{"id":16722,"date":"2023-01-13T15:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-01-13T20:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.renthop.com\/content-manager\/?p=16722"},"modified":"2023-01-13T15:01:24","modified_gmt":"2023-01-13T20:01:24","slug":"prep-your-apartment-when-going-away","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.renthop.com\/blog\/prep-your-apartment-when-going-away\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Prep Your Apartment When Going Away"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

Going away on vacation can be the perfect reprieve from bustling New York City<\/a> life. It\u2019s important to take rejuvenating time off work, explore other cities, or visit friends or family. It can be easy to forget small but important things like emptying the fridge or unplugging appliances while you’re busy packing a cute summer swimsuit or planning an exciting getaway. However, when leaving town for an extended stay, it\u2019s necessary to prep your apartment for your return. Just a few simple steps can help save energy, time, and money while you\u2019re away and help you return to a clean, relaxing apartment.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Apartment Preparation Tips<\/h2>\r\n

Take the following steps to prep your apartment before going away on a trip.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Save Power and Money<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Be sure to unplug as many small devices as are available while leaving larger ones like the refrigerator plugged in. Small appliances like toasters, mixers, lamps, and chargers can all be unplugged to save \u201cstandby power.\u201d This will both improve the energy efficiency of the home as well as lower electric bills. When adjusting the temperature of the house, however, be careful. Though turning off air conditioning<\/a> or heat may seem advisable, even empty homes are not suited to being kept in extreme cold or heat. In the summertime, warm apartments can trap air moisture, causing wood to expand or mold<\/a> to grow. In the winter, wood objects and furniture can contract and cause cracks or breaks in the wood. While it\u2019s okay to toggle the temperature a few degrees to cut some costs and energy, try to avoid drastic changes in temperature.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Clean and Prep<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Travel can be stressful, and coming home to a clean apartment can go a long way. Clean bedsheets, vacuumed floors, and wiped-down countertops will not only make you feel better, but help keep the space pristine while you are away. Though the refrigerator should remain plugged in, it\u2019s a good idea to clean out any leftover or perishable food. Fruits, vegetables, and last week\u2019s take-out are all things that will rot and cause unwanted smells in the fridge.<\/p>\r\n

If the apartment has a garbage disposal, it\u2019s a good idea to let it run for a minute to ensure there\u2019s no food still inside. Dishwashers should also be emptied (dirty dishes with food residue will get very <\/em>nasty over the course of a week!) and the laundry machines should be emptied as well. Taking care of any soiled laundry in advance is an easy way to prevent both the clothes and your apartment from smelling musty.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Pet Care<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

You’ll need to establish a thorough and detailed plan for your pets<\/a>. Will you board them in a day care facility, or hire someone to come watch them? Perhaps you have a close friend or family member who is willing to do the service at a discounted rate.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n

If you plan to keep the pet at home, think about their behavior. However, many pets can become stressed out if they’re alone and act out of character. They may chew or destroy items. To avoid this, place any valuables out of reach of pets and consider turning couch or chair cushions on their side or putting them away. Any stuffed animals or pillows can be placed in a closet or otherwise out of sight as well. Lock any doors to rooms animals may not be allowed in, and ensure that your pet-sitter knows what objects or furniture may be \u201coff-limits.\u201d Be sure to store any pet food in an airtight container or the refrigerator to prevent both insects and hungry pets from trying to sneak in.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Plant Care<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

No one wants to return from a trip to find wilted flowers and brittle leaves awaiting them. It’s imperative that your plants<\/a> have plenty of light and water. If someone will take care of your plants, place them in one spot to make it easier. Be mindful of the light different species of plants may need, ensuring plants are placed in front of windows or in bright rooms. You can also use self-watering devices like AquaGlobes to help keep them watered for up to two weeks.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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