Vacation is something so many of us have in common. Whether you’re going on vacation or know someone close to you who is, it can be an extremely exciting time. However, excitement isn’t the only thing on the rise when planning a trip; your vulnerability is also rising. Today, we’ll cover five things you should always do before leaving your home or apartment for a vacation!

Pets

Considering our extensive love for pets at Buckeye Northwest Realty, we may start here! You must plan to care for your furry little friend while you’re planning on being away. You can hire a pet sitter or find a friend or relative willing to help with the care while you’re away. One thing that comes highly recommended is to make sure your dogs are crate trained (if you own a dog), as this will reduce the fear and anxiety when you are away. It is important to plan all food, litter, treats, and toys accordingly because your friend will need very little change to their routine for complete success.

Landlord

It is always good to let your landlord know that you will be leaving. That way, if anyone reports any strange activity at your home or apartment, they will know immediately that it is not you. If permitted in the lease agreement, this may also give them a window to perform any needed repairs or maintenance.

Mail

One of the biggest indicators of being away on vacation is when your mail piles up. Any would-be burglar will quickly notice that and plan accordingly. So make sure you enlist a family member, friend, or neighbor to gather your mail and take it inside.

Security

Depending on the amount of money you want to spend, there are various things you can do to help protect your home or apartment while you’re away. The first and cheapest method is to ask one of your neighbors to keep an eye on your home while you’re away. Another method would be to purchase light timers to deter some would-be burglars by making it look like someone is home. If you want to protect your belongings and property, you can invest in a security system, and we’d recommend a smart security system. One that can work in concert with smart lights, smoke detectors, and even cameras inside and outside your residence.

Home Electronics

As previously covered, using security systems in your home assures that everything is okay while you’re away. If you’re planning to dabble in the smart home devices there are cameras, sensors, motion detectors, smoke detectors, water leak detectors, smart lights, the list goes on and on. These devices can work together to keep your home as secure as possible while you’re away.

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Buckeye Northwest Realty is Toledo, Ohio’s premier property management and home rental group. We have countless houses for rent in Toledo and the surrounding area. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your family!