The summer season is fast approaching, and if you’re one of the many people who are looking forward to a vacation, then it’s time to get ready. You should take care of a few things before your house is occupied by tenants, friends, or family members.
For example, make sure the house is clean when they arrive. Pack your bags and ensure all items needed for your trip are with you before leaving the house. Make sure any appliances in your home work properly so that they don’t break down while you’re gone or cause damage.
These tips will help prepare your space for occupation.
Make Sure Everything Is Clean
Just because someone else will be occupying the space doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be clean and tidy when you leave. Make sure the house is cleaned from top to bottom. With this in mind, you should clean your windows, floors, appliances, and countertops thoroughly on your way out.
To clean your vacation house, start at the top of the walls and work your way down. Remove any cobwebs or dirt and check with a utility pole to see if any leaks need to be repaired. In addition, clean windows from top to bottom, including screens. Sweep floors thoroughly to remove any dirt or dust. Also, clean countertops and appliances with soap and water to eliminate stubborn stains. Make sure dishes are empty before you leave the house so that they don’t pile up while you’re gone. This will not only keep pests away but also give your tenants space to do their own dishes in the sink if they wish. Make sure all food is stored properly so that it doesn’t spoil during your absence.
Don’t Skip Inspection Procedures
Check all appliances in the home before you head off so that they don’t break down or cause damage while you’re gone. Be sure to unplug any major appliances such as dishwashers and ovens to avoid damage by vacationers when unplugged.
If any issues occur, such as a water pipe leaking, you don’t want to be liable for the damage done. To avoid this, make sure all plumbing fixtures in your home are in good working order before your tenants occupy it. Replace any faulty faucets and shower heads.
Moreover, check the heating and air conditioning unit in advance of your vacation house rental. So if something goes wrong with it while you’re gone, you won’t receive complaints about uncomfortable temperatures or noxious odors. Also, check your fireplaces and chimneys to ensure they’re not emitting smoke when not in use.
Maintain Your Swimming Pool
Your swimming pool should be checked on a regular basis, especially before vacationers arrive, to ensure there is no damage and it’s safe for use. Make sure all chemicals are properly balanced and that the pH levels of your pool or spa are within normal limits. Make a few drops of food coloring in a bucket filled with equal parts chlorine bleach and water to test pool water. If the solution stays blue without changing color, then the pH level is correct. If not, add more bleach until it turns blue!
Also, your swimming pool is a potential breeding ground for mosquitoes. Therefore, before you leave, make sure mosquito control services are scheduled for when you will be gone.
Keep the Furniture Organized
Before leaving the house vacant, check all chairs, couches, and tables in each room to make sure they move smoothly when pushed or pulled across the floor. This will prevent accidents from kids running into sharp corners or broken legs from rough handling.
If any furniture is moved throughout the house while out on vacation, make sure it is returned to its original place before you leave. Not only will furniture placement help your home look more aesthetically pleasing upon your return, but it also helps prevent damage to floors and carpets from occurring!
Don’t Forget the Houseplants
You must water your prized houseplants before you leave. Place them in bright light, such as a window sill, for at least six hours per day. Plants in need of frequent watering should be placed next to a calendar, so the vacationers can see when they have been watered.
Final Thoughts
If you want your house to be occupied by tenants, friends, or family members without any damage occurring while on vacation, it’s a good idea to prepare for their arrival. Some of the best ways include making sure all entry points are locked upon leaving and that major appliances in the home work properly before heading off. You can also help prevent pests from entering your open space and keep furniture in place during occupancy with these tips.
