How to Prep Your Apartment Before You Go on Vacation

Going on vacation is one of life’s greatest joys, but it’s also a great opportunity to get some things done around the house. If you’re going to be away for more than a few days, here are some things you should do to prepare:

Check The Thermostat

Make sure the thermostat is set at a reasonable temperature and that the heat is set to come on automatically when the temperature drops below a certain point (say, 55 degrees). Also, make sure that your air conditioner is set to come on automatically when the temperature rises above a certain point (say, 65 degrees).

Notify Building Management/Landlord

If you’re in a building with a doorman or security guard, let them know that you’ll be away. They will often keep an eye on your apartment and make sure no one breaks in.

 

Be sure to notify building management/landlord if there’s anything unusual about your absence (if you’re going to be gone for longer than a few days, for example). This can help avoid any misunderstandings when the time comes for them to check up on things.

If possible, get permission from your landlord before leaving town so they don’t have any reason to worry about whether or not something happened while you were away.

Get Rid Of Excess Clutter

• Get rid of things you don’t need. It’s easy to accumulate clutter, especially if your apartment isn’t big enough to store it all. If you have extra furniture or knick-knacks that are just taking up space. Consider selling them on Craigslist or giving them away to friends and family members.

• Don’t forget about the kitchen! Clutter can build up quickly in the kitchen–especially if you have a lot of cookware and utensils lying around (and let’s face it: we all do). Take some time over the weekend before leaving town to organize your fridge, cabinets, and pantry. So everything has its place when you come home from vacation later this week.

• Make sure there’s nothing left behind in the bathroom, either! You may not realize how much stuff has accumulated under the sink until after someone else uses it while they’re staying at your place.

Plan Ahead For Pet Care

If you have a pet, make sure to find someone who can take care of it while you’re away. It’s always a good idea to have a friend or neighbor on call in case of emergency – and if this friend isn’t available, consider boarding your pet at the local kennel.

 

If neither option appeals to you and your budget doesn’t allow for hiring a professional sitter (which is often pricey). Consider asking around among friends and family members. You may just find someone willing to lend their services free of charge!

Check Under The Sink For Leaks

If you don’t know how to check for leaks, it’s easy to do. Just turn off all of your faucets and wait a few minutes. Then go back and turn on each one individually, checking for drips as you do so. If you find any leaks, fix them right away before they worsen or cause other damage to your apartment!

You can also prevent future problems by investing in some plumber’s putty (which will cost less than $10 at any hardware store) and applying it around where pipes meet sinks or other fixtures.

Hand Off Keys To A Friend Or Neighbor You Trust

Select a friend or neighbor you trust to be your “key holder.” Make sure they have a key to your apartment and know how to use it, if necessary.

 

Make sure they know your emergency contact numbers. As well as the contact numbers for any neighbors who might be able to help with emergencies (or just check up on you).

Make sure they know how to reach out if something comes up while you’re gone: i.e., water leaking from the ceiling, fire alarm going off for no reason at 3 am on Saturday morning…etc.!

Figure Out The Parking Situation

You don’t want to get stuck with a parking ticket while you’re away on vacation. If you have a car and are leaving it behind, check the parking situation at your apartment complex or hotel before booking. If there’s no available parking, consider renting a car for the duration of your trip (or just splurging on Uber).

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, the top seven things you should do before you go on vacation. We hope this guide has been helpful and will make your next trip even more enjoyable!