Things to Do Before Leaving Your Apartment For a Few Days

BergerTalk — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:53:59 +0000

With people traveling to be with family and loved ones, Thanksgiving weekend is the biggest travel weekend of the year. Leaving your home, even for a just a weekend, can be stressful. Although no list of tips will ever guarantee ones safety, or the security of their home, the following is a short list of items to go through prior to leaving your apartment.

Do not turn your heater off. Turn your thermostat to 55 degrees-this will keep you apartment cool enough to reduce your cost of heating, yet should keep your apartment warm enough to avoid freezing pipes.
Plug several lights into timers set to come on with your normal pattern of use. You may want to avoid leaving some lights on constantly as that could be an indication that you are not home, and will drive up your electricity bills.
Unplug your computer and other electronic equipment to protect them from surges, and to save on the parasitic electricity they use.
Make sure all windows and doors are locked securely.
Clean out your refrigerator of food that could spoil, and take all trash out.
Keep some shades and blinds up and curtains open to keep a normal appearance-a good rule of thumb is to keep your blinds and curtains where you normally have them.
Ask a trusted neighbor or family member to stop by and check on your apartment, and water your plants, while you are away. In case of problems, leave a contact number that you can be reached at.
Put a stop on your mail and newspapers. The post office can hold it until you get back. You can request a hold on your mail online. You can also ask a neighbor to pick it up and hold it until you return. If you anticipate receiving any packages while you are away, ask your trusted neighbor or family member to hold the packages for you until you return.
Pour a little Lysol or Pine Sol into toilet bowls and drains to prevent odors and eliminate bacterial growth.
Never leave message on your answering machine saying you are on vacation. Set your answering machine to answer in five rings. If your telephone has the call forwarding feature, forward your calls to your cell phone.
Examine your apartment from the street and make sure no valuables, like expensive electronics or artwork, is visible from the street.
While it can be helpful to notify your Leasing Office that you will be out of town for a few days, remember that your property management company will not be able to accept responsibility for your apartment in your absence. Your leasing team, however, might be able to handle some favors that you request, or, they might be able to point you in the direction of another neighbor who would be happy to assist you in your absence.

Berger Talk » Thanksgiving Weekend

Things to Do Before Leaving Your Apartment For a Few Days