Ah, the excitement of travel! Whether it's a holiday escape or a much-needed vacation, leaving your cozy apartment should be stress-free and seamless because you deserve to step out with the confidence that everything is in order.

As your trusted companions in apartment living, we've compiled the ultimate list of essential travel tips to ensure you can set off without a worry.

1. Lock it Down 

The first and most obvious step of a worry-free departure is to make sure your apartment is secure while you’re gone. Double-check those windows, lock all points of entry, and set any home safety alarms. 

If you have security cameras, whether at your front door or within your home, this is also a great time to make sure the batteries are working correctly and the devices are capturing footage smoothly. This not only guarantees peace of mind but ensures you return to a safe and sound home.

2. Find the Sweet Spot on the Thermostat

It's a classic dilemma – what setting should you leave the thermostat on while you’re not at home? Save energy and money by setting the thermostat to a higher temperature during the summer and the opposite during winter.

If the weather looks particularly favorable and you’re not away for too long, you might even be able to turn the thermostat off completely.

Pro-tip: If you're leaving during winter, avoid freezing pipes by setting the thermostat to a minimum of 55 degrees Fahrenheit. 

3. Keep Mail and Deliveries in Check

Nobody wants to come back and be greeted with a mountain of mail resembling the Himalayas. 

Avoid the post-travel surprise of a pile-up of packages and letters by notifying your building's front desk team or property management about your upcoming absence. They can hold onto your mail and deliveries, ensuring that your packages won't be left unattended in the hallway. 

Another tip is to contact your local post office and ask them to put your mail on hold altogether for a specified period of time so that it stays safe and sound in one place.

4. Unplug and Save Energy

Virtually all household appliances and devices use up energy when they are turned off but plugged in. Standby functions still consume about 10% of energy and we’re all guilty of leaving things plugged in even when they aren’t in use. 

To stop wasting energy, go on a power-down patrol before leaving and unplug chargers, electronics, and small appliances to save energy and reduce the risk of electrical issues while you're away.

This could also be a good opportunity to invest in power strips with surge protectors since they’re handy in saving electricity. Easily turn them on and off with a switch and they’ll help cut your electricity bill down each month.

5. Clean the Place and Clear Out Perishables

To avoid any odorous situations when you open your fridge after vacation, make sure to do a pre-departure fridge cleanse and say goodbye to all perishables, like forgotten yogurt cups, chopped vegetables and fruit, or half a loaf of bread. 

You could even consider donating any non-perishables items such as pasta sauce or peanut butter if they happen to expire during your absence. This way, you come back to a fresh start and can restock without any unpleasant surprises.

Garbage, food scraps, and unfinished laundry can also be a breeding ground for bacteria or bugs so take out the trash, wash and put all the dishes back, wipe down your counters, and make sure to clean the bathroom before you leave. It’s a lot to do, but you’ll be glad you don’t have to deal with the smell, bugs, or a kitchen full of rotten food scraps when you get back.

6. Entrust a Friend or Neighbor

While it might seem convenient to stash a spare key under the welcome mat, it's not the safest option.

Instead, entrust a spare key to a reliable friend or neighbor. It's a simple precaution that can save you from locksmith expenses and provide peace of mind that you will be able to return back home in case you lose or misplace anything during your trip.

And if you have any houseplants, providing a spare key will allow your friend or trustworthy neighbor to step in quickly and water them while you’re away. 

7. Prepare For Your Return

You’re most likely going to be tired and overwhelmed when you get back from your trip, so set aside a little time into making your return easier. 

For example, prepare a frozen meal you can easily heat up when you get back, which will be easier than cooking and less expensive compared to ordering takeout. If you’re going to be back in the office the day after your trip, lay out your work bag and ensure everything is properly packed and in their place ahead of time. 

It may seem like extra work right now, but your future self will thank you for that foresight.

Safe Travels

And there you have it – your essential guide to leaving your apartment in good hands and worry-free. Refer to this simple checklist to make sure you’ve covered all the necessities this travel season – happy vacationing!

Ready to find your dream apartment in Chicago? Explore Reside Living's diverse offerings and vibrant communities today – your next urban adventure awaits.