Students are out of school, and the weather is pleasant. This combination often means summer vacation!
There is a lot to plan, and it may seem like preparing your home before you leave for vacation is the last thing you want to think about, but most people don’t like to come home to disarray. In fact, coming home from vacation may feel like you need another, so here’s how to set yourself up for a welcoming return.
Tips to Prepare Your Home Before You Leave on Vacation
Consider what services you need
Depending on the anticipated weather and the length of time you are away, you may need lawn care, cleaning service, someone to take the trash and recycling out to the curb, pick up mail, and more.
Create a list of the services you need and get those in place before packing your bags so you know they are off your list and mind.
In case of an emergency
If you need a pet or house sitter, start by making a document for them with any actions they should take in case of an emergency at home. This could be phone numbers for your vet, your plumber, a locksmith, or another reliable, local contact in case your sitter has an emergency.
The great thing is that this could be saved for any time you are away and can be a great reference for future emergencies- create it now and next time, you can just update and go!
Note where the water shut off is, what to do in case of power loss, key replacement in a lock-out, etc. Consider putting together an emergency kit that includes cleaning supplies (for pet accidents), a wet vac, candles and matches, a fire extinguisher, or other supplies that someone may need to access quickly in your absence.
Do the laundry
You are very likely to return home from vacation with a bunch of laundry, so do any existing laundry before you go. Change the bed sheets, so you have clean sheets to return to. Changing linens is also a task that a cleaning company will handle for you, so if you have a particularly early departure (or hectic one) and can’t change your sheets, leave the linens out to be swapped.
Take out the trash
Coming home to a stinking trash can is awful. Empty the trash cans before you leave. Again, you have a lot on your mind, and this is a task a professional cleaning company will handle. Schedule the cleaners to come the day you leave or the day after so they can remove trash and have your house smelling great for your arrival home.
Clear your walkways
You’re likely leaving and returning with full arms, so be sure to make a clear pathway for luggage and extra items you’ll be dragging along with you. Let’s not start or end a vacation with a tripping injury because of hazards in the way.
Pack with fun in mind
The less you need to worry about “back at home,” the easier it will be to relax on your vacation. The point is to spend time with the people you love, not stress over being away. As you begin to pack, remember your everyday items like toiletries and electronics (with their power cords), but also lay out full outfits for each day you are gone. Throw in one or two extra outfits for good measure.
It’s been said that planning a vacation can be as good for your soul as the vacation itself. Let your mind wander into what your vacation days will look like and what activities you will be participating in. This will help you pack better and allow your mind to go into vacation mode. Focus on what matters – the quality time with your favorite people. Life is short, so make it valuable!
Remember What (or Rather, Who) is Most Important
If cleaning tasks keep you from spending quality time with those you love, consider A Cleaning Service. Get help with the weekly chores, deep cleans, or special cleaning projects that could use an extra hand.
We serve the Greater Washington DC, Virginia, and Maryland areas with over 30 years in the cleaning business. Our customers rely on our skills and expertise to make their lives easier. Our award-winning cleaning company seeks to earn your trust and confidence.
Contact us today for a quote or more information on how our expertise can help you.