Heading away this season? Here's how to prepare your home before you go, so you can relax while you're away.
Whether you're visiting family or heading somewhere warm, the holidays are a great time to get away. But a winter trip comes with a few extra worries: frozen pipes, packages piling up on the porch, and a house that looks obviously empty. A little preparation before you leave makes all the difference. Here's what we recommend.
"We take responsibility for your home, whether or not you're in residence."
Matt Rayner, Founder & Service Technician
Keep the heat on.
It’s tempting to turn the thermostat right down, but in winter that can let pipes freeze, especially those along exterior walls. Lower it, but set it to at least 55°F. If you have a smart thermostat, you can check on it from wherever you are.
Know where your main water shut-off is.
If you’re going away for more than a few days, consider turning off the main water supply and draining the taps. At the very least, make sure someone you trust knows where the shut-off valve is, in case of a leak.
Make the house look lived in.
Put a few lamps on timers, pause any regular deliveries, and ask a neighbor to collect packages. Holiday parcels left on the porch are an easy signal that nobody is home.
Unplug and lock up.
Unplug small appliances and electronics, put holiday lights on a timer or switch them off, and check that every window and door is locked, including the garage.
Arrange regular check-ins.
Even a well-prepared house can have a surprise: a power cut, a burst pipe, a winter storm. Having someone walk through regularly means a problem is caught in hours, not weeks.
That last step is exactly what our Vacant Home Monitoring service is for. We check on your property inside and out, water the plants, bring in deliveries and send you an update after every visit. It’s included with Prime, or available on its own, so you can enjoy your trip knowing your home is in good hands.