KATHY’S HOME & GARDEN TIPS – LEAVING FOR VACATION? HELPFUL TIPS
KATHY’S HOME & GARDEN TIPS – LEAVING FOR VACATION? HELPFUL TIPS
It’s a good idea to leave keys with a trusted neighbor. It’s good to have someone with a key nearby in case of an emergency.
This is again obvious refill maintenance prescriptions. You don’t want to be scrambling on the last day or worse yet be out of town or even the country and need medication.
Water all the house plants thoroughly. Even if you are gone for three weeks the plants will survive. If you have some that need watering more frequently there are auto waterers and crystals that hold and slowly release water. Check out different options at your neighborhood garden centers.
If you are going out of the country it’s a good idea to inform your credit card companies. They will make a note and keep track so they don’t assume someone is fraudulently using your card from another country.
Save energy while you’re away. Unplug your electronics. Turn the air conditioner up to 80. In the winter 60 degrees is sufficient.
If you still use a home answering machine NEVER change your greeting indicating you are out of town. Seems simple but you would be surprised how many people do this.
Don’t come home to a smelly house. Eat everything perishable in the fridge and throw out food that will spoil while you are gone. Throw baking soda down all the drains and toilets this keeps stagnant drain smells away. Take out every bit of garbage.
Do your laundry. You will hate to come home tired and not have any clothes to wear.
Stop newspaper delivery and have your mail held at the post office.
And finally make sure all doors and windows are locked up tight. Double check it’s easy to miss a window or basement door.
Have a fun and safe vacation!
KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO
