Preparing your home when you leave for a trip

Summer is a great time to get away from it all! You might be planning a trip to your cottage, a camping trip, or maybe you’re visiting one of Canada’s beautiful beaches! If you plan on leaving your home for an extended period, there are a few things you should do before you go. Be sure to check everything off our list below before you hit the road!

Take the time to clean

No one wants to come back from vacation to a messy house! Coming back to a nice clean place will help you bask in that post-vacation glow for a little bit longer.

Before you leave, here are few basic cleaning tasks you should complete:

• Clean out the refrigerator
• Make sure there is no perishable food left in counters or cupboards
• Take out the trash

These quick steps will ensure you don’t have any friends like mice or bugs waiting for you when you get back from your trip.

Take the necessary plumbing and electrical precautions

Taking these quick steps can help avoid things like floods and fires while you’re gone. It only takes a few seconds and the amount of money you’ll save avoiding costly repairs is priceless. Take some time to do the following:

• Unplug all electronics
• Turn the water off to avoid and leaks or burst pipes while you’re gone
• Check your sump pump
• Consider putting your lights on a timer so it looks like you’re home

Ready your pets and plants

It’s important to make sure your plant babies and fur babies are taken care of before you leave. When it comes to your pets and plants, here are a few options to consider:

• Leave your pet at a furry friend day care. Check out Google Reviews to find the best option in your area.
• Get a family member or friend to stay at your house while you’re gone. That way they can keep your pet company and water the plants!
• If you have a more low maintenance pet like a cat, consider having someone stop by occasionally to feed them. They can also water your plants.
• If you only have plants to worry about, consider self-watering stakes you can insert into the pots. These can be purchased online or at most hardware stores. They ensure your plant gets all the water it needs!

Hold mail and newspapers

If mail starts to build up in your mailbox, it could indicate to robbers that the home is empty. Here are few things you can do to avoid making your home a target:

• Have a friend, family member or neighbour come by to pick up your mail.
• If you still receive a print newspaper, call the subscription office to pause your deliveries while you’re gone.

Let your insurance broker know if you’re going on vacation.

Most home insurance policies have a limit on the number of days your home can be left vacant. Before you leave for vacation, give your broker a call to see if there are any vacant home restrictions in your policy. If you leave your home vacant for too long and something is damaged, your insurance may not cover you. Be sure you know exactly what’s covered under your policy.

The Bottom Line

One of the best ways to protect your home is with the right home insurance. Our insurance brokers will take the time to get to know you and find an insurance plan that makes sense. When you go on vacation, you’ll have confidence knowing your home and the things inside it are safe.

To talk to a broker about home insurance, give us a call, visit one of our branches, or complete a quote online and we will call you back!

Preparing Your Home While You're On a Summer Trip FAQs

How can I keep my house smelling good while on vacation?

The best way to come home from vacation to a good smelling home is by cleaning as much as possible before you leave. Take out the trash, empty the recycling, clean out the fridge, clean the bathroom, sweep and mop the floors.

Should I leave curtains open or closed when on holiday?

Ideally, you should have a friend of neighbour stay at your home or stop by periodically while you’re away. They can close and open the curtains so it looks like someone is home. If you don’t have anyone coming over to check on your home, close the curtains so people can’t see your home is empty.

Should you unplug your router when on vacation?

Yes, you should unplug your router when on vacation. It will save power and avoid anyone hacking your Wi-Fi while you’re away.