Preparing Your Apartment For a Summer Vacation

The weather is getting warmer, and the sun is staying out. This can only mean one thing - summer vacation!

But before you pack your suitcase, there are a few steps you ought to take to make sure that you not only have a great vacation, but peace of mind as well. In this article, I will point out some ways to prepare your apartment in order to have a fantastic vacation this summer.

1. Take Care of Rent and Utilities Before Leaving

There is nothing that interrupts the enjoyment of a summer vacation more than realizing that you forgot to pay bills before you left. Don't let that happen to you!

Before you set out, set up autopay for your rent, utilities, and other bills, or simply pay these ahead of time. That way, you will be able to relax, and enjoy the sunshine without any added stress.

2. Let Your Apartment Management Know of Your Trip

In case something should come up while you are out, let the management of your apartment complex know that you will be gone, and for how long. If a maintenance emergency were to arise, or you receive a package, your landlord will know what to do.

3. Take Care of Mail

And speaking of packages, it's a good idea to make arrangements for any mail that you know for sure will be arriving while you are on vacation. You can ask the post office to hold your mail until you can pick it up, or simply have a trusted friend or neighbor collect anything that is sent to you. 

4. Take Out the Trash

You definitely do not want smelly garbage sitting in your apartment while you are away. This will present a not-so-pleasant surprise when you return from your trip. So before you leave, make sure that you have emptied your trash bin.

5. Prepare The Temperature of Your Apartment

There is no reason to rack up an expensive heating/cooling bill while you are not even around to enjoy the temperature of your apartment. So before departing, set your thermostat to a barely tolerable setting so that it is neither too hot nor too cold. After this, close your blinds and the curtains of your apartment home.

6. Make Sure Everything is Unplugged

To save extra money while you're away, take a look around and make a list of everything that is plugged into an electric outlet. Anything non-essential should be unplugged while you are out enjoying your vacation. This includes the television, stereo, etc. And while you are at it, be sure that your stove is not on, and all lights are turned off.

7. Lock Up

As a finishing touch, be sure that you do a final sweep and lock up your windows and doors.

Before you leave for that much-needed vacation this summer, follow this checklist to be 100% sure that your apartment will be in tip-top shape while you are away. You'll have peace of mind and the ability to have the best experience you can while out of town.

And enjoy your trip!