What to do before you go on vacation ?
07 Jul 2023
The summer vacations are fast approaching, and for those renting accommodation, it's important to take a few precautions before you go. Whether you're a student, a young professional or a family, there are certain steps you should take to protect your apartment and ensure that everything runs smoothly while you're away. In this article, we'll take a look at some practical tips to help you manage your apartment during your summer vacation.
1 - Inform your landlord : Before you leave on vacation, it's essential to inform your landlord of your departure. Contact him/her in advance and let him/her know how long you'll be away. This will enable the landlord to react quickly in the event of an incident in the apartment during your absence.
2 - Secure your apartment : The security of your apartment is paramount when you go on vacation. Make sure all windows and doors are locked before you leave. Check that all electrical installations are switched off to avoid any risk of fire, as well as water, gas, heating and air-conditioning systems. For added security, you can also disable appliances (except the refrigerator) from the electrical panel. It's also advisable to close all shutters and curtains, to prevent heat from penetrating the apartment.
3 - Entrust your apartment to someone : If you have trusted neighbors or friends, you can leave them a spare set of keys to keep an eye on your apartment while you're away. They can check that there are no problems in the apartment, water the plants, collect the mail, etc.
4 - Empty the fridge and turn off the water : Before you leave, be sure to empty your fridge of all perishable food. This will prevent you from having to throw out expired food when you get back from your vacation. And don't forget to take out your garbage cans, so that you're not greeted by unpleasant odours on your return. You should also turn off your water valves to prevent any leaks.
5 - Suspend certain services : To avoid unnecessary expenses, consider temporarily suspending certain services. For example, you can ask your Internet and TV provider to pause your subscription for the duration of your absence. Similarly, if you're paying a fee for a gym membership or other services, check whether they can be suspended while you're away.
6 - Arrange a pet-sitting service : If you have pets and can't bring them with you on vacation, it's important to arrange for them to be looked after while you're away. You can hire a petsitter or ask a trusted friend to look after them. Be sure to provide them with all the necessary information on your pets' habits, diet and veterinary contact details in case of emergency.
7 - Pay your bills : Before you leave, make sure you pay all your apartment-related bills. This includes rent, electricity, water and gas bills, as well as other costs associated with your accommodation. You don't want to come back from vacation with overdue fees or penalties.
8 - Store and protect your valuables : If you have valuables in your apartment, it's important to protect them while you're away. Store them in a safe place, preferably in a safe or locked cupboard. If you have expensive electronic items, it's a good idea to note the serial numbers in case they are stolen.
9 - Programming lights : To give the illusion that your apartment is occupied, use timers to turn lights on and off at predetermined times. This will deter potential burglars by making them think that someone is present in the apartment.
10 - Provide security surveillance : If you want extra peace of mind, you may want to consider installing security surveillance devices in your apartment. Security cameras or alarm systems can deter burglars and alert you to intruders. Be sure to check your building's bylaws and obtain your landlord's permission before installing such devices.
If you apply all these tips, you can be sure of leaving on vacation with peace of mind!
