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Tips for Winter Break
Winter Break is here! You finally have a break from work, school, noisy roommates, or just life in general! Heading home for the holidays is definitely exciting but can also be quite stressful if you aren’t prepared to actually leave. There’s so much to consider... A pet sitter, where you’re headed and how, let alone that tragedy that is packing. In the midst of all that chaos, we often forget how to even prepare our homes for an extended time away. Whether you are going for a quick weekend or weeks on end, we have some helpful holiday home hacks that will allow for the rest and relaxation winter break is all about.
Going Home for Winter Break: 10 Holiday Home Hacks for Winter Break
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1. So Fresh. So Clean.
Cleaning your home after winter break can be a huge downside and really suck the fun out of the entire trip. Like, the last thing you want to do when you get back home is clear clutter to make it comfortable enough to chill. You may not feel the need to deep clean before leaving, and you definitely don‘t have to, but little tasks like wiping down the countertops or sweeping the floors can have a huge impact on your energy levels once you arrive back home. Prop tip: Wash your bed sheets before leaving! There’s really no comparison to climbing into a nice, clean bed that’s been missing you. Sure, cleaning your home before you leave may seem pointless, but your future self will appreciate the extra effort and benefit from the time your past self put in! Now all that’s left is to unpack ... but that’s a problem for another blog!
2. Can’t you smell that smell?
Searching for that smell in the fridge is at the top of some of my least favorite things. An easy way to avoid coming back to funky fumes is to clean out your fridge before you take off. Take into account the length of your trip and throw out anything that may go bad in that time. Fresh foods, while amazing, can turn quicker than you’d expect, so check the freshness for things like cilantro, spinach/lettuce, fruits, and/or any meats you may have. If you can remember to take inventory of these food items ahead of time, you can either cook them before they go bad or just toss them. It's always beneficial to plan your grocery shopping accordingly so you can avoid throwing out unused food on the days leading up to your trip. If you don't want to throw anything away, freezing items always works too! Freezing any meat will ensure it lasts well beyond the time you get back. You’ll also avoid wasting money and food. Cleaning your fridge of expired products will also make storing your foods much easier the next go ’round. Pro Tip: Store your most frequently used products in the door! Research has shown that most people check the right side of their fridge first, so placing your favorite foods here could save them from being blocked by last week’s takeout.
3. Ya Filthy Animal ...
While I have you clearing clutter and whatnot, we may as well touch on the subject of trash. On your quest to serve your future self with a clean and comfy home to return to, you’ve noticed the build-up of garbage. Don’t forget to take out the trash! You may have just thrown away old food and leaving food waste along with whatever else is in there will for sure spoil the aroma of your homecoming. Taking out the trash will help keep your home smelling fresh, and it will also keep the insects at bay. Side note: If a roommate is staying behind while you are away, politely remind them to take out the trash before you get back or if they decide to leave themselves. Pro Tip: Don’t forget to show your trash bin a little TLC from time to time as well! The cracks and crevices of garbage cans easily become caked in waste over time and if you’re smelling something foul, this could be the culprit.
4. Turn your lights down low
Whether your space is small or large, your utility bill may also be a late holiday gift if you turn off as many lights as possible while away. If you’re worried about your plant babies while you are away, leave the nearby blinds open. The natural light during the day will help take care of them. If you have a roommate, ask them to keep the lights off during the day. If you like to have smart things in your home, consider purchasing a lighting kit that you can control from their app! This way, you can make sure you have your pick of lights on and how low or high you want them. Pro Tip: Keeping dim lights on while you’re away is also a great deterrent against break-ins because it creates the illusion that someone is home!
5. Animal House
Having to leave your pets behind can be ruff, but they can’t always tag along. If boarding your pets isn‘t an option, you’ll want to make sure all of their needs are met by the person you’re choosing to care for them. Services like Pet Sitters allow you to hire a professional pet sitter to watch your loved ones while you are away. If you were fortunate enough to find a sitter over the holidays, make it an easy job by setting things up ahead of time for them. Place essential supplies like food, toys, leashes, dishes, etc. on the counter or somewhere accessible for your sitter. This will also save them from having to find these items themselves. Don’t forget to include a feeding schedule! You can also leave a friendly note that describes which toys your pet loves most or if they have any quirky behaviors to watch out for. Setting your sitter up for success means your pet might miss you just a little bit less!
6. Here’s the mail. It never fails.
Don't forget to get the mail! But really, don't forget about your mail. While this topic doesn’t include a feature of your home, it’s certainly something I felt was worth mentioning. If you have roommates staying home, then remind them to check for your mail until you get back. After that, ask them to put it in a designated place in your home where you can see it once you return. The last thing you want to do is have your mail piling up and potentially missing something time-sensitive. Pro Tip: If you sign up for notifications through USPS, they’ll inform you of deliveries!
7. Spin me right ‘round
While you are probably running around like a crazy person, don't forget that last load of laundry in the wash! You'll want to flip that into the dryer before you come home to stale, mildew-y laundry that you'll have to wash a second time. If you have clothes in the dryer, unload them into a basket so if you have roommates, they won‘t have to go through the trouble, plus there will be fresh clothes waiting for you ...
8. Unplugg’d
Unplugging your cords can save you in many different ways. Leaving unused appliances plugged in could lead to a fire hazard, or if there is an electrical surge or shortage and something sparks, it could lead to a house fire. Unplugging these things assures a better piece of mind that your home is safe while you are away. Also, why rack up the electric bill when you are not using it? If you are only going to be gone a few days without a house sitter or roommate, go ahead and unplug items like lamps, microwaves, hairdryers, curling irons, and electric toothbrush stands.
9. C.R.E.A.M.
If you are traveling interstate or internationally for winter break, be sure to notify your bank or credit union. This way, when you make a purchase not in your area, your bank will allow it and not flag the purchase, which can potentially deactivate your card. Most banks will ask how long you will be in that area so they can ensure you'll be able to access your funds and use them to enjoy your break to the fullest. And if you need to purchase last-minute gifts, there won’t be any problems! Remember, Cash Rules Everything Around Me.
10. Make a list, check it twice.
When you’re leaving your sanctuary for a longer period of time, it’s super easy to become overwhelmed and stressed with everything that has to be done before you can actually relax. It’s important to always double-check things, the best way to do this is with a checklist. I’m a big checklist person and pretty much rely on them for everything! I’ve found that keeping track of my accomplishments can serve as an awesome reward and it keeps me motivated! Jotting down chores in a checklist can help you prioritize your needs and those of your home, not to mention the pure satisfaction of crossing something (anything) off that list.
Before Winter Break
Now that you have an arsenal of hacks at your disposal, it looks like you and your home are ready for a break!
Happy Holidays from The Depot
Brianne Hubbard-Ross | Resident Relations Specialist