Have you ever been bitten by the travel bug, and just wanted to get out of town? To visit the ocean, hike through the redwoods, or jet off to a tropical island?

Wherever your wanderlust may take you, it's important to make sure your home and belongings are kept safe for your return.

In the spirit of adventure and all of the wonderful trips you have planned, we thought it might be useful to outline helpful apartment living tips for when you’re out of town.

Energy Efficiency

Be mindful of the environment, and the money in your pocket.

The first helpful tip we have for when you travel out of town, is to turn off all electronics and appliances. It's important to realize that this means unplugging everything from your coffee machine to your wall charging outlets, guaranteeing that they aren't using electricity while you're away. 

Make sure to check through your apartment to turn off all lights and power down electronics. Turn your TV, gaming systems, fans, etc all the way off. These devices use power even if you aren’t actively using them.

ExpertsInYourHome.com has great advice on apartment living and has documented the best advice around on how to care for your AC during the summer months and while you're out of town.

Instead of turning off your HVAC system while you travel, consider turning the thermostat up in the summer and down in the winter months to avoid humidity and freezing temperatures. 

You've Got Mail

One thing you might not think of is to ask a friend to keep an eye on your mail, or for deliveries. If you're expecting a package, or have an unsecure mailbox, you may consider having somebody close to you check in on your mail. Leaving items on your doorstep for long periods of time, or having an overstuffed mailbox, can result in theft, blocked delivery, or even damaged items.

Houseplants

Whether you have a stellar supply of succulents or a single finicky orchid, don’t forget to make arrangements for your houseplants to be watered while you’re away. Leave behind instructions for whoever might be helping you out to make sure your plants aren't over or under watered. 

If you are just off for a weekend getaway, they'll probably be fine.

If you're flying off to enjoy the fine food in France or to the sandy beaches of Baja, you’ll definitely need to ask a friend, roommate or family member to care for your plants while you're out of town.

Houseplants make your living space more beautiful, it would be a shame to come home to find them wilted and thirsty. 

Lock it Up

The most important checklist item is to lock up all doors and windows for your out of town travel. Although locking the front door when you leave is a common habit, people often forget to lock windows and check all entrances before vacation.

You will also want to lock up any items that are commonly stolen, like bicycles. Move all items that could be taken out of your yard to an inside or lockable storage area.

Here is a checklist of things to lock up before you leave:

• Front door
• Back door/side entrances
• Garage
• Windows
• Screen doors
• Car (if leaving at your residence)
• Bikes
• Front/Back Gates

Take Out the Trash

A truly helpful tip for traveling out of town is to empty out perishable foods from your refrigerator and to take out the trash before leaving. You want to avoid returning to a home that smells of rotten food or worse, create a welcoming environment for critters or pests. Throw away take-out containers and anything that might expire while you are away. You will thank yourself for taking care of this ahead of time.

Bon Voyage!

Enjoy your travel adventures, right down to planning, and even packing. Remember to take in every awesome part of the destination, and also the journey.

Follow these tips to come home to a safe, clean, and welcoming apartment to round out a delightful travel experience. You should be able to come home, drop your bags by the front door, and relax in your happy place without having to clean up messes, revive dying plants, or mourn the loss of your nostalgic college beach cruiser.

We wish you safe, happy, and memorable travels.

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Want to add to your adventure plans? Click on the link below to find out other activities to do in the North State!