Preparing Your Home for Extended Travel and Why a Home Watch Service Matters

🌴 Preparing Your Home for Extended Travel — And Why a Home Watch Service Matters
Whether you're heading out for a long-awaited vacation, escaping the summer heat, or spending a season in another state, leaving your home unoccupied for weeks (or months) takes more than simply locking the door behind you. Homes need attention — even when you're not there — and a little preparation goes a long way in preventing costly surprises.

Here’s a simple guide to getting your home ready for extended travel, along with the key reasons a professional Home Watch Service can give you true peace of mind while you’re away.

 
🧰 Step 1: Secure Your Home from the Outside In
Before you leave, take a few minutes to walk around the exterior of your home. Look for anything out of place:

Ensure all windows and doors are locked and sealed properly.
Remove any hidden spare keys — burglars know all the classic hiding spots.
Trim shrubs or tree branches that might provide a hiding spot near windows.
Store outdoor furniture or décor that could blow away or cause damage during a storm.
These small steps reduce risk and make your home less inviting to both weather and unwanted visitors.

 
💧 Step 2: Protect Your Home’s Systems
Your home’s systems keep everything running smoothly — but when you're away, they can also be a major source of trouble if something goes wrong.

Set your thermostat to a safe temperature to avoid humidity, mold, or frozen pipes depending on the season.

Unplug small appliances to reduce fire risk and energy use.
Check smoke detectors and security systems before you go.
One small leak can cause thousands of dollars in damage if it goes unnoticed. Preparing ahead helps prevent that.

 
🧹 Step 3: Tidy Up Before You Lock Up
It may sound simple, but a clean home is a safer home while you're gone.

Empty the refrigerator and trash to avoid smells, pests, or spoiled food.
Run the dishwasher and ensure all dishes are dry.
Wash bedding and towels so you come home to fresh, clean spaces.
Close blinds or curtains for security and to reduce sun exposure.
Your future self will thank you!

 
🐭 Step 4: Prevent Critter Problems
Empty homes can attract uninvited “guests.”

Seal any gaps around doors, vents, or crawl spaces.
Store food in airtight containers or remove it completely.
Check that pet doors are locked and secured.
Remove birdseed, pet food, or trash from the garage.
Critters love a quiet home — don’t give them a reason to move in.

 
⭐ Why Every Homeowner Should Use a Home Watch Service While Away
Even when you prepare perfectly, things can and do happen. That’s where a Home Watch Service becomes essential.

🔎 1. We catch small issues before they become big problems.
Undetected leaks, tripped breakers, broken irrigation lines, rodents, storm damage, or odd smells — these are the things that can escalate fast. Regular checks prevent emergencies.

🧘 2. Peace of mind is priceless.
There’s nothing like receiving a photo and update after every visit. You know exactly what’s happening at your home, even from thousands of miles away.

🛠️ 3. Professional eyes see what others don’t.
Neighbors mean well, but they aren’t trained to spot early warning signs. A Home Watch professional looks for:

Water intrusion
HVAC issues
Pest activity
Plumbing problems
Security concerns
Landscape or irrigation failures
🚨 4. In an emergency, you have someone local who cares.
If a monsoon hits, a pipe bursts, or your alarm goes off, you have someone who can respond quickly and coordinate repairs.

💼 5. It can save you money in the long run.
Insurance companies love documentation. Regular check-ins reduce risk and can support claims if something ever goes wrong.

 
🏠 Final Thoughts
Preparing your home for extended travel is important — but pairing that preparation with a trusted Home Watch Serviceis the best way to protect your property, your investment, and your peace of mind.

Your home should feel safe whether you’re across town or across the country. With regular inspections, detailed reports, and a caring set of eyes on your property, you can relax knowing everything is exactly as it should be.