Summer is one of the most popular times of the year to travel. Whether you're heading to the mountains for a weekend getaway, taking a family vacation, or checking destinations off your bucket list, the excitement of travel can sometimes overshadow an important responsibility—preparing your home before you leave.
A little planning before your trip can go a long way toward protecting your property, preventing unexpected maintenance issues, and giving you peace of mind while you're away. For homeowners and rental property owners alike, taking a few proactive steps can help avoid costly surprises and ensure your property remains safe and secure throughout the summer season.
Here are some essential home preparation tips to complete before your next summer adventure.
Secure All Doors and Windows
One of the simplest yet most important tasks before leaving town is making sure your home is properly secured.
Before you leave, walk through your entire property and double-check that:
All exterior doors are locked
Windows are fully closed and secured
Garage doors are shut and locked
Sliding doors have additional security bars or locks in place
It's easy to overlook a basement window or side entrance when you're focused on packing and travel plans. Taking a few extra minutes to inspect your home's entry points can help reduce the risk of break-ins while you're away.
For rental property owners, it's also a good time to verify that vacant properties are secured and that any contractors or maintenance vendors have appropriate access procedures in place.
Use Light Timers to Create the Appearance of Occupancy
An unoccupied home can quickly become obvious if it remains dark night after night.
Setting timers on interior lights is an easy and affordable way to make your home appear occupied while you're traveling. Smart home technology makes this even easier by allowing homeowners to control lighting remotely through mobile apps.
Consider placing timers on:
Living room lights
Hallway lights
Bedroom lamps
Exterior porch lights
Programming lights to turn on and off at realistic times can help discourage potential intruders and provide an extra layer of security.
Smart plugs and automated lighting systems can also be adjusted remotely if your travel plans change unexpectedly.
Pause Mail and Package Deliveries
Nothing signals an empty home faster than a pile of packages or an overflowing mailbox.
If you'll be away for an extended period, consider temporarily pausing:
Mail delivery
Newspaper subscriptions
Package shipments
Other recurring deliveries
The United States Postal Service offers mail hold services that can prevent mail from accumulating while you're away.
If pausing deliveries isn't possible, ask a trusted neighbor, friend, or family member to collect packages and check your mailbox periodically.
This simple step can help maintain the appearance that someone is actively living at the property.
Test Smoke Detectors Before You Leave
Smoke detectors are one of the most important safety features in any home.
Before heading out on vacation, test all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors throughout the property. Replace batteries if needed and verify that each device is functioning properly.
While no one expects an emergency to occur while they're away, functioning detectors can help minimize damage and potentially save lives if a fire or other incident occurs.
For rental property owners, regular smoke detector testing is also an important part of maintaining a safe property and complying with local housing requirements.
Unplug Unnecessary Electronics
Many homeowners leave numerous electronics plugged in year-round without realizing they continue drawing power even when not in use.
Before leaving for vacation, consider unplugging:
Televisions
Gaming systems
Small kitchen appliances
Computers and monitors
Chargers and power strips
Unplugging electronics offers several benefits:
Reduces energy consumption
Lowers utility costs
Minimizes the risk of electrical issues
Protects devices from power surges
Leave essential systems connected as needed, but disconnecting nonessential electronics is a simple precaution that can provide additional peace of mind.
Adjust Your HVAC System for Colorado's Summer Weather
Colorado summers can bring warm daytime temperatures, even when evenings remain comfortable.
Rather than turning your air conditioning system off completely, adjust your thermostat to an appropriate setting while you're away. This helps:
Prevent excessive indoor heat buildup
Protect furniture and electronics
Reduce strain on your HVAC system
Maintain reasonable energy efficiency
Many experts recommend setting the thermostat several degrees higher than your normal comfort setting while still keeping the home protected from extreme indoor temperatures.
If you have a smart thermostat, you'll also have the flexibility to monitor and adjust temperatures remotely if weather conditions change during your trip.
Turn Off the Water Main
Water damage is one of the most expensive and disruptive home emergencies a property owner can experience.
A small leak under a sink, a failed supply line, or a malfunctioning appliance can cause significant damage if left unnoticed for days or weeks.
For extended trips, consider turning off your home's main water supply before leaving.
Doing so can help prevent:
Burst pipe damage
Appliance leaks
Water heater issues
Flooding from plumbing failures
If you choose to shut off the water main, be sure to follow manufacturer recommendations for appliances and water heaters. If you're unsure about the process, consult a licensed plumber before your departure.
This simple precaution can potentially save thousands of dollars in repair costs.
Rental Property Owners: Update Your Contact Information
For rental property owners, summer travel presents an additional consideration.
Whether you're taking a weekend trip or spending several weeks away, it's important to ensure your property management team has current and accurate contact information.
Before leaving, confirm:
Your preferred phone number
Backup contact information
Emergency contact details
Email addresses
Travel dates and availability
Having updated information allows your property manager to quickly reach you if important decisions need to be made regarding maintenance, tenant concerns, or property emergencies.
At PropertySense, we understand that maintenance issues don't always happen during convenient times. Clear communication helps ensure that any concerns can be addressed promptly, protecting both your investment and your tenants.
Enjoy Your Vacation with Confidence
Summer travel should be about relaxation, adventure, and making memories—not worrying about what might be happening back home.
By taking a few proactive steps before you leave, you can significantly reduce risks, prevent avoidable maintenance problems, and enjoy greater peace of mind throughout your trip.
From securing doors and windows to adjusting your HVAC system and updating your property management contacts, these simple precautions can help protect your home and investment property all summer long.
If you own rental property in the Denver metro area and want the confidence of having experienced professionals watching over your investment while you're away, PropertySense is here to help. Our team provides responsive property management services, maintenance coordination, and ongoing communication to help keep your property protected year-round.
Contact PropertySense today to learn how professional property management can help you travel with confidence while protecting your real estate investment.
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