How to Prep Your Home for a Stress-Free Return After a Trip

After hours of transit, long lines at the airport and possible cultural adaptations that come with traveling, arriving home can ignite the desire and need for more vacation time just to recover from the first one. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to prepare for your return before you even leave your house to ensure your homecoming will be as peaceful and relaxing as possible. 

Tell your neighbors. Informing your neighbors you will be away will provide a set of eyes on your home in case anything or anyone suspicious happens around your property. They can also get the mail, water your plants and perform other simple duties that keep the place maintained and ward off potential unwanted visitors.

Arrange house/pet sitters. If you’re leaving Fido behind, make sure he’s taken care of by a trusted friend or family member, or arrange a stay at a nearby kennel.

Give your place a thorough cleaning. Nothing is worse than coming home to a messy house. Tidying up before you leave will make it less overwhelming to arrive home with heaps of luggage and souvenirs in tow.

DON’T post on social media. Thieves prowl social media to learn when people will be leaving town and thus leaving homes unattended. Avoid posting statuses and photos until you return, as difficult as this may be.