Leaving your house empty for Eid vacation? Read this

Roads in Dhaka are wearing a deserted look as people have started to leave the capital to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr with their near and dear ones in their village homes. If you are also leaving your house empty to celebrate Eid elsewhere, there are some measures you should take.

While preparing your home for vacation may be the last thing on your mind before a long trip this Eid, it’s essential that you take the time to ensure your home is secure and not at risk for problems.

Here are some steps you can take to prepare your house for vacation.

Secure your home so it appears occupied

Making your house appear as if it’s occupied helps make sure that you aren’t a target for theft while you are away for an Eid vacation. To do so, first, you should lock any external doors, windows, and the garage. Additionally, close your windows and blinds, removing any visible valuables.

If you’re friendly with your neighbor, you may want to ask them to keep an eye on your house and notify you of any suspicious activity. If you have a security system in place, check to make sure it is working properly.

Prepare your home for the elements

There’s no way to know for sure what type of weather your home will experience while you’re gone. There may be rain, hail, or even a heavy storm. Be sure to prepare your home for the elements to reduce the risk of weather-related damage.

Fix anything that needs repair before you leave. If you have outdoor furniture that is subjected to the elements, or anything loose in your yard that could move with heavy winds or rain, move it inside to keep it secure.

Take care of your mail and deliveries

Whether you put your mail on pause, forward it, or ask a neighbour to pick it up, you will want to make sure that your mail is taken care of. Mail that piles up indicates that no one is home, which could put your house at risk for theft. The mail could also be stolen in your absence.

Make sure you do the same thing for deliveries. If you’re expecting any deliveries in your absence, ask a neighbour to hold them for you until you return. Be sure to pause any subscription services as well.

Turn off or unplug most of your appliances

A big electrical storm can cause power outages. Ongoing or rapid power outages can impact and damage appliances in your home, including your computer and television.

Right before you leave for vacation, go around your home and unplug anything that doesn’t need to be on such as cable boxes, televisions, kitchen appliances, and anything else you won’t be using.

You can pretty much unplug anything that’s not a lamp on a timer or part of your security system. This includes surge protectors as they aren’t perfect and can still put you at risk for damage.

Not to mention, any turned-off appliances that are still plugged in have an electrical draw that you’re still paying for even though you’re not using them.

Clean the fridge and take out the trash

Since you won’t be home for a while, you’ll want to clean out your fridge and remove any foods that will spoil while you’re gone. No one wants to come home to moldy food or a stinky house, so do a quick sweep of your fridge, and toss out anything that could go bad while you’re away.

This is also a great time to wipe down all the kitchen surfaces and throw away any condiments or other items that have expired.

Now that your home is secured, let’s take a look at the things you should do to make sure your trip is safe and comfortable.

Take essential paperwork

In case you are planning a trip out of the country, it’s important to double-check that you have all of the documents you need in case an issue arises. Don’t forget to check if additional documents are needed in the region you’re heading to, or you may face some problems.

Stock up on provisions

Whichever route you’re taking, Eid journey home often takes long hours. It is important to stock up on water, snacks, and other provisions.

On the road, you could encounter places where restrooms are few and far between, so it’s best to be prepared. Filling a bag with toilet paper, wipes, and hand sanitizer might come in handy during an emergency.

Additionally, also stock up on things you might need in an emergency, such as medicine, tools to repair a flat tire (in case you are taking your car), a power bank, etc.

Screenshot map and accommodation information

In case you are travelling someplace you haven’t been to before; it is essential to screenshot the map and directions to the location. Losing a signal can be frustrating, so taking screenshots of important information can prove handy if you go out of your service area.

A few minutes of preparation before you leave home can help keep necessary information at your fingertips.