Going on vacation doesn't only mean spending a wonderful time on the beach enjoying a fun and carefree experience. Spending a pleasant vacation with the whole family can also be greatly enjoyed while visiting many tourist spots and other exciting attractions. 

However, taking a stress-free vacation during the pandemic requires planning and preparation, which begin before you even leave your Branson apartment. Listed below are some of the things that you need to prepare for your apartment before vacation.

Inform Your Landlord

Before you leave, you should inform your landlord, whether verbally or in writing, that you are leaving for vacation. Tell him the dates you are leaving and coming back, as well as your contact information. It is crucial to do so because there may be pre-vacation terms and procedures outlined in your lease. You can also verify with your insurance carrier that your renter's insurance covers the property you left behind.

Pay Your Bills

Nothing is more disappointing than coming back to your Branson apartment from your vacation, and realizing that you missed the payment deadline for your bills while you were away. It's always a good idea to double-check your due dats so you can avoid late payments by either paying your bills before departure or setting up auto-payment.

Check Your Renters Insurance

Review the terms and policies of your renter's insurance to better understand what is protected under your plan. Usually, when an apartment is occupied, renters insurance will cover certain property damages while you are away. Your insurance policy may also cover the personal property you take with you on vacation. It's important to check and better understand your plan to help give you peace of mind.

Arrange for Your Mail to be Picked Up

Even though you are on vacation, it is always a good idea to make your property appear somebody is staying to discourage possible break-ins and burglaries. Consider asking help from a trusted friend or family member to gather your mail every day so your mail does not pile up and alert others that you may be away.  If you can't find someone to do the task, you can always call the post office and have them place your mail on hold for the duration of your vacation to keep it from accumulating in your mailbox.

Secure Your Property

While you are on vacation, it's advisable to hide your valuables and consider investing in a safe to secure them. You may find it also necessary to install a security surveillance CCTV. You can even acquire from a security company a sticker or sign outside your property that notifies any strangers that your property is monitored and protected 24/7. 

You can buy these stickers on eBay at a very low price. Even if you don't have a security system, potential burglars will be under the impression you do and will be discouraged from entering.

Unplug Electronics

When you want to conserve energy and money, unplug all your electronic devices while you're away. Even more important, it's a safety precaution and may prevent an electrical fire.

Adjust the Thermostat

Whatever the season is, when you leave your apartment for vacation, it's important to adjust your thermostat up a few degrees in the summer and down a few degrees in the winter so you don’t spend money on electricity to heat/cool an empty apartment. Just be aware that you need to put it back to your desired temperature when you return home.

Set Timers for Your Lights

Speaking of saving electricity and money, it's always a good idea to turn off your lights before you leave. It will also help if you set timers for lights in various rooms. By doing so, it will make your property appear occupied. As the lights automatically turn on and off at your scheduled hours. If you have smart lights, you can customize the timers and what times the lights turn on and off every day.

Prepare Your Car

If you are going to leave your car at the apartment, the most important thing is not to leave valuables inside. Roll up all the windows and make sure that all doors are securely locked. Ask your landlord if he would prefer you park your car at a special location when you are away.

Clean

Clean every corner of your apartment before you leave. There is no better feeling than returning to a clean home. Throw away the trash, empty your fridge of perishable goods, and do the laundry. 

Now that you have learned these tips to prepare to leave your apartment for vacation, you're guaranteed to enjoy a good trip and a smooth transition back to your cozy Branson apartment after you return from vacation.



If you are looking for a Branson apartment to call home, call Thousand Hills Realty today at (417) 337-8081. We are Branson’s premier property management company and we would love to help you find the best place for you!