How to Prepare a Home to be Vacant

People who are planning to leave their home vacant for long periods of time need to consider several things before leaving. A home that appears vacant is more likely to be burglarized; therefore it is important that you and your home are prepared. Read on to learn how prepare a home to be vacant.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Tell a trusted neighbor or friend you are leaving your home vacant. This person can keep an eye out on your home and even stop by to check on it from time-to-time, perhaps even mowing your lawn or shoveling your driveway. You can even contact your local police department, which may have a special program in place to check on vacant homes in the area.

2. Add additional lights with timers to the inside of your home. These timers will automatically turn on lights in the house, making it appear that someone is home. This simple step makes people think your home is lived in and can deter thieves.

3. Turn the heat down if you plan to leave the home for an extended period of time in the winter. Turn the water off as well, if you are going to be gone for several weeks. Make sure to drain your pipes if you turn the water off so the pipes don't freeze. In the summer, be sure to keep the air conditioning turned up so you won't waste energy running the air when no one is living in the house.

4. Stop your paper and mail from being delivered. Piled up newspapers or mail that overflows the mailbox is a sure sign that the home is vacant, leaving it an obvious choice for burglars.

5. Check all windows and locks before vacating the home. You will want to make sure the house is locked up tight to deter anyone from breaking in. Check and make sure any food left in the refrigerator is thrown out and any trash is removed from the home. Returning home to spoiled food or a smelly trashcan would not be a pleasant homecoming.