How To Prepare Your House for a Bachelor’s Winter Away

If you’re a bachelor with an extended winter break coming up, you’re probably wondering how to prepare your house for winter you are away. It’s tough leaving your home, but you can make sure it is still in perfect condition when you get back with a few preparations.

I always think about what could go wrong in my absence and plan for it. Here are some of the steps I take to ensure my house is in perfect condition when I return from a break.

Inspect and Take Care of Plumbing Issues

Plumbing issues such as leaky faucets or broken pipes can damage while you are away. Therefore, I like to conduct a professional inspection of the plumbing system before leaving.

I always have drain cleaning services done a few weeks before leaving to ensure no clogs cause problems. Other things you can do to keep the plumbing system in good shape include:

• Turning off the water to your house when you’re not using it
• Stopping the flow of water from outdoor faucets by closing the shut-off valve
• Inspecting the seals on toilets and washing machines to prevent leaks
• Checking the seals around your bathtubs and shower
• Insulating pipes that are exposed to cold air
• Turning off the water heater and draining it when not in use

Do Not Leave Perishable Foods in the Fridge

It’s always advisable to turn the power off on your fridge when not around. Leaving perishable foods in your fridge while you’re away can be a costly mistake. Not only will the food rot, but it will stink up the entire house. So before leaving for a trip, I always clean it and ensure that the fridge is empty of all perishables. If you decide to turn the fridge off, leave the door open to prevent mold growth.

Empty the Garbage and Clean Out the Trash Cans

Another thing I make sure I do before leaving for a vacation is to empty and clean the garbage cans. Take a few minutes to empty your garbage cans and clean them out before you leave on vacation. This keeps the house smelling fresh, but it will also prevent any unwanted pests from taking up residence in your home.

Make Sure the Heating System Is Working

If your heating system isn’t working properly, it can be a huge hassle when you return from vacation. It might take several days to get your home warm and comfortable again. I always make sure that my heating system is working properly before I leave for a trip. You can do this by:

• Checking the filters and making sure they’re clean
• Inspecting the ductwork
• Replacing any worn parts like belts or bearings
• Ensuring all vents are open and nothing is blocking them
• Replacing the batteries in your thermostat

Make Sure Your House Is Secure by Setting an Alarm System and Lighting Timers

If you’re going away for a long time, ensure your house is secure. I always set my alarm system and lighting timers before leaving for a trip. This way, if anyone tries to break into your home, the alarm will go off, and you’ll be able to call the police or have someone go check it out.

If you’re going away for several weeks, have someone come by and check on your home periodically. This is especially beneficial if you live in an area with high humidity or frequent thunderstorms that could cause damage to your home or a power outage. Ask a house sitter to pick up your mail and newspapers for you.

Lighting timers are another great way to make your home look occupied. In addition, they deter any potential burglars from targeting your house while you’re away.

Make Sure the Perimeter Is Clear of Debris and Other Items That Could Attract Pests

Before leaving for a trip, make sure that the perimeter of your house is clear. This means removing any debris or items that could attract pests. For example, I usually take my trash out to the curb and ensure that any other items are properly stored away to not attract bugs or rodents.

If you have any bushes or trees near your house, trim them back so that they don’t harbor pests. You might also want to consider putting down some mothballs or peppermint oil around the perimeter of your house. It will repel rodents and other pests from trying to get into your home while you’re away.

Make Sure Your House Is Clean and Tidy Before Leaving for a Vacation

Before leaving for a trip, it’s always a good idea to make sure your house is clean and tidy. It will prevent unwanted pests from taking up residence in your home, and it’s always nice to come home to a clean home. I usually do a deep clean of my house before I leave for a trip. It includes vacuuming, mopping floors, and dusting furniture. After a stressful trip, no one wants to come back to a dirty house.

Prepare Your House for Winter

Imagine cutting your vacation short or worrying about your home the entire time you’re gone. These tips will prevent that from happening. Preparing the house also ensures you return to a comfortable, clean home. You won’t have to spend days or weeks catching up or carrying out costly repairs.