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 on being away for six months or longer, then you must consider giving up your rental, or if a home owner, consider contracting reliable storage in Denver, CO to safe-keep all of 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 away.
If you are going away for a number of 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 stuff that doesn’t sell and which you no longer want. Ask your friends if they need anything. You may have it. Run a free-take-away 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 the home is 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 door step. 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 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 some type of automated light installation. 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, as it leads people to believe there is someone home.
Going on an extended trip can be exciting, a great learning experience, and something every person wants the opportunity to do. Still, you shouldn’t let the excitement interfere with your being prepared for the time away from your home. You want to do everything possible to make your home secure, thus keeping it from being at risk while you are away.
