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How to Prepare Your Home for Long-Term Travel

Getting ready for a long-term trip is all about planning ahead, both for your adventure and for what you’re leaving behind. A little preparation now ensures you can fully enjoy your time away without worrying about what’s happening back home.

Read on for tips to get everything ready before you go.

#1 Securing Your Home

Before heading off on a long-term trip, always take steps to ensure your home is safe and sound while you’re away.

Check All Locks and Alarms

Start by double-checking that all doors, windows, and entry points are locked up tight. Give your home security system a quick test to make sure it’s working as it should. If you don’t have one, consider setting up a basic system for added peace of mind.

Install Timers for Lights

Set up timers for your indoor and outdoor lights to create the appearance that someone is home. This simple trick can be a great way to discourage potential intruders. Set the lights to turn on and off at different times in a few key areas of your home, mimicking your usual routine.

Inform a Trusted Neighbor or Friend

Let a reliable neighbor or friend know you’ll be away for a while. Hand them a spare key and ask them to drop by occasionally to check on things. They can pick up any flyers, packages, or mail that might collect at your door and keep an eye on your property. In case anything comes up, they’ll be able to reach out to you and handle any immediate concerns.

#2 Managing Utilities and Services

Taking care of your home’s utilities and services before a long trip can save you from unnecessary headaches and help you return to a hassle-free home. 

Here’s how to get everything in order:

• Unplug Electronics: Go around the house and unplug any electronics that won’t be used while you’re away. This helps reduce energy consumption and protects your devices from power surges.
• Turn Off Water Supply: Consider turning off the main water supply to prevent leaks or potential water damage while you’re gone. If turning off the water isn’t feasible, at least make sure all taps are tightly closed and check for any leaks.
• Lower the Thermostat: Adjust your thermostat to a more energy-efficient setting. In colder months, you might set it low enough to save energy but still warm enough to prevent pipes from freezing. In warmer months, set the air conditioning higher to reduce costs.
• Pause or Forward Mail: Visit your local post office or go online to pause your mail delivery. If you’re expecting important correspondence, consider forwarding your mail to a trusted friend or family member who can keep an eye on it.
• Hold or Cancel Subscriptions: Temporarily pause or cancel any subscriptions that deliver to your home, such as newspapers, meal kits, or subscription boxes. This prevents packages from piling up on your doorstep, which could signal that you’re not home.
• Arrange Lawn and Garden Care: If you have a lawn or garden that requires regular maintenance, arrange for someone to take care of it while you’re away. This keeps your home looking cared for and helps deter unwanted attention.
• Notify Utility Providers: If you’ll be gone for an extended period, it may be worth notifying your utility providers. Some companies offer vacation plans or can help you optimize your services during your time away.

Taking these steps helps ensure that your home runs smoothly in your absence, and you’ll have less to worry about while you’re away.

#3 Organizing and Storing Belongings

Before leaving for a long-term trip, it’s important to get your belongings organized and stored properly. This will help keep your home tidy and make your return much easier.

Declutter Before You Leave

Taking time to declutter your home before you head out is a brilliant idea that will make your return much more fun and easy. 

Here’s how you do it:

Sort and Simplify

Go through each room and decide what to keep, donate, or discard. This will make it easier to manage your space and reduce clutter when you return.

Clear Out the Fridge and Pantry

This might seem obvious, but it’s something you definitely don’t want to overlook! Discard any perishable items and consider donating unopened, non-perishable goods.

Store Valuables Safely

Keeping your valuable items secure while you’re away can give you peace of mind.

Use a Safe

Consider placing important documents, jewelry, and small electronics in a home safe. Make sure the safe is fireproof and securely installed.

Consider a Storage Unit

For larger items or valuables that you won’t need immediately, a storage unit can be a great option. This keeps your home less cluttered and adds an extra layer of security.

Golden Tip – Label Everything

Clearly label storage bins and boxes so you can easily find what you need later. This is especially helpful when storing items for long periods.

#4 Preparing Your Finances and Accounts

Getting your finances in order before a long-term trip sets the stage for a stress-free adventure. Taking steps like setting up automatic payments and notifying your bank of your travel plans ensures that everything runs smoothly while you’re away.

Automatic Payments and Budgeting

Before you embark on a long-term trip, take the time to ensure that all your bills are set up for automatic payment. This small and easy action can save you from late fees and the hassle of dealing with missed payments while you’re away. It’s also a good idea to review your upcoming expenses and make sure there are sufficient funds in your accounts to cover them.

Notifying Banks and Credit Card Companies

It’s important to notify your bank and credit card companies about your travel plans. This step can prevent your accounts from being flagged for suspicious activity, which could lead to inconvenient holds on your funds. Additionally, consider setting up alerts for any significant account activity, so you can monitor your finances even from afar.

Managing Important Documents

Making copies of essential documents, such as your passport, insurance policies, and travel itinerary, is a smart precaution. Keep both digital and physical copies in secure places. It might also be wise to leave a set with a trusted friend or family member back home, so they can assist if any issues arise.

Pausing Subscriptions and Memberships

Lastly, take a moment to pause any subscriptions or memberships that you won’t be using while you’re away. Whether it’s a gym membership or a monthly delivery box, pausing or canceling these can help you save money and reduce unnecessary expenses during your trip.

Ready For The Journey

Traveling for an extended period is an exciting opportunity, and with a little preparation, you can head out with a clear mind. With everything set, you can step into this new experience with ease, knowing that your home and responsibilities are well taken care of. Now, it’s time to focus on what lies ahead and enjoy every moment!