Tips on How to Prepare Your Home Before You Go on a Cruise

Setting sail on a cruise vacation fills your mind with images of endless ocean views, tranquil sunsets, and delightful on-board amenities. While the allure of an extended vacation at sea is undoubtedly thrilling, there’s a vital pre-departure task that needs your attention – home preparation.

A properly prepared home not only keeps your property safe and in order while you’re away but also ensures that your return is as stress-free as the vacation itself. The peace of mind you gain knowing everything back home is under control, can truly enhance your cruise experience.

The Importance of Home Preparation

The process of home preparation involves several key tasks:

1. Creating a comprehensive pre-vacation to-do list
2. Clearing out perishable items from the fridge and freezer
3. Pausing mail and subscriptions to prevent pileup
4. Unplugging non-essential appliances to save energy
5. Arranging care for pets and plants
6. Securing your home and cleaning up clutter
7. Setting the thermostat to a reasonable temperature.
8. Testing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors for safety

Each step is important in its own right, contributing towards creating a safe, secure, and well-maintained home during your absence. By prioritizing these tasks ahead of your departure date, you’ll be setting yourself up for a worry-free cruise vacation.

1. Creating a Pre-Vacation To-Do List

A vacation preparation checklist serves as your roadmap to a stress-free departure. You’ll want to include tasks like stopping mail delivery, which prevents an overflowing mailbox that signals your absence, and arranging for lawn service, preserving the lived-in look of your home. Here’s a targeted approach to assembling your house checklist before vacation:

Security and Maintenance Tasks

• Contact postal service for mail hold
• Schedule lawn care and landscaping
• Confirm home insurance is up-to-date

Essential Services Tasks

• Arrange payment for ongoing services and bills
• Notify alarm company of your absence

Prioritization Tips

1. Rank tasks by urgency and deadline
2. Tackle time-sensitive arrangements first, such as mail hold requests
3. Allocate specific days for completion

Remember, the key is to be systematic. Start with the most critical tasks that affect your home’s security and maintenance, then move on to ensuring all essential services are handled. This methodical approach keeps you organized and on track as you prepare for your cruise adventure.

2. Emptying Out Your Fridge and Freezer

Before you go on your cruise, it’s important to empty your fridge and freezer. This will help prevent any unpleasant surprises like spoiled food and bad smells when you return home. Here’s what you need to do:

Inspect and Prioritize

Go through everything in your fridge and freezer. Start by focusing on the items that won’t last while you’re away, such as dairy products, meats, and leftovers.

Consume or Donate

Plan your meals around these perishable items in the days leading up to your trip. Try to use them up so they don’t go to waste. If you have any unopened items that will expire before you get back, consider donating them to a local food bank.

Appliance Maintenance

Once your fridge and freezer are empty, take the opportunity to clean them. If there’s any ice buildup, defrost it. Then, wipe down the interior with a mild cleaner. This will not only prevent mold growth but also help save energy.

By taking these steps to empty out your fridge and freezer before your vacation, you’ll avoid food waste and come back to a fresh-smelling kitchen.

Now, let’s move on to the next task: making sure your mail doesn’t pile up while you’re away.

3. Pausing Mail and Subscriptions

An overflowing mailbox sends a clear signal of an empty house, which can attract unwanted attention. Pausing your mail and subscriptions during vacation is a practical step to prevent such scenarios.

How to Pause Mail:

Here’s how you can pause your mail delivery:

1. Schedule a temporary hold with the United States Postal Service online or in-person at your local branch.

How to Pause Subscriptions:

Similarly, it’s wise to pause or delay delivery for any subscription services like newspapers, magazines, or box subscriptions. Follow these steps for each service:

1. Contact customer service for each service.
2. Request a temporary hold on your subscription.

Consider Redirecting Mail and Subscriptions:

A good alternative might be directing your mail and subscriptions to a trusted neighbor or friend’s address while you’re away. This way, you can ensure your mails are collected regularly, preventing any pileups and potential thefts.

4. Unplugging Non-Essential Appliances and Electronics

Before setting sail on a cruise, it’s prudent to unplug electronics. This simple action is more than just a precaution; it’s a way to ensure energy efficiency and safety. Here’s how you benefit:

How does unplugging non-essential appliances and electronics help you?

• Energy Conservation: Appliances, even when turned off, can consume “phantom” energy. Unplugging non-essential items like toasters, coffee makers, and entertainment systems helps reduce your energy bill.
• Safety Measures: Power surges can occur unexpectedly and may cause electrical fires. Disconnecting appliances safeguards your home from such risks.
• Identifying Non-Essentials: Determine which devices won’t be in use during your vacation. Common examples include:
• Microwave
• Television
• Desktop computers
• Chargers for electronic devices
• Gaming consoles

Remember, items like refrigerators or home security systems should remain operational. By taking these steps, you contribute to a more eco-friendly household while also preventing potential hazards.

