You're all buckled up with your seat back forward and tray table locked. The flight attendants have closed the cabin door. And then the thought hits you: Did I turn off the oven?
And now you agonize. Chances are you did, but wouldn't it be nice to know for sure? Whether you're leaving for a long weekend or a two-week escape, give your brain a break and make your house ready to leave behind by creating a vacation checklist. You can manually cross things out or mark them with a check on your phone to reassure yourself later. Then, with State Farm® Insurance in your corner and the firm knowledge that you did, indeed, lock the garage, those beach margs will taste all the sweeter.
1. Lock All Entry Points
A no-brainer, maybe, but State Farm notes that locks are your first line of defense. Check all your doors and windows, including that bathroom window you never open and the side door you rarely use. You don't want to be halfway down a waterslide and suddenly panic, wondering if someone is slithering into your basement's window well. Have a garage? Lock it. A fence with a gate? That, too. A shed filled with expensive power tools? You get the idea.
2. Collect Keys from Outdoor Hiding Spots
If you keep a spare in a familiar hiding place under the welcome mat, in a fake rock, or tucked into a flowerpot for your kids (or anyone else who forgets theirs), grab it and bring it inside the house. A burglar's first stop is your begonias. If you need to give a house sitter access, consider a keypad lock.
3. Unplug (Almost) Everything
You can leave biggies like the stove, refrigerator and security system alone, but the sudden thought of small appliances like the coffee maker, toaster and hair dryer burning the house down can cause big anxiety poolside. Go room-to-room unplugging everything, including lamps, televisions and the Wi-Fi router. Even when your devices are “off,” most still drain power, costing you money you don't need to be spending when no one's there. Perhaps more importantly, unplugging can protect you against power surges from lightning strikes or electrical-grid hiccups.
4. Test Smoke Alarms
If all you hear is a sad little chirp, replace the batteries before you depart. Change them anyway if you can't remember the last time you did, especially if your alarm system connects to a monitoring service. The sooner someone knows there's a fire, the better.
5. Secure Loose Yard Items
Do a quick lap around the exterior of the house to secure or bring in anything that could blow away in bad weather. Think trash cans, garden chairs, patio umbrellas and hanging plants.
6. Hide Valuables From Sight
As you're taking that walk around the house, peek in the windows. Can you easily see your TV? Is your laptop sitting on the kitchen counter? Are those nice headphones looking tempting on the hall table? Tuck those valuable items away, and close the blinds for good measure. When you get back, consider creating a home inventory if you don't yet have one. According to State Farm experts, it can help expedite claims after theft, damage or loss.
7. Let Someone You Trust Know You're Going Away
One reliable neighbor or friend who can keep an eye on things and grab any deliveries will do. Give them your travel dates, and ensure they know how to contact you.
8. Do a Final "Did I Turn Off the Stove?" Check
Right before you head out, do one last walk-through. Check that the stove, oven and other appliances are absolutely, unquestionably off. Say aloud, “I've turned off the stove!” — which will help you recall the moment later when you're on the beach, wondering if you actually did it. Then take a photo of that indisputably off stove.
9. Know How to Reach Your State Farm Agent
Still have your phone out? Whether you're a homeowner who has comprehensive coverage or a renter protecting your electronics and furniture, having an insurance agent that can easily be reached is key. State Farm helps make it simple if things get complicated and you have questions, Go online at statefarm.com® or use the award-winning app to get help from one of their local agents.
10. Turn On Your Security System
If you have a security system, arm it! And if you have a monitored system, make sure the company knows you'll be away and has your vacation contact information. Test everything before leaving.
11. Lock the Door and Check It Twice
Take one last look around, then close that door with confidence. Before you walk away, though, lock the door and then physically check the knob. Give it a little jiggle to make sure it's definitely locked. Take a video just in case. Congratulations! You've now done all the responsible things. And your truly relaxing vacation awaits.
