The holidays are just days away, and that means you’ll probably be leaving your apartment for a few days to celebrate with family and friends. Before you rush out the door, there are a few things you should do to ensure you come back to the home you know and love. Here’s what to remember to do before you leave for the holiday season.
1. Trash, Compost, and Recycling
Nothing is worse than coming home to find rotting trash and the stench that comes with it. That being said, any trash left in your home while you’re gone is almost guaranteed to make the whole place smell. Before you leave, empty the trash, recycling, and compost into your outdoor trash bins to avoid this unpleasant surprise.
2. Trash Bins
Along with trash inside your home, don’t forget about the trash bins outside your home. Many garbage collections are altered during the holidays, as trash day might fall on an actual holiday like Christmas or New Year’s Day. Check with your property manager and see if your trash day is going to be affected.
Another thing to consider is whether or not you want to leave your trash cans out while you’re gone. Many cities fine residents for leaving bins out on the street or sidewalk when it’s not trash day, so be aware and decide whether you want to skip a week of trash collection instead or leave them out while you’re gone and risk a fine.
3. Lights and Appliances
Make sure you turn off all the lights in your home or apartment before you leave. If you want to leave one on for safety, choose a small lamp that shines in the front of the house. Ceiling fans, heaters, and televisions should also be turned off before you take off for the holiday season. Unplug appliances like toasters, microwaves, and coffee makers since you won’t be using them.
4. Empty Refrigerator
In the same vein as emptying your trash before you leave, you should try to clear out your refrigerator and get rid of any food that will spoil while you’re gone. Vegetables, milk, and leftovers that have been in the fridge for a few days already will likely go bad before you get back. Think about how many days you’ll be gone and clean your fridge accordingly to avoid coming home to an unpleasant smell in your kitchen.
5. Sweep Up Floors
This one might seem like the least of your concerns, but it’s actually one that’s going to save you from dealing with a major problem. Before you leave, sweep up your kitchen, bedroom, and living room. Any crumbs or food droppings may attract mice or roaches, two things you probably won’t want to deal with when you get back from a vacation.
6. Pay Bills
Avoid coming home to an apartment where the electricity has been shut off. Although you can now easily pay online from virtually anywhere, it’s best to pay the bills before you leave so that you don’t forget while you’re off enjoying the holiday season.
7. Get Pets Situated
Whether you’re bringing your four-legged friend with you, boarding them at a pet hotel, or having a friend pet-sit, you’ll want to nail down the details before you take off for the holidays.
Some pets are allowed on airplanes, but might require prior approval. Pet hotels tend to fill up during the holiday season, so get your reservation in early. If your friend is sitting your pet, make sure to remind them, give them a spare key if they’ll be staying at your place, and coordinate drop off and pick up times if they’re picking up your pet and bringing it to their house.
8. Lock Up or Hide Valuables
It’s an unfortunate reality that many thieves target homes or apartments during the holiday season. Jewelry and other expensive things should be locked up or hidden from the naked eye. Consider a small lock box for valuables if you prefer a little extra peace of mind.
9. Lower Your Thermostat/Heater
Save on your bills next month by lowering your heater while you’re gone. Keep it somewhere in the 50s if you’ll be away for week or two; set it in the low 60s if you’ll be back in just a few days. You can easily adjust the thermostat when you return, and you’ll have saved money on your utility bills.
The holiday season is a wonderful time to celebrate with loved ones. It’s made even better if you can come back to a clean and tidy apartment. Thinking of making a move after the holidays? Search for an apartment now and start getting an idea of what you want in a new place.
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