How to Prep Your Home and Property for Extended Absences

Do you have an extended trip coming up?

Traveling for an extended period can be exciting, but it also comes with the responsibility of
ensuring your home remains secure and well-maintained in your absence. A little preparation
goes a long way in minimizing risks like break-ins, maintenance issues, harsh weather, or even
insurance complications.

Prep Your Home for Extended Absences

To help you get started, here are some essential tips to keep your home safe and in excellent
condition:

• Inspect and Secure the Perimeter: Before leaving, walk around your property to check
  for any vulnerabilities, such as loose gates, damaged fences, or overgrown hedges that
  could obscure visibility and create hiding spots.
• Protect Against Power Surges: Unplug electronics and consider using surge
  protectors for critical appliances like refrigerators or security systems.
• Reinforce Locks and Entry Points: Strengthen existing locks on all doors and
  windows. Consider using security bars for sliding doors or windows. Address any points
  of vulnerability in your home.
• Safeguard Valuables: Remove any valuables from plain sight and store them in a safe
  or a safety deposit box. Close curtains and window coverings.
• Set HVAC Systems for Efficiency: Use a programmable thermostat to maintain a
  steady temperature while conserving energy. In winter, set the heat to prevent pipes
  from freezing. In summer, keep the air conditioning on at a low setting.
• Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Ensure all detectors are functioning
  properly, have fresh batteries installed, and will not expire while you are away.
• Prevent Infestations: Remove perishable foods, clean out garbage bins, and seal all
  potential entry points to prevent pests or rodents from entering your home.
• Secure Outdoor Equipment: Securely store outdoor furniture, grills, and tools to
  prevent theft or weather damage.
• Monitor Your Home Remotely: Set up smart home devices like cameras, motion
  sensors, or doorbell cameras to monitor your property remotely from your phone.
• Update Your Insurance Provider: Notify your insurance company of your extended
  absence to ensure compliance with your policy requirements and avoid potential claim
  issues.
• Work with a Home Watch Provider: Professional Home Watch providers can remind
  you of important steps before leaving, perform home watch inspections, and provide
  peace of mind for any last-minute errands needed before you go.

Professional Help for Worry-Free Travel

If all this sounds overwhelming, don’t worry—help is available.

Preparing your home doesn’t have to be stressful. At Acuity Advantage, we specialize in
safeguarding properties while their owners are away, offering peace of mind with services
tailored to your needs. We’d be happy to help you prepare for your extended trips. This is what
we do every day, and our experience often allows us to share tips and considerations that many
homeowners overlook—things that can make a big difference in keeping your property secure
and well-maintained.

Our Certified Home Watch Professionals (CHWP) are experts in addressing every detail, from
securing doors and windows to inspecting for leaks or pest infestations. As accredited members
of the National Home Watch Association (NHWA), we are licensed, bonded, and
insured—delivering the highest standards of care.

Whether forwarding mail, running errands, or ensuring your home is ready for your return, we’re
here to handle the details so you can travel worry-free.

We Provide Peace of Mind

We help all our clients enjoy their time away by providing peace of mind.

Sarah and Tom, clients and recent retirees, entrusted Acuity Advantage to care for their home
during their six-month retirement trip around Australia. While they explored, we ensured their
property was secure and well-maintained. Our team conducted regular home watch inspections,
coordinated with vendors for snow removal and lawn care, did things around the home like
running the dishwasher and replacing the furnace filter, and, very importantly, ensured no mail
and flyers could pile up in their mailbox.

We worked with Sarah and Tom to create a custom schedule that would suit their insurance
policy and leave them feeling comfortable while half a world away. With detailed reports after
every visit, Sarah and Tom could fully enjoy their retirement adventure while still feeling
informed about their home.

Travel with Confidence

Leaving your home for an extended period requires thoughtful preparation to avoid costly
surprises. By following these tips—including partnering with Acuity Advantage—you can rest
easy knowing your property is in expert hands while away.

Do you have a trip coming up? Contact us today for a complimentary consultation and
experience the peace of mind that a professional home watch brings.

📞 Call us at (403) 860-9921
📧 Email us at [email protected]
🌐 Visit AcuityAdvantage.com

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