Preparing Your Home for the Holidays

Going away for the holidays? Between shopping for gifts, party planning, cooking, and decorating, it’s important to find time to prepare your home for your absence. You need to consider how you will prepare your home to ensure your home and belongings remain safe.

These are steps that you can take to protect your property against intruders and accidents while you're away.

Keep an eye on your home

Asking a friend, family member, or neighbor to keep an eye on your home while you’re away will give you piece of mind. If you don’t have someone to ask, install cameras that allow you to stream live video (or review recorded clips) from your smart phone or other mobile device. This way you can keep an eye on your home from anywhere in the world.

Leave contact information with a neighbor 

Give your neighbors a copy of your itinerary and contact information. That way, they can contact you in case of an emergency.

Move expensive items out of sight

Move expensive items, like jewelry or computers, out of plain sight if they’re visible from the window. 

Remove all trash and recycling from the house

You don’t want to come back from a vacation with the smell of rotting garbage in your home. Ensure you throw out all garbage before leaving.

Remove perishable items out of the refrigerator and cupboards

Perishable items left in your fridge, for an extended period of time, can go bad. Remove any food items that could go bad while you are away.

Set indoor and outdoor light timers to avoid the appearance of an empty home

Purchase a light switch timer that can turn your lights on and off automatically based on a programmed schedule. You can also set your Christmas lights on a timer so that they come on for a couple of hours every night.

Adjust the thermostat

You don’t want to turn the heat off completely as you run the risk of having the pipes freeze and burst. Turn down the heat down (but not off) to save on energy costs.

Lock all windows and doors

Check doors, windows, and locks to ensure that everything is secured. Don’t forget to lock pet doors and the door between the garage and house.

Prepare your vehicle

If you’re leaving your vehicle behind, park it in a garage if possible. If you’re leaving your vehicle outside, a heavy water-resistant car cover will provide protection. Before leaving your car outside for an extended period check out these tips to prevent vehicle theft.

If you are driving to your holiday destination, make sure it’s ready for a long winter drive. Install four snow tires and review your car insurance policy to ensure you are adequately covered.

Set security alarm

Finally, set your security alarm and notify your alarm company of your travel plans. Provide them with your itinerary and contact information.

Check to make sure that smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are working.

Insurance 

Have a question about home insurance or car insurance? Give us a call at 1-855-475-0959 or click below to get a free insurance quote. 

Safe travels and Happy Holidays from Armour!