Going on vacation is usually an exciting experience filled with fun, relaxation, and de-stressing! So why would you want to come back to a filthy and unkempt home? Chores when away from home aren’t impossible, so here are a few suggestions to ensure you return to a fresh house!
Have a Neighbor Mow the Lawn
Most people focus on cleaning the interior when traveling. But the exterior is just as important. There are things that grow, and an unkempt house from the outside can pique the interest of would-be burglars! Something as simple as having a neighbor mow the lawn can be enough to keep prying eyes off your home. If your mower has seen better days, it would be polite to buy a new push mower to make it easier for someone to help you out with yard maintenance.
Security Chores when Away from Home
Of the 1.5 million burglaries in the US each year, you are more likely to be intruded when you are away in the summer. But you don’t have to make it easy for the stripy sweater guys to target your home. To make your home more secure when away, give these small changes a try:
- Ensure all windows and doors are locked and secured before leaving.
- Arm your alarm systems and set any smart devices to alert you when you are away.
- Arrange for mail and newspapers to be sent somewhere else for a while.
Book a Pet-Sitter for the Time Away
Unfortunately, you can’t always take your furry friends away with you. Sometimes, Mittens and Fido just have to stay at home. Of course, you can book a pet shelter, but these are pretty expensive and require some strict documentation. An easier way to ensure they don’t do their business all over your new carpet is to hire a pet sitter. Someone can then pop around to feed, water, walk the pets, and clean up any mess that they may have made while you’re away.
Essential Chores When Away from Home
Going on vacation should be exciting and fun. However, a UK survey found that 44% of women get flustered in the days before departing for a vacation. But why worry about chores when away from home, especially if you have to do your laundry when traveling? Try these instead:
- Empty the fridge to make sure there are no nasty surprises when you get home!
- Of course, take out the trash to ensure there are no critters upon returning home.
- Use smart devices to take care of dust, keep a suitable temperature, and water plants.
Ask Family and Friends to Help
Where would we be without our loved ones? If you are lucky enough to have special people in your life who you trust, you can politely ask that they keep an eye on your home. Of course, you can also offer to pay them for their time. Relatives and friends are usually more than happy to open and close curtains, water the plants, and take your mail inside. Making it look like someone is home helps cut crime. It also ensures the house is tidier for you when returning.
Book Chores when Away from Home
While 75% of US vacationers prefer to clean their homes before they leave, there are things that can get untidy when you aren’t there. Of course, there are professional cleaning services, landscapers, and pet walkers that can help. So, consider these steps when booking a service:
- Decide what chores are important to get done when you are not there.
- Book a professional service with a sterling reputation to ensure safety and privacy.
- Install cameras for an extra element of safety when you need chores taken care of.
Make the House Inviting for Your Return
With all the excitement and tasks associated with going on vacation, household chores can take a backseat. However, returning to a clean and tidy home helps beat post-vacation blues! The last thing you want to do when getting back from an exotic excursion is clean the house! So to ensure your return is more inviting and relaxing, get done what you can before you leave. Ensure laundry is in hampers, wipe down the surfaces and get rid of anything that can spoil!
Summary
Something as simple as asking a neighbor to mow the lawn is one of the best ways to take care of chores when away from home. Taking care of the essentials before leaving ensures things don’t escalate, and you can make your return more inviting with a quick clean before leaving.
