget to check your fruit bowl – that ripe banana might be a little too ripe by the time you get back!