Here are some reminders of things to do before leaving for a trip as it relates to a house. This list doesn't include things like getting directions, airline tix, hotel reservations, and packing.
House trip checklist:
1. Arrange for a house-sitter/watcher
2. Make arrangements for pets (walking, boarding, food, etc.)
3. Have the post office hold mail for you or ask a neighbor to take it in.
4. Cancel any deliveries, such as the milk-man
5. Empty the fridge of perishables that won't last until your return.
6. Leave a key for the neighbors in case they need to deal with flood or water leak.
7. Back up your computer data, especially if taking a laptop on the trip.
8. Set outgoing messages on answering machine or voicemail. Set vacation reply text for email. Put paper in the fax machine and make sure it has ink or toner.
9. Don't leave damp laundry, it will mildew. Wash it before you leave.
10. Run dishwasher and don't leave dishes in sink, which can attract ants or mice.
11. Arrange for lawn care (mowing, watering, etc.)
Just before you leave:
1. Make sure stove/oven is off.
2. Check all locks and deadbolts.
3. Set the thermostat to save electricity or gas. Don't turn off the heat entirely or your pipes may freeze. Likewise, don't turn off A/C entirely in the summer. In the winter, set the heat to about 50. In the summer, set it to about 80. Extremes greater than that are not good for computers, furniture, plants, etc. Consider a more comfortable range if leaving pets behind.
4. Set Water Heater to "vacation" setting to conserve energy
5. Pull down the shades and close curtains to conserve energy, but consider leaving some open for plants to get light.
6. Shut off lights or set timer (including XMas lights)
7. Put in long-term fish or pet feeder
8. Water the plants
9. Shut off water softener (and/or refill salt tank).
10. Empty the trash
11. Flush the toilets
12. Shut off house water - Make sure all taps are off, including outside hose bibs. Shut off water to washing machine.
13. Check that sump pump is working
14. Empty the dehumidifier reservoir (or run a hose to the sump pump well so it doesn't fill up).
See Checklist when Returning Home from Vacation.
posted on Fri, 18 Mar 2005 at 16:53 | path: /house | perma link