5. Organizing a Pet or Plant Sitter

Cruise vacations call for diligent planning, especially when it comes to caring for your pets and plants. It’s crucial to find a reliable pet and plant sitter for vacation to ensure they are well cared for in your absence.

Pet care

Consider asking trusted friends or family members who understand your pet’s routines and quirks. Alternatively, professional pet sitting services offer peace of mind with their experienced care and regular updates.

Plant care

Indoor plants may need watering, while outdoor ones might demand more complex care. Friends with green thumbs can be ideal sitters, or hire a professional plant care service for specialized attention.

6. Securing Your Home and Tidying Up

Before you set sail on your cruise vacation, it’s important to take care of your home’s security and cleanliness. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your house is safe from break-ins and free from potential hazards:

Enhancing Home Security

To protect your home while you’re away, make sure to:

• Lock all doors and windows securely: Double-check that no entry points are left vulnerable.
• Install timers for lights: This will create the illusion that someone is home, deterring potential intruders.

Clearing Your Home of Hazards

It’s also crucial to eliminate any possible dangers in your house:

• Inspect your home for any fire risks: Look out for flammable materials near heat sources like stoves or heaters.
• Secure heavy objects: These items could fall and cause damage or block escape routes during an emergency situation.

By taking care of these tasks, you can have peace of mind knowing that your home is both safe and tidy while you enjoy your cruise vacation.

7. Setting Your Thermostat to a Reasonable Temperature

A key aspect of home preparation before going on a cruise is to adjust your thermostat. Set your thermostat to a reasonable temperature to optimize energy usage without risking damage to your home’s interior.

Thermostat Settings for Winter and Summer

• In winter, aim for a lower setting around 50-60°F (10-15°C) to prevent pipes from freezing.
• In summer, a higher setting of around 80-85°F (27-29°C) can help prevent humidity buildup.

Consider using programmable thermostats for automated temperature control. These devices allow you to set schedules for temperature changes, ensuring that your home maintains a safe temperature range throughout your vacation. This not only saves energy but also contributes to the longevity of your HVAC system.

Remember, balancing energy conservation with the safekeeping of your home is crucial when deciding on the optimal thermostat setting before leaving for your cruise vacation.

8. Testing Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Before your cruise vacation, it’s important to ensure that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order. These devices are crucial for detecting emergencies early on and keeping your home safe while you’re away.

How to Test Your Detectors

To test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors:

1. Locate the ‘test’ button on each device.
2. Press the ‘test’ button and listen for the alarm sound.
3. If the alarm sounds loudly and clearly, your detector is functioning properly.
4. If there is no sound or the sound is weak, you may need to replace the batteries.

When to Seek Professional Help

While testing your detectors is a simple task, some people may feel unsure or overwhelmed by it. If you find yourself in this situation, don’t hesitate to reach out to professionals for assistance. They can provide:

• Thorough checks of all your detectors
• Maintenance services
• Upgrades to newer models if needed

By getting professional help, you can have peace of mind knowing that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in optimal condition, ready to protect your home while you enjoy your cruise vacation.

Additional Tips for Preparing Your Home Before Going on a Cruise

Here are some additional tips to help you prepare your home before going on a cruise:

1. Arrange for lawn service: A well-maintained exterior not only enhances curb appeal but also signals that the home is being cared for in your absence, deterring potential burglars. Contact a local lawn service provider to schedule regular maintenance.
2. Install timers for lights: Use timers to turn lights on and off at appropriate times during the evening and morning. This simulates activity within the home, suggesting to passersby that someone is present.
3. Clean the house thoroughly: Returning to a clean home is refreshing and eases the post-vacation blues. Deep cleaning also prevents any unwelcome odors or surprises upon your return.
4. Set up auto-pay for bills: Ensure all recurring bills are managed through auto-payment systems. This prevents missed payments and gives you one less thing to worry about while enjoying your cruise.
5. Recheck everything before departure: Walk through your home to verify that all preparations are complete: appliances unplugged, windows locked, alarms set, and important documents secured. This final sweep provides assurance that you’ve taken all necessary precautions.

Wrap Up

Embarking on a cruise is an adventure that should be free from worries about the state of your home. By diligently following the outlined vacation preparation and home preparation tips, you ensure your living space remains safe, secure, and well-maintained in your absence. These steps are not merely suggestions but essential measures to protect your investment and provide the tranquility needed to fully enjoy your time at sea.

You can sail away with confidence, knowing that upon your return, you’ll find everything just as you left it. Your proactive efforts in organizing, securing, and maintaining your home will pay dividends in peace of mind. Remember that the key to a successful vacation lies not only in the experiences you gain abroad but also in the assurance that back home, all is in order.

So embrace these practices, secure in the knowledge that they pave the way for smooth sailing ahead. Enjoy every moment of your cruise, from the gentle lapping of waves against the hull to the exotic locales and new friendships forged along the journey, with the serenity that comes from thorough preparation.