Whether you are just spending a weekend out of town or you are exploring the world for three months, there is no denying that traveling is an exciting endeavor.
But…. did you unplug the appliances or lock all entryways. Here is a little list on what to prep in your home before your travel that will give you a little peace of mind.
Do up the laundry
Here’s the thing: You will take home a lot of laundry with you as soon as your vacation is over. And it can obviously add to the load that you left before your trip.
So, in order to not burden yourself with too many laundries, it would be best to do it before your vacation.
Make sure to wash and dry everything that is in your hamper. Once everything is dry, do not forget to iron, fold, and organize all of your clothes, beddings and linens, and towels in your closet.
Clean out your refrigerator
At Maid Sailors Maid Service NYC, we always advise our clients to check their fridge for any items that are likely to spoil while they are away.
For perishable goods like fruits and vegetables, you can opt to make a meal out of it. You might even bring some of the fruits as an airport snack. Doing so prevents you from wasting your food.
But if you are pressed for time, you can opt to give it to your neighbors or donate it to the food bank or nearest shelter for the homeless.
Do not forget to take out the trash
Unless you are okay to be greeted by stench when you come home, it is best that you empty the trash.
You can start by sweeping the floor so you can collect the dirt and throw it in the trash. Once you are done sweeping the floor, your next task is to collect the garbage bins from every room in your house ‒ including the kitchen and the bathrooms.
Once they are empty, you should clean every bin with detergent and warm water, as well as a disinfectant.
Avoid leaving any dirty dishes
Dirty dishes that were left behind can invite pests and vermins in your home. Not to mention that it can be a breeding ground for germs and bacteria.
So unless you want mice and cockroaches of all sizes to welcome you back home, it is imperative that you clean the dishes before leaving for vacation.
Just remember to keep your plates and cutleries in the cupboard and kitchen drawers after you wash and dry them. That way, all of your kitchen items are out of sight.
Disinfect your drains
In relation to washing the dishes, it is also important to disinfect your drains. Doing so allows you to eliminate the odor, which can also attract pests and vermin if left unattended.
Luckily, you do not have to buy something fancy to disinfect your drains. You can use baking soda and white vinegar, instead.
Start by pouring a pot of boiling water down the drain, followed by a cup of baking soda. After that, pour a 1:1 water-vinegar mixture before covering the drain for 5 – 10 minutes. Finally, pour a pot of boiling water down the drain again.
Disinfect your drains
In relation to washing the dishes, it is also important to disinfect your drains. Doing so allows you to eliminate the odor, which can also attract pests and vermin if left unattended.
Luckily, you do not have to buy something fancy to disinfect your drains. You can use baking soda and white vinegar, instead.
Start by pouring a pot of boiling water down the drain, followed by a cup of baking soda. After that, pour a 1:1 water-vinegar mixture before covering the drain for 5 – 10 minutes. Finally, pour a pot of boiling water down the drain again.
Unplug electrical appliances
While this is not exactly a cleaning tip, unplugging your appliances before you leave for vacation is something that you should not overlook.
For one, it allows you to save money from unused electric consumption. Second, it prevents untoward incidents ‒ such as fire ‒ from consumption overload.
So if you will be out of town (or country) for long, it is best to unplug your appliances. That way, you can enjoy your vacation more knowing that your house is safe and that you are able to save some money.
The tips listed above might seem like an overwhelming to-do list. Not to mention that you have your travel to-do list to think of. Nonetheless, cleaning up before you leave for vacation ensures that your mood will not be ruined once you come back home.
