Preparing your Home for a Worry-Free Vacation

Keep your home safe and energy efficient while you enjoy a well-deserved vacation. Planning ahead and taking a few minor precautions will keep your home from being a target of crime and help you save on your energy bills. 

“The little things we do to secure our home can make a big difference in the long run,” said Jim Dohr, president of Coldwell Banker Gundaker. “Having peace-of-mind will allow homeowners to be able to relax.”

Consider these home security and energy saving tips while you’re away:

• Let there be light. Use automatic timers with your indoor lights. Look for a timer that can be set to a random pattern so all the lights don’t turn on and off at exactly the same time every day. Install motion detector lights outdoors.
• Stop the presses.  Put a hold on your mail and newspapers or arrange for a neighbor to take these in for you daily.
• Lock ‘em up and keep them raised. Make sure your windows are locked.  Leave blinds, curtains and shades in their normal positions. Thieves are as attracted to homes that remain covered day and night.
• Park it on your driveway. Arrange to have a neighbor park on your driveway while you’re away. Or if you are leaving your car at home, park on the driveway instead of the garage. Have a neighbor move the car from time to time.
• Notify the police. Contact your local police department about your departure. Many communities offer complimentary drive-by service.

• Pull the plugs. Unplug any appliance or electronic device that doesn’t need to stay on. Many items like microwaves, computers and televisions draw power even when not being used. Unplugging appliances will also prevent damage in case of a storm or power surge.  Remember to also unplug bigger items like the washer and dryer.

Coldwell Banker Gundaker, the leading residential real estate brokerage company in St. Louis, operates 19 offices and is affiliated with 1,500 independent sales associates serving metropolitan St. Louis and east-central Missouri. Coldwell Banker Gundaker is part of NRT LLC, the nation’s largest residential real estate brokerage company. For more information, please visit www.cbgundaker.com.

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Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Gundaker are independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Coldwell Banker Gundaker