4 Must Do Home Organizing Tips Before Vacation
While on vacation, the last thing you want to worry about is what is going on at home. In order to rest easy while away, you need to prepare your home before you leave. Whether you are going out of town for two days or two weeks, there are several steps you can take to prepare your home for your absence and also for your smooth return.
This Professional Organizer in NYC has four simple home organizing tips to help you prepare your home before you leave.
Plan for care of your pets and plants. If your pets aren’t coming with you on the trip, you need a plan of action. Whether that is someone coming to your home to care for them or boarding them in a kennel, make sure to have enough food and supplies on hand and clear instructions for their caregiver. Arrange for someone to cut your lawn and water your plants, and make sure if a payment is needed for a lawn care company that you arrange to send it before you leave. For shorter trips, you might not need as much care, and can arrange for a neighbor or relative to feed your pets and water your plants. Make sure to leave specific directions for anyone coming into your home.
Cut energy costs while you are away. If nobody is staying in your home while you’re away, you can take several steps to limit energy use which will cut down on your costs and prevent potential issues. Adjust your thermostat to save energy by programming it to run as little as possible. Unplug your appliances and electronics. Not only will that save energy, but it will also prevent any damage in case of a power surge while you are away. Turn off your water if it’s possible, as a leak can cause severe damage over several days if not noticed.
Think about security. Ideally, you might be able to have someone stay at your home while you are away. Since that is not always realistic, you want to be sure not to make it obvious to the world that you aren’t home and there is an empty house. Purchase low-cost timers that can be programmed to turn lights on and off, or turn on the television or radio, at specific times. Have the post office hold your mail and suspend your newspaper delivery, or have a neighbor pick it up for you. Ask someone to check in on your house, perhaps a relative or neighbor, and give them your phone number so that you can be contacted in case of an emergency. Before you leave the house, make sure to do one last check of the perimeter, making sure all doors and windows are locked.
Declutter and organize before you leave. Finish the laundry, put clothes away, clean off your counters, and wash all the dishes. When you come home from your trip, the last thing you are going to want to do is housework! If everything is done before you leave, you can come home and enjoy your home while catching your breath after traveling. Empty the trash and make sure to use or dispose of any perishable food items before you leave. Also, you can make a menu and grocery list for the week of your return before you leave. That way when you get home all you’ll need to do is make a quick trip to the grocery store and you’ll be all set!
With these simple home organizing tips, this Professional Organizer in NYC knows that you will be prepared to enjoy a stress free vacation without worrying about what’s going on back at home!