Summer is here, and you may be headed out of town for a bit (if you’re lucky). If you are one of these fortunate souls, you’ll need to know how to vacation prep your apartment. Why does your place need to be prepped? You won’t even be there, right? Well, that is right, but no one wants to come home to a fridge full of spoiled food and an air conditioning bill at the end of the month that may just make you scream.
Thankfully, there are some common sense ways to vacation prep your apartment that will make coming home from your trip just a bit less sad. What do you need to do before heading out on your summer time adventure?
1. Make Arrangements For Your Pet
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Since you won’t be home overnight, you need to make sure your furry friend is taken care of (if you have one). Make sure you call any boarding facilities in advance. Given summer time’s reputation as the perfect time to take a beach trip, they may book up faster than you’d think. Make these plans early or find a friend who doesn’t mind pet-sitting. You’ll be happy not to be scrambling to make these plans later.
2. Clean Out Your Fridge
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Even if you have a roommate, you need to clean out your section of the fridge. Imagine coming home from a relaxing vacation to a refrigerator filled with spoiled food. No one wants that. These typically unseen items aren’t as visible before you head out like turning your lights out, so keep this one in mind. Plus, once you return, you’ll be ready to fill your fridge back up with food.
3. Check Your Thermostat
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Turning your air conditioning down while you’re gone can be a great way to save cash on your electric bill. While you don’t want your apartment to turn into a sauna, making it a bit warmer while your gone means less energy is used. Basically, it’s a win for your wallet and the environment.
4. Unplug
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Another way to potentially save energy? Unplug everything. While this could save you a small amount of money on your electric bill, it’s also a great way to give yourself peace of mind. If you’ve ever walked out of the house and wondered if you left the oven on or a curler plugged in, unplugging your appliances is a great way to have no worries.
5. Take Out The Trash
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Much like cleaning out the fridge, no one wants to come home to trash that’s been sitting around for a few days. Before you leave, make sure every trash receptacle and recycling bin is taken care of, and you’ll actually be happy to return home.
6. Lock Windows and Doors
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While this one may seem obvious, no one wants that nagging sense of worry while they’re trying to enjoy a cocktail poolside. By double checking your windows and making a mental note to check any and all doors, you’ll be able to vacation in peace.
7. Pre-Pay Bills
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If you’ll be gone with your rent or other bills come due, pay them in advance. You won’t need to find an internet connection or mail a check or cash while you’re away.
Take these tips to heart, and you’ll be worry free during your summer vacation.