The Ultimate Home Checklist Before Summer Vacation

Hot summer days are here, and the beach or the mountains are calling. It’s time for a much-needed vacation. But there’s more to a summer trip than packing bags and stocking your coolers. Your friends at MTB have compiled this checklist to make sure your home is in good shape before you leave for vacation.Here are 19 things to check before going on vacation:
Laundry — You need clean clothes for your trip anyway, so add those two extra loads of towels so they won’t be lying around the house during your week-long trip.
Refrigerator — Do a thorough sweep of your fridge to dispose of all perishable items before your trip. Wipe away spills and throw out anything that has expired.
Pets — Create a detailed list of everything your pet sitter or pet care facility needs to know about your furry family member. If your pet is staying at home, include all of your their favorite toys, treats, food and other supplies in an easy-to-find location for your pet sitter. Also, if your pet needs medication, put it in a safe but accessible location.
Plants — Your pets aren’t the only living creatures that need to be taken care of while on vacation. If you have plants, make another list for your friends or neighbors who will look after them. If you don’t have anyone to look after your plants, pick up a self-watering stake to help ensure they survive the heat.
Water — Your dishwasher, washing machine and sinks don’t need water during your vacation. Turn off your water at the main shut-off valve to ensure leaks don’t occur.
Lights — Never underestimate burglars. They target summer vacationers. If you have a shorter stint away, leave a few lamps on to make it look like someone is home. If you will be gone for an extended period of time, consider purchasing automatic light timers.
Security — Speaking of potential burglars, talk to your neighbors and home security system providers before you leave. They are your eyes and ears while you’re away.
Spare Key — You may think you’re clever, but that spare key under the flower pot by your front door isn’t that hard to find. Take spare keys with you or give them to a trusted friend to look after.
Appliances — Unplug unnecessary appliances. They won’t be used while you’re away.
Thermostat — Turn up the temperature, so your system doesn’t run full force in an empty house.
Mail — Ask your neighbors to check the mail for you, or give your local post office a call to hold all incoming mail until you get back.
Clean — There’s no better feeling than coming home to a clean house. You’ll thank yourself later. Give your house a thorough cleaning, and put fresh sheets on your beds.
Toilets — Clean your toilet bowls with chlorine to prevent bacteria growth and stains.
Smoke detectors — It’s always best to be prepared. Replace all your smoke detector batteries and check to make sure they are in working order.
Pantry — No one likes bugs. Throw out any open food or seal it in a plastic bag.
Kitchen Sink — Leftover food in your sink can result in a smelly “welcome home.” Pour a half a cup of vinegar and water through your garbage disposal before you leave.
Trash — The kitchen sink smell pales in comparison to the smell of old trash. Don’t forget to take it out!
Credit Card — Call your bank or credit card company to make sure they don’t place a hold on your account from unusual spending.
Doors — Don’t forget to lock your doors (and double-check). Also, wait for your automatic garage door to close completely before driving away.
Finally, if you haven’t already been in touch with MTB about an annual preventative maintenance check on your air conditioning system through our Priority Comfort Agreement (PCA), please remember to add that to your “do-to” list this summer. Just give us a call at (704) 459-4066 . Everyone at MTB wishes you fun and safe travels this summer!