Going on a long-awaited vacation can be truly rejuvenating, providing you with the opportunity to travel to faraway places, spend time with friends or family, and enjoy some much-needed rest and relaxation. Whether you’re planning a short weekend getaway or setting off on a weeks-long escape, it’s essential to make sure your apartment is adequately prepped and secured before heading out the door. Here at Contemporary Management Concepts, LLLP, we want residents of our Florida apartments to enjoy their vacations without worrying about the state of their home. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of six essential things you can do to prepare your apartment before your next trip!
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The last thing anyone wants after a nice, relaxing vacation is to come home to a messy apartment and a long list of chores. So, before leaving, you should dedicate some time to tidying up your apartment. Dusting, vacuuming, mopping, running the dishwasher, and emptying your trash cans will help ensure you don’t return home to odd smells or a cluttered space. Also, to prevent pests and mold, be sure to go through your pantry and toss out any perishable items that are nearing their expiration date. Cleaning up before you leave will make your apartment feel fresh and welcoming when you walk back in the door!
A pile of packages sitting at your door and an overflowing mailbox can be a dead giveaway that you’re not home. To protect your packages and avoid advertising that your apartment is vacant, you should either pause your mail or ask a trusted friend to pick up mail deliveries while you're away. You can pause your mail either by submitting a request on USPS’s official website or by visiting a post office in person. Also, don’t forget to pause any weekly or monthly subscriptions set to be delivered while you’re away!
Can’t bring your furry friend on vacation? Ensure they’ll be cared for while you’re away by arranging for a pet sitter, boarding them at a reputable facility, or having a friend drop by occasionally to feed, walk, and play with your pets. Some apartment communities are willing to have a staff member stop in to walk and feed your pet, so don’t be afraid to ask if they can help! Also, if you have plants, consider setting up a watering schedule with a trusted friend or neighbor, or use self-watering planters if you’ll only be away for a few days.
Many people forget to do this, but it’s always a good idea to notify your property manager or on-site leasing team before leaving for an extended period of time. Doing so lets them know to keep an eye out for anything unusual around your apartment and enables them to reach out in case of emergencies. Knowing your community’s staff is monitoring your apartment for suspicious activity and will call if anything happens can help provide you with peace of mind while you’re out of town.
Since you’ll be away for a few days, you might as well conserve energy by unplugging small appliances and electronics, such as TVs, lamps, computers, gaming consoles, and chargers. Not only does unplugging electronics help lower your utility bills, but it also minimizes fire hazards while you’re away. Also, don’t forget to adjust your thermostat before you leave! Set your thermostat a few degrees higher during the summer and lower in the winter to prevent your system from constantly running while you’re away on vacation.
Finally, the last thing you should do before heading out the door is a quick walkthrough of your apartment to double-check that all windows and doors are locked. The most frequently neglected entry points include sliding doors, balcony entrances, and bathroom windows, so be sure to triple-check them if your apartment has any of those features. For added peace of mind, you can install light timers that turn your lights on and off on a set schedule, giving the appearance that somebody’s home.
Use these tips from Contemporary Management Concepts, LLLP, to ensure your apartment is secure, tidy, and ready for your return. Are you hunting for an apartment in Florida? Browse our Florida apartment communities and then contact us to schedule a tour of any of our properties!