When you leave to go on vacation, you want to make sure that it appears like you are home, so as to deter thieves (or other busybodies). Here's what you need to do to take care of that:
1. Stop delivery of your newspaper(s) during the time you are gone.
You can take care of this by going to the newspaper website. Most newspaper websites have a page called "subscriber services," where you can enter a vacation hold. If your local newspaper doesn't have a website, you can call the newspaper's circulation department and they will take care of it. A bunch of newspapers accumulating in the driveway is a big hint that you are on vacation.
2. Put your mail on hold.
You can put a vacation hold on your mail very easily on the U.S. Post Office website - click here to go directly to the page where you can put your mail on hold. Or you can also go to your local post office and fill out a form. If you are using the USPS website, you will need to set up a USPS account if you don't already have an account. A USPS account will also allow you to access the Informed Delivery app, which will let you know what mail you would have received that day if you had been at home.
3. Leave lights on in the house, or set them on a timer.
We have 2 table lamps that we leave on while we're gone. Both of them can't be seen by folks passing by, but they still make it look like someone is home. You can put your lamps on a timer so that they will go on at a certain time. You can also buy wi-fi smart home products that you can set via your smartphone to go on and off at the times you choose. For help selecting smart home products, visit www.cnet.com.
4. Lock the doors and windows.
This should be self-explanatory, but people often forget about locking the windows. Thieves can get in through the windows too. If you have a garden shed, be sure to put a lock on it. Thieves like stealing lawn equipment too.
5. Don't leave trash cans and recycling bins at the curb or out in the alley.
When your trash cans and recycling bins are out at the curb and your neighbors' aren't, that's a big sign to thieves that no one's home. Conversely, if you're going to be gone (like on a week-long trip) on a day that trash is collected, see if a neighbor will take your trash cans and recycling bins to the curb and replace them in their proper spot when empty. If everyone's trash cans are out and yours are not, that's also an invitation to thieves.
6. If the driveway will be empty while you're gone, have someone park a car in your driveway (and move the car in and out of it periodically).
There are thieves that will case a house for a few days so they can figure out the best time to break in. If they see that your driveway is always empty, even though you have taken the proper precautions, they will soon figure out that you're not home.
7. To keep a really close eye on your home while you're on vacation, purchase a Ring or other smart doorbell system.
A smart doorbell system will send notifications to your phone while you're away in case anyone tries to break in or a package is delivered.
Here are some hints for the inside of your house:
1. Take care of your pets.
Some of the motels and resorts in Branson allow you to bring your well-behaved dog (see their websites for details), but if you have to leave Fido at home, make arrangements with a neighbor or a pet sitting service to look after the dog, or board him or her in a kennel. Cats can take care of themselves, but make sure that there is plenty of food and water and that the litter box is clean.
2. Turn off and unplug all electrical items such as the computer, TV, etc. or if not unplugged, make sure they are plugged into surge protectors.
It would be horrible to come home from a fun vacation to discover that all of your electrical items are fried due to a lightning strike or a storm.
3. Wash the dishes and put them away.
It's no fun to come home from a trip with dirty dishes in the sink. Dirty dishes can also attract bugs. Your cat or dog would love all the little leftovers, which can make your pet sick.
4. Water indoor plants.
Plants can dry up quickly if you don't water them for a few days. You can also buy those water globes to make sure your plants are watered.
5. Put all food away.
Any food that is left out on a countertop or table is a temptation for a house pet. It can also attract bugs.
6. Tell a trusted neighbor that you are going away for a few days and give them your cell phone number.
You need to be reachable in case of a disaster that damages your house, or if someone breaks into your house despite all your precautions.
This next item doesn't pertain to either of the above categories but is important just the same. Don't post on Facebook, Twitter, or any kind of social media that you are away from home on vacation! There are folks who troll Facebook and other social media sites looking for this kind of information. If you have a smartphone or a laptop, post periodic status updates while you're away, but not the kind that would indicate that you're not at home.
I also like to make sure my house is clean before I leave on vacation - there's nothing worse than coming home from vacation to a dirty house.
I hope these tips are helpful. If you have any other tips, please comment below. Thanks for reading! Until next time -
Happy travels!
Diane
Here are some hints for the inside of your house:
1. Take care of your pets.
Some of the motels and resorts in Branson allow you to bring your well-behaved dog (see their websites for details), but if you have to leave Fido at home, make arrangements with a neighbor or a pet sitting service to look after the dog, or board him or her in a kennel. Cats can take care of themselves, but make sure that there is plenty of food and water and that the litter box is clean.
2. Turn off and unplug all electrical items such as the computer, TV, etc. or if not unplugged, make sure they are plugged into surge protectors.
It would be horrible to come home from a fun vacation to discover that all of your electrical items are fried due to a lightning strike or a storm.
3. Wash the dishes and put them away.
It's no fun to come home from a trip with dirty dishes in the sink. Dirty dishes can also attract bugs. Your cat or dog would love all the little leftovers, which can make your pet sick.
4. Water indoor plants.
Plants can dry up quickly if you don't water them for a few days. You can also buy those water globes to make sure your plants are watered.
5. Put all food away.
Any food that is left out on a countertop or table is a temptation for a house pet. It can also attract bugs.
6. Tell a trusted neighbor that you are going away for a few days and give them your cell phone number.
You need to be reachable in case of a disaster that damages your house, or if someone breaks into your house despite all your precautions.
This next item doesn't pertain to either of the above categories but is important just the same. Don't post on Facebook, Twitter, or any kind of social media that you are away from home on vacation! There are folks who troll Facebook and other social media sites looking for this kind of information. If you have a smartphone or a laptop, post periodic status updates while you're away, but not the kind that would indicate that you're not at home.
I also like to make sure my house is clean before I leave on vacation - there's nothing worse than coming home from vacation to a dirty house.
I hope these tips are helpful. If you have any other tips, please comment below. Thanks for reading! Until next time -
Happy travels!
Diane
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