Melo Villareal
When you go on a long-term extended stay to another state or country, a summer vacation in Spain, or a winter getaway, you want to protect your home and keep it as safe as possible. Of course, keeping your personal possessions protected also depends on whether you rent or own your home and how long you will be gone.
Crumpler Dry Red Collection
Long Extended Stays
If you plan to be away for 6 months or longer, you must consider giving up your rental or, if a homeowner, contracting reliable storage in Denver, CO to safely store all your belongings. This allows you to save on rent or lease your Denver home while you are away.
The Preparation Process
Before you even think of storage options, though, you need to get organized, especially if you have too much stuff. Go through your personal possessions. Give antiques or heirlooms to other family members to keep while you’re away.
If you are going away for several months, you’ll need some start-up money. The best way to come up with a little extra cash is by having a great garage sale. This will help you eliminate some of the clutter and give you an idea of how much stuff you really have.
Consider giving away items that don’t sell or that you no longer want. Ask your friends if they need anything. You may have it. Run a free-takeaway ad on Craigslist. You know the ones that say ‘free, if you haul it away.’ Then donate whatever is left over to local charities or thrift shops.
Pack only those things you really want to keep and place them in a climate-controlled storage facility in the Denver area. Label your boxes and keep everything organized so you can quickly pull it out when you come back.
Ask a family member to check on your house
If you own your home and aren’t storing everything, you want to make sure it’s checked on every once in a while. You need someone to come by and pick up the advertisements, flyers, and junk mail left at your doorstep. This is the first indication thieves look for when casing a home to rob. Ask a neighbor or family member to come by once in a while to remove this stuff.
If you get home-delivered newspapers or magazines, be sure to call ahead of time to stop the delivery service. Piled-up old newspapers are another indication of an empty home.
Place automated lights in your home
As a homeowner, you might want to consider installing automated lighting. These are new security system products that are relatively inexpensive. You can even turn them on or off from your smartphone (no matter where you are located). This helps ward off break-ins by leading people to believe someone is home.
Going on an extended trip can be exciting, a great learning experience, and an opportunity every person wants. Still, you shouldn’t let the excitement interfere with your preparation for time away from home. You want to do everything possible to make your home secure, so it is not at risk while you are away.
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