The long-awaited holiday season is finally here! When Songkran rolls around, most people can't resist the urge to pack their bags and head out—whether it's returning to their hometown, traveling abroad, or escaping to a nearby resort. After all, it’s the hottest time of the year, perfect for taking a well-deserved break.
But with the excitement of a long vacation comes the anxiety of leaving your home unattended. Thoughts of potential break-ins, fires, or other unexpected accidents can be unsettling. To help ease your mind, we’ve put together 20 practical tips to prepare your home before you head off, so you can enjoy your Songkran holiday with confidence and peace of mind.
- Clear Out Your Fridge: If you tend to stock up on fresh food, now’s the time to clean out your fridge. Even though your food is refrigerated, there’s no guarantee it’ll stay fresh while you’re away. It’s better to toss it now than come home to foul smells and spoiled leftovers. A little prep now saves a big cleanup later.
- Invest in Quality Padlocks: When securing your home, don’t cut corners—go for sturdy, high-quality padlocks. They might cost more, but they’re a worthy investment. While they won’t make your home burglar-proof, good locks can slow down intruders, giving your neighbors or security staff a chance to notice something’s off.
- Fix Damaged Doors and Windows: Before you leave, inspect all entry points—doors, windows, screens—for any damage or weak spots. Repair anything broken to prevent easy access. Even if most break-ins aren’t through the front door, reinforcing weak areas is a smart way to stay one step ahead.
- Do the Laundry Before You Leave: This might not seem important, but dirty clothes left sitting for days can breed bacteria and develop mold or yellow stains—especially in hot weather. Save yourself from the horror of musty laundry by washing everything before your trip.
- Install Smart Switches and Timers: If you have the budget, consider upgrading to smart switches or timers for your lights, sprinklers, or even a home alarm. These devices can be controlled remotely through your phone, giving the impression that someone’s home and adding an extra layer of convenience and security.
- Create a Group Chat with Neighbors: Use social media to your advantage—create a LINE group or Facebook chat with trusted neighbors. It’s a great way to keep an eye on each other’s homes while you’re away. Plus, it allows for quick updates, shared alerts, and even photo evidence in case of suspicious activity.
- Plan for Plant Care: Plants can suffer quickly without water. If you’re going away for several days, ask a neighbor to help water them. Alternatively, set up a timed watering system or use DIY solutions like an inverted plastic bottle stuck in the soil to slowly release water.
- Arrange Pet Care: Don’t leave your pets alone! Find a reputable pet hotel or sitter who can care for your furry companions while you’re away. Do a little research to make sure the place is clean, safe, and experienced with animals. Peace of mind for you and comfort for your pets.
- Spray Insect Repellent Around the House: Before locking up, spray insect repellent in key areas where pests are likely to hide—especially kitchens, bathrooms, and corners. This small step helps prevent nasty surprises when you return.
- Check Streetlights Near Your House: If the streetlights in your neighborhood are out, report them before you leave. A well-lit street deters burglars and makes your home less of a target. You pay for community maintenance—make sure it’s working in your favor.
- Leave a Light On: A completely dark house at night is a clear sign no one’s home. To make your home look occupied, leave one or two lights on—preferably near the entrance or in a hallway. This small detail can make potential intruders think twice before targeting your property.
- Enlist Local Police Patrols: Many local police departments offer home watch programs during holidays. Contact your nearest station and request to enroll. Officers will swing by your home periodically to check on it—and nowadays, many of them even use social media to send real-time updates. It’s an extra layer of peace of mind you shouldn’t overlook.
- Install Security Cameras: CCTV systems are more affordable and easier to install than ever. Just having visible cameras can deter thieves from targeting your house. And in the unfortunate event something does happen, good footage can help identify and track down suspects.
- Avoid Posting Travel Plans on Social Media: As tempting as it is to post vacation countdowns and selfies at the airport, announcing your absence online can attract the wrong kind of attention—especially if your social media isn’t set to private. Keep your travel plans offline until you’re back home.
- Ask Neighbors for a Favor: In addition to creating a group chat, personally ask a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on your house. They can report anything unusual, collect mail, or even help water your plants. A good neighbor is one of the best security assets you can have.
- Save the Security Guard’s Contact Info: If you live in a gated community with security personnel, make sure to save the guard’s phone number. Introduce yourself beforehand and let them know you’ll be away. A small gift or gesture of appreciation can go a long way in making sure they pay special attention to your home.
- Shut Off Gas, Unplug Electronics & Turn Off the Main Water Valve: Safety first—before heading out, double-check that the gas is off to prevent leaks or explosions. Unplug unused electronics to avoid electrical fires, and turn off the main water valve to prevent leaks or water damage while you’re gone.
- Keep Some Curtains Slightly Open: It’s natural to want to close all curtains to prevent people from seeing inside, but leaving them completely shut can also signal that no one’s home. Leave a few slightly open to give the illusion that the house is still occupied.
- Park Your Motorcycle Inside: If you’re not taking your motorbike on the trip, don’t leave it parked outside in plain view. Park it inside your house or in a discreet location to avoid attracting unwanted attention.
- Prepare Cleaning Supplies in Advance: No matter how tidy your home was before the trip, dust, leaves, and debris will find their way in. Stock up on basic cleaning supplies ahead of time so you can freshen things up as soon as you return—without the excuse to keep putting it off.
Source: kapook.com
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