Renter’s Checklist For Leaving Your Apartment Over the Holidays

It’s that time of year again! The holiday season is in full effect. For some of you, that may mean you will be traveling to visit and spend time with loved ones. Others may be staying home or even traveling somewhere warmer! Regardless of where you may be traveling, it’s important to make sure your home is safe and secure while you are gone. East Bay Apartment Homes has compiled a renter’s checklist of things to do before leaving your apartment over the holidays. 

Clean Up 

Making sure you clean any remaining messes in your home is a vital step before leaving for the holidays. Not only will you come back to a clean home, but you won’t be overwhelmed with the tasks of cleaning right away when you arrive back. Some of these tasks can include: doing laundry, washing the dishes, picking up remaining items on the floor, washing sheets and towels, organizing, etc. 

Finish Perishable Foods 

One sure way of avoiding any smelly odors when you return from traveling is to remove any perishable foods or garbage from your home and discard it securely. Not only will the food and garbage bring smelly odors, but it also gives the opportunity for friendly insects and rodents to try to make their way into your home. Try to finish any perishable items in your fridge or pantry or consider donating the food to neighbors or your local food charity. 

Unplug Appliances 

As long as appliances are plugged in, they’re drawing in power - even while you’re away. Before you leave for the holidays, be sure to unplug any small appliances that can draw power and raise your energy bill while you’re gone and to avoid any unknown power surges. Most appliances and electronics don’t need to run while you’re gone, and every little bit helps keep your energy bill down. 

Remember Pets and Plants 

Sometimes, pets aren’t able to join in on all the trips we travel on. While you’re gone, it’s important to find a trusted friend, family member or company to watch your beloved pet. Likewise, if you have plants, you will need to find someone to stop by to water and care for your plants or even care for them at their home while you’re gone. Your pets and plants are like family, so it’s vital to ensure they’re taken care of. 

Adjust Thermostat 

Coming back from the holidays to find your pipes have burst or your thermostat has been running at a high temperature can be disappointing. Adjusting your thermostat for when you’ll be gone over the holidays will help you save on your energy bill. Try to avoid turning your thermostat completely off to ensure pipes don’t freeze or break while you’re gone due to colder temperatures. Consider changing your air filter so your HVAC system doesn’t have to work harder than it needs to or have dirty air circulating through your home to cause future issues.

The holiday season is such an exciting time. One thing to remember is to ensure your home is protected from the unexpected by creating a checklist of things to do before you leave. East Bay Apartment Homes is dedicated to providing you with a safe and convenient community to come home to after your travels. Schedule a tour for yourself and see why so many love calling East Bay home, contact us today at 251-626-0234 or eastbay@tonsmeireproperties.com.