Prepping Your Apartment Before Your Summer Road Trip

Your luggage and itinerary aren’t the only things that need to be prepped before that summer getaway. Leaving your Toronto rental apartment unoccupied even just for a few days requires preparation and planning to ensure that everything is safe and secure while no one’s there to oversee things. Make sure your apartment is ready to soldier through those days without you as you go on your summer road trip by following these simple tips.

Mail and Newspaper

For longer vacations, it would be wise to keep your newspapers and mail from stacking up outside your house. Arrange for it to be held off for a while or ask a trustworthy neighbour to collect it for you.

Bills

If you expect to receive bills while you’re away, it would be wise to pay them off beforehand so you don’t come home to disconnected internet, cable, water, or electricity services. You can pay most bills electronically from all over the world now, but who wants to be thinking about the water bill while on a beach vacation?

Food

The last thing you want is the sour stench of rotting food taking over your space. Finish up perishables or throw them away to keep your fridge and kitchen clean and safe while you’re away.

Trash

Don’t leave any trash that could potentially attract and house insects, rodents, and other pests while you’re gone. Get rid of all the garbage and recycle what needs to be recycled. You may also get a friendly neighbour to bring your compost, recycling, or garbage bins to the curb so your old refuse is gone when you return.

Dishes

Dirty dishes left in the sink could become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and germs. Wash your dishes before you go and store them in a dry place.

Electronics

Unplug everything that can be unplugged and if you can, turn off electricity for a while to prevent any accidents. Not only will you avoid the risk of a power surge or short circuit, you’ll keep your hydro bill in check while you’re away.

Lights

Unoccupied apartments are a very tempting target for robbers and thieves. Set your lights on a timer to simulate the impression of a dweller.

HVAC

Turn down your air conditioning and heater, unless you have pets that need them to be kept at their usual settings. A temperature around 78°F (25°C) is perfectly fine.

Plants

Give your plants enough water before you leave, and if you can, arrange for someone to water them for you during your vacation.

Locks

Lock all doors and windows that won’t be used by sitters and entrusted neighbours to ensure the safety of your belongings and valuables.

Neighbours

Before you go, tell a trustworthy neighbour that you’re going to leave for a few days and make sure you leave your contact details with them in case anything happens to your place.

From the entire Medallion Capital Group team, we wish you a safe and happy summer!