LIVE (Cont.)
Tips and Tricks for Readying Your Apartment Before Holiday Vacation When planning to leave for the holidays, it is easy to get caught up in booking flights, preparing an itinerary, making hotel arrangements, and the other things that must be taken care of in advance—so much so that you may forget the things you must do at home before leaving! In order to avoid a stressful return home, use this guide to properly prepare your apartment before you leave for the holidays. 1. Consider Your Car: If you have a car that you’re leaving behind, consider your options about what to do in order to ensure its safety. If you have a designated parking spot, lot, or garage, the best thing to do is leave it there, and remember to remove all valuables. 2. Unplug Electronics: Regardless of whether or not they are being actively operated, having things plugged in uses electricity. Make sure to unplug everything except for your refrigerator, washer, and dryer. Not only will this cut costs on your electric bill, but it will also prevent any fire hazards. 3. Take Care of Your Mail: This may not be applicable to all situations as mail is deposited into your mailbox, but if you are expecting any packages arriving at your doorstep while you are away, it’s best to give a trusted friend or neighbor a spare key to your place. Doing this will ensure that nothing is stolen, and will also give to any potential burglars the appearance that your apartment isn’t vacant, which will prevent any break-ins. Alternatively, you can contact your local post office and request that they hold your
mail until you return. 4. Clean Up the Place: This is the least fun tip for a mind already excited about vacation, and it won’t do much in terms of safety, but your future, relaxed self will thank you when you come home to a clean apartment. No deep cleaning necessary—just take out the trash, get rid of any food that has or will go bad, wash dirty dishes, and make sure there are no wet clothes in the washing machine or dryer. 5. Adjust Your Thermostat: An absent apartment is much better at handling and regulating temperatures than one that’s lived in. Turn your thermostat up higher than you would normally: not too high that it will be harsh on your belongings, but high enough to cut some electric costs. 6. Pet Care: If you have one or more pets that you can’t take with you, ensure that proper arrangements are made for them. Ask the friend or neighbor who’s watching your mail look after them in either your home or theirs, or set them up in a boarding facility equipped to take care of them. Print out a detailed list of things the caretaker will have to know, such as feeding and walking times or administering any medication. For more information on The Flats Apartment Living in Downtown Avalon Park, call 407-273-4337 or visit TheFlatsAvalonPark. com or email Info@TheFlatsAtAvalonPark.com.
