Road Trip Checklist

Heading out for a Memorial Day Weekend getaway? Don’t miss these last-minute house-prepping tips to take the stress out of your vacation.

· Make arrangements for pets. If you are using a pet-walking service, be sure they are certified with a professional organization like pro pet sitters

· Unplug small appliances or charging devices. These can use energy even when not in use. We call them vampires.

· Turn down water heater to “vacation” setting to save on energy use – better yet, replace that old-fashioned “thermos” with a higher efficiency, on-demand model.

· Turn off washer hoses to prevent major water damage from burst hoses. Typically, we use a “rough in box” for washer shut offs so you only have to flip a small lever to shut it off. The best washer water hose lines are braided stainless steel because they resist bursting.

· Adjust thermostat to “away setting” to save energy use. No sense cooling a house when no one is there. Instead, open just 1-2 inches of the top sashes of your double-hung windows on upper floors to create some cool air flow. The escaping hot air on upper floors will draw cool air up from the lower levels or basements.

· Check your security system. Take your emergency codes with you, and let the security company know your cell phone number, just in case. Some security services will have an added feature of monitoring water flow or CO levels in your house as well as security. So if a leak occurs, they will send over a repair person.

· Set lighting timers and water sprinklers

· Notify a trusted neighbor that you’ll be away so they can bring in garbage cans or the mail for you. If it’s very dry, they might even water your plants. Remember to bring them some vacation treat when you return.

Finally, remember that renovation projects for summer and fall are being scheduled now, so if you’ve been considering a home-improvement project, call your service provider now!