How to Prep Your Home and Property for Extended Absences

January 20, 2025 sbredy

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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 info@acuityadvantage.com
🌐 Visit AcuityAdvantage.com