I’m Going on a Trip—What Do I Need to Consider?

When you’re preparing to travel, there are certain things you know immediately that you’ll need to do, such as making arrangements for your pets and ensuring that sure all the doors and windows are locked. Some things that aren’t quite so obvious, though, can have a big impact on your homecoming. For example, in your hurry to prepare for your trip, you might not think to check the refrigerator and fruit bowls for items that won’t last until your return and then take the trash out—but you might come home to an unpleasant odor if you don’t take the time to clean those things out. And you’ll want to re-set your temperature controls so that you’re not running up your utility bills keeping your apartment at the perfect temperature while you’re not there to enjoy it. If you’re going to be gone for more than a few days, consider having the post office hold your mail and stopping any newspaper subscriptions or other deliveries that might occur in your absence. Make sure to unplug your small appliances like iron and coffee pot—not only will this save you some worries once you’ve hit the road, but it will save energy since electricity keeps flowing even when a device isn’t in use. And finally,  you may want to let your property manager know the dates you’ll be away, and if someone will be coming in to water plants or care for your pets.