With the holiday season approaching, you may be planning to use time off from work to travel and spend time with family and friends. After you’ve cleared your schedule and made travel plans, it’s time to focus on closing up your apartment while you’re away. One benefit of living in an apartment when you’re going to be away for an extended time is that you have neighbors in your building and the property manager to keep an eye on your apartment during your absence. This offers reassurance just knowing that somebody will be around at all times. Before you hit the road, here are some steps to prepare your place for your departure, and, how to create a welcoming environment for when you get back home.
Check the Weather
If the meteorologists predict a cold snap or snow while you’re away, adjust your thermostat accordingly. This is especially important if you are leaving pets behind, and nobody wants to come home from a long drive or flight to a frigid apartment.
Clean out the Fridge
Discard anything that might go bad while you’re gone, such as fresh produce, milk, and other perishable items. Throw some of your favorite meals in the freezer so you aren’t scrambling for something to eat once you get home and you’re too tired to do a grocery run or even wait for food delivery.
Tidy up Your Apartment
If you are having somebody come in to look after a pet, water your plants, or just keep an eye on things, you don’t want them to walk into a messy apartment. Put away the dishes and laundry, take out the trash, vacuum, and make sure your floors and bathroom look presentable. Another pointer is to change your bedding. Fresh bedding will just enhance the joy you will experience being back in your own bed.
Stop Your Mail
If you’re going to be away for several weeks, you can put a temporary hold on your mail. Ask a neighbor to collect any packages that arrive during your absence.
Arrange for Pet Care
Whether it’s a dog, cat, or fish, find a pet sitter. This could be a family member, a trusted neighbor, or a professional pet sitter. You can also board your pet during your absence.
Unplug Appliances and Devices
Don’t waste electricity while you’re away. Unless it’s an essential appliance, such as the refrigerator, unplug everything that won’t be adversely affected by being powered down.
Explore a Vision Community Apartment
With a little planning, your apartment and pets will be safe and secure during your absence. When you return, you’ll walk into a clean, comfortable apartment that will look just the way you left it. Having that peace of mind will make your holidays that much more enjoyable.
Our floor plans are spacious and bedrooms come with spacious closet space. Our property management teams work hard to create living spaces that are headache-free and places you’ll want to come home to. We have floor plans that provide your personal space and spacious common areas for you to hang out with your roommate and friends. Our spacious, studio, 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom, and 3 bedroom apartment layouts provide cozy space. Check out our luxurious apartment floorplans in one of our communities and enjoy life at the VC.
Schedule a tour today and see why Vision Communities is a great place to live.