If you’re a keen traveler, then you may have to leave your home empty for large portions of the year. Unfortunately, while this might be the best way to pursue your next adventure, it won’t always be the best thing for your home.
That’s not to say that you should lay down roots purely to protect your property, but there are precautions you’ll want to take to tide that space over in your absence. This is true whether you live in an apartment complex or a standalone property of your own.
Renting that space out is a great choice if you’re traveling for months at a time. But, even if you want to keep your home base empty, you should take preventative measures to avoid finding the following household hassles when you return.
# 1 – Damp
Damp is a common issue in empty properties, especially if you turn the heating off to save cash while you’re away. You may especially notice issues like mold growth around your window frames, bathroom, and other notoriously damp areas.
Your best bet here is to simply shoulder the cost of setting your heating to come on at least twice daily. This is crucial for keeping your rooms warm and dry and is especially important during winter travels. Equally, something as simple as asking a trusted neighbor to pop in and open your windows once a day can help to keep the space fresh and ventilated.
# 2 – Break In
72% of reported burglaries happen when no one’s home, and there are few things thieves love more than a household that’s standing empty. As well as being a terrible reality to return to, break-ins can be difficult to chase up weeks or even months after they’ve happened. So, what can you do to stay safe?
Installing a security system is obviously preferable here, as a visible alarm can act as a great deterrent. Alarms that immediately contact emergency services when they’re triggered can also ensure immediate police presence and the potential to salvage belongings that you’d lose otherwise. Again, it can also be a great help to simply ask a trusted neighbor to keep an eye out and pop in semi-regularly. This way, your property will look inhabited even when it isn’t.
# 3 – Infestation
Rodents and other pests love an empty house, and they can quickly move in while you’re away. This could leave you having to call an exterminator the moment you put your bags down, and poses obvious hygiene risks when you return home.
One of the best ways to prevent this issue is to simply remove any perishable food before you go, and ensure your non-perishables are stored securely. Cleaning up your outside space whenever you’re home, and making sure to block off any potential entry points, will also lessen the likelihood that you’ll return home to face uninvited guests.
Can you keep your safe home when you aren’t living in it? The simple answer is yes, and taking steps to avoid these issues is essential for making that possible.
