Preparing your home before you leave for a vacation can get daunting. However, it is necessary that you take the essential steps to prevent any unforeseen problems. Whether it is a one-week vacation or more, planning ahead for your home when you leave it for a long time will help put your mind at ease.
In addition to this, one may easily overlook the basic steps to maintain and secure your home. For that reason, we have put together some tips for preparing your home for vacation to help you.
Ways to Prepare Your House for Vacation
Among many arrangements for a trip or a vacation, it is important that you also prepare your home before you leave. Attention to these little tasks saves a lot of time and would help you when you return home.
That said, we have prepared a vacation home preparation checklist that contains all the important things you need to do before you leave.
Cover and Store Your Furniture
Furniture can easily accumulate dust if left unattended for a long time. To prevent the build-up of grime and mould, cover your furniture, both indoors and outdoors. In order to protect outdoor furniture, you can go for varnishing, furniture covers or protectants.
Moreover, you can also opt for furniture storage to stack your belongings safe while you’re away. Several furniture storage facilities in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other Emirates across the UAE offer to store your furniture and other possessions safely.
Unplug Electronic Devices
Make sure to unplug all the electronic devices such as TV, microwave, iron, computer or game system. These appliances drain the power even when not in use, which becomes a reason for high electricity consumption and a surge in bills.
Also, ensure that the charging cables and heating devices are unplugged when preparing your home for vacation. Loose outlets or free wires can cause shocks, sparks or even start a fire. You can get assistance from mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) companies in Dubai or in any other Emirate to check for such hazards before you leave. Also, make sure to cut off the water supply to prevent any leaks.
Pause Your Mails and Subscriptions
Another important step is to pause your daily mail and subscriptions when leaving your house unattended for several days. Newspaper or magazine subscriptions and mails from maintenance and utility services will result in a pileup on your doorstep when you arrive home.
This will attract unwanted attention to the vacant house. This can be avoided by putting the subscriptions on hold or re-subscribe them upon returning.
Take Care of Your Plants
An important but neglected step when preparing your home for vacation is to take care of your plants and garden. Whether your house has indoor plants or a vertical garden in the balcony, make sure that they are well-watered to lock in moisture for a long time.
Self-watering planters and bulbs are a great way to keep moisture in the soil for small to medium-potted plants. Ensure that the plants are not exposed to unnecessary sunlight to prevent fading and damage.
Pest Control
Vacant homes quickly become the habitat of pests if not tended properly. The insects find a way in vents, chimneys, cracks and holes of the unoccupied property. It results in the deterioration of the furniture and carpets, along with curtains and other house decor ornaments. However, this can be prevented with simple tips for pest prevention and control such as regular cleaning and proper garbage disposal.
Several pest control companies in Dubai and many others spread across the Emirates will help you deal with the task. You can hire them to run pest control in your entire house before you leave to prevent any damage.
Amp Up the Security
Before leaving the house for the trip, lock all the doors and windows and drape the curtains. Apart from being a safety measure, this also helps to block excessive sunlight and prevent dust in your home.
Installing a house security system is another considerable preventive measure. Several home security companies in Dubai and other cities provide security-related services and equipment that you can get installed in your home. This will amp up the house security and also put your mind at ease.
Clean Your House
The last and most important element of the vacation home preparation checklist is to clean your house thoroughly. Make sure laundry and kitchenware are clean and dry, floors are mopped and the furniture is dusted. This will help to prevent any buildup of dust and mould which is caused by unkempt containers or open food.
If you are unable to deep-clean your home because of other trip arrangements, there is another option that you can go for. You can hire professional maids or help from the cleaning services available in Dubai or different Emirates to clean and tidy your home.
This is all about different ways that will help you in preparing your home for vacation. From covering the furniture to installing security systems, all these tips will help to keep your home safe and sound.
Therefore, whether you live in a villa or a rental apartment in the UAE, go through these preparation tips when you plan to leave your home for a vacation.
Stay tuned to UAE’s leading property blog for more information on home maintenance tips.
