For a lot of people who call Saskatoon home, the best part about winter is the week you spend on a beach in Mexico escaping the cold. But before you trade in your winter boots for flip flops and sandy shores let’s not forget we need to keep your home safe while on vacation.
In this guide, we’ll explore easy ways to make sure your home is looked after while you enjoy your winter getaway. From embracing smart home tech to safely using social media, these tips will ensure you can relax on your vacation without worry.
Exercise Social Media Caution
It may seem strange to make this the first tip, but it’s one people tend to overlook and it’s really important. It’s becoming increasingly necessary as we continue to see an uptick in rental scams happening in and around Saskatoon.
As much as we all love to post about our upcoming trips and share photos while we’re away, taking a few extra precautions can help ensure that your house is the way you left it when you get home. A few of the things you can do are:
Review and Adjust Privacy Settings
Before your trip, review the privacy settings on your social media accounts. Platforms like Facebook allow you to create custom lists for who can see your posts. You can also change your posts between private and public. Enabling two-factor authentication is also a good idea.
Share Selectively
Be mindful of the details you share. Avoid disclosing specific travel dates and plans. Share general highlights without giving away too much information.
Delay Posting
Consider delaying your social media posts until after you’ve returned from your vacation. This way, you can enjoy your trip without advertising that your home is currently vacant.
By taking these few precautionary steps with your social posting, you can still enjoy the satisfaction of sharing your vacation with your friends and family without compromising the safety of your home.
Embrace Smart Home Tech
With the amount of smart technology available today, making it look like someone is at home is a breeze. With an app and the press of a button on your phone, making your home look occupied is quite literally in the palm of your hand.
If you prefer a more simple, old-school method, investing in timers is a relatively easy and inexpensive option. Programming your lights to turn on and off at different times creates the illusion that someone is home.
Protect Your Plumbing and Keep Your Heating Bill Down
Adjusting your thermostat before you go away is really important. It’s also so easy to forget when you’re trying to get packed and make it to the airport on time. Set an appointment in your phone for 15 minutes before you plan to leave the house with a reminder to adjust the thermostat!
Setting your thermostat to a lower temperature ensures that you’re not paying for heat you don’t need when nobody is home while also ensuring your house stays warm enough to avoid having any plumbing freeze.
If it’s crazy cold, which is pretty common for Saskatchewan, consider asking a friend or family member to run water through the pipes once or twice while you’re gone, especially if you live in an older home where the pipes are not insulated.
Inform a Trusted Neighbor
If you have had a chance to get to know your neighbors, be sure to let them know about your vacation plans. Not only can they keep an eye on your house to make sure all is well, but they can do other helpful things like put your garbage or recycling bins out for you.
It’s an easy way to ensure your home is looked after, and you can easily return the favor when your neighbor heads out of town.
Have the Snow Removed for Added Security
If you anticipate returning to heaps of snow, consider arranging for a local snow removal service. A well-tended, cleared driveway and walkway create the illusion of an active home, providing an additional layer of security against unwanted attention.
There are usually teens looking for odd jobs in the winter who would also be happy to look after your snow removal. Check your community FYI or buy and sell pages on Facebook to find someone. Keeping your snow cleared is a practical step that enhances the overall safety and appearance of your residence during your absence.
With these simple suggestions, you can embark on your winter vacation with confidence, knowing your home is snug, secure, and ready to welcome you back. Now go ahead and get packed – and don’t forget your sunscreen!
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