Vacation is a time for getting away from the stressors of daily life and relaxing. A change of scenery can do wonders for the psyche and half the fun is the anticipation and preparation. There are plenty of online resources for arranging your travel, lodging, sightseeing, and even how and what to pack. However, you can’t just up and leave your apartment unattended for weeks at a time. Here are some steps you need to take before you can truly leave your cares behind and enjoy your vacation.
Let your landlord and neighbors know
This depends on the norms of your apartment community and terms of your lease. Some leases stipulate that you need to inform your landlord if you won’t be occupying your apartment for a designated period of time. At the same time, let one of your nearby neighbors know you’re going to be away and ask them to keep an eye on your place during that time.
Arrange for pet care
Ask a friend, family, or neighbor in your building to look after your pet while you’re on vacation. From feeding fish to walking your dog, your pets will need regular care while you’re away. Doggie hotels are becoming very common, and you can board your canine companion in luxurious surroundings while you’re away; some facilities even have “doggie cams” so you can see live feeds of your best friend being pampered. Cats would be happier staying home with an occasional drop-in by a caretaker but there are extended stay places for felines, too. If your pet of any species needs daily medication, etc., it is then better to board them at a facility where they can receive regular veterinary care.
Adjust the thermostat, unplug unused appliances, and clean out the fridge and freezer
You can keep your apartment a little warmer or cooler while you’re on vacation. Unplug all nonessential appliances as they are an energy drain and why pay for power that you’re not going to be using? As well, clear out the refrigerator and freezer of anything past its shelf life, freezer burned, perishable (like produce), etc. You don’t want to come home to the sight of wilted lettuce, moldy cheese, etc.
Prepare for your return
You will appreciate this step after the fact. Clean up your apartment, change the beds and linens, vacuum, and pick up some easy freezer meals you can just pop in the microwave. You will probably be too tired to grocery shop or cook once you get home. If you have to return to work the day after you return, then plan what to wear and have your backpack or briefcase ready to go.
Enjoy your well-earned vacation. If you put the same amount of energy into getting your apartment prepared for your absence and return, you’ll have peace of mind that you can seamlessly segue back into your regular daily life with as little disruption as possible.
Explore a Vision Community Apartment
Vision Communities has the amenities and facilities to help you leave for vacation with peace of mind. We work hard to create a community where you feel safe, especially when you head out of town. 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.