With the summer now in full swing, my busy schedule has found me on the road quite a bit only allowing me to enjoy my rented Chicago apartment briefly here and there. And with me always on the road, it’s important that I be sure that my apartment is safe and secure while I’m not there.
Ensuring my apartment’s safety is not only for my sake, but also for the sake and safety of my neighbors sharing my building.
Here are the ways that I travel-proof my apartment before heading out of town. Try these safety steps before your next trip and actually relax during that vacation.
- Keep it clean. First and foremost, keep the apartment clean and tidy while gone to ensure that, if there is a problem, the landlord or building engineer can find the problem easily.
- Hide Personal Items. In case of break-ins, make sure that there is nothing with personal information laying around for easy access.
- Wash All Dishes & Take Out the Trash. Not only will your nose thank you when you return, but you will also avoid any insect or rodent infestations during your absence.
- Empty Your Mailbox. Make sure your mailbox is empty and able to hold a few days of mail. This will prevent any overflow and consequent theft. If you’re going out of town for an extended period of time, you may want to contact the postal service to stop delivery until you return.
- Turn Appliances Off. Be sure that all appliances are off and unplugged before leaving. This will prevent any electrical issues and provide you with a pleasantly lower electric bill.
- Lock Your Door. Upon leaving, be sure that all windows and doors are securely locked, and if you have more than one lock on your door, now is the time to use it.
- Let Someone Know. It’s always a good idea to let a trusted friend or the landlord/building manager know that you’re going to be gone. An extra set of eyes on your apartment during your absence could prevent a break-in and help you relax.
Follow this checklist and stop worrying about your vacant apartment. After all, who wants to worry about the lights while lying on a sandy beach next to the ocean? What other tips would you suggest for summer travelers?
StumbleUpon
twitter
reddit
