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Bon Voyage! Preparing your Apartment for Your Winter Travels
As winter approaches, many of us are eagerly planning our winter getaways. Whether it is a cozy cabin retreat in the mountains, a tropical beach escape, or a visit to a bustling city, ensuring your apartment is well-prepared for your time away is essential.
From securing your home to protecting your belongings, Building Manager Kathleen Lewis shares tips and tricks to give you peace of mind while you're off enjoying your winter adventures.
- Inform others about your plans.
Inform your trusted neighbours, close friends, or even your building manager about your travel plans so they can keep an eye on your apartment, collect mail, and promptly report any suspicious activities.
- Adjust your thermostat.
To conserve energy and safeguard your pipes from freezing, adjust your thermostat before leaving. Even if the weather is mild when you leave, it is advisable to set the heat between 15-20 degrees Celsius or 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit in case of sudden weather changes during your absence. Uninsulated pipes can freeze when temperatures reach just -6 degrees Celsius!
- Keep your blinds closed and secure your place.
Keeping your blinds or drapes closed will help maintain the heat if it gets cold outside while you are gone. Also, verify all doors and windows, including sliding doors and basement entrances, are locked.
- Clean, clean, clean!
There’s nothing worse than coming home to a dirty house. Before you leave, remove all trash, recycling, compost, or anything that would attract pests. Make sure to clear your refrigerator of perishable items, disposing of any items that may expire while you're away to avoid a smelly fridge upon your return.
- Don’t leave heaters on.
For fire safety reasons, avoid leaving space heaters or portable heaters plugged in or on if you are not going to be home. Doing this also saves electricity!
- Clean the driveway.
If you have a parking spot or driveway, be sure to arrange for a friend to clear it so it does not get a build-up of snow or ice.
No matter what your length of travel, it is important to safeguard your home during your winter vacation. That way, you can confidently say "bon voyage," knowing your apartment is taken care of during your absence.