Like thousands of other Quebecers, you’re probably getting ready to leave your home for a few days to visit family for the holidays. It’s a wonderful opportunity to get together, enjoy the holidays, visit the city, the countryside or, who knows, fly off to the tropics to soak up the sun.
To ensure a peace of mind while you’re away, here are a few things to remember before leaving your home:
1. Let a neighbor know
Ask a neighbor to keep an eye on your place while you’re gone. If possible, they can pick up your mail and shovel your driveway and steps. Ask someone you trust to turn your lights on and off from time to time, and try to avoid having any packages delivered in your absence to prevent theft.
2. Clear out your fridge
Don’t let your perishables go to waste! Try to use up the food that doesn’t keep well, or bring it with you to use between holiday meals. Get creative and make new recipes with leftovers. No waste!
3. Do a thorough cleaning
Often, coming back from vacation can be chaotic. We often say we need a vacation to recover from our vacation! To prepare for a smoother return, clean and tidy up your home before you leave. Do your laundry, dishes, and don’t forget to take out the trash. When you get back, you’ll have fewer chores to worry about.
4.Take care of your plants
Water and tend to your plants before you leave, if you won’t be away for too long. If it’s not possible for someone to water them while you’re gone, there are several self-watering systems you can use:
- Fill a saucer or tray with water and place clay pebbles in it. Place your plant pots on the pebbles. The plant’s roots will draw water up through the wicking material. Be careful not to let the plant pots sit directly in water.
- Fill a container with water, place wicks in it, and attach the other end of the wicks to the soil of your plants. The plants will absorb the water as needed.
- Poke small holes in the cap of a water bottle and insert it upside down into the soil. The water will slowly seep out as the soil dries.
- Cover each plant with a clear plastic bag to create a humid environment. This will help retain moisture.
5. Save energy
Before you leave your home for a few days, turn off and unplug all appliances that don’t need to be powered during your absence. Also, turn down the heat a few degrees. Your wallet will thank you!
6. Don’t forget about your pets
Make sure to leave plenty of food and water for your pets, if they are the type of pet that can be left alone for a few days. Ideally, ask someone you trust to visit them during your stay. They can also water your plants!
7. Lock up
Sometimes, we can forget to close a window or a door in a room that’s not used very often. Before you leave, do a walk-through and make sure everything is securely closed.
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