If you’re currently planning a trip abroad, then your return home is probably the last thing you want to think about. We hear you, but honestly, taking care of a little home maintenance before your trip can make a huge difference to how happy you feel on your return. It might not be enough to keep those vacation blues at bay altogether, but it will mean coming back to a space that feels fresh, clean, and importantly, doesn’t leave you facing issues that bring you back with an unwelcome bang. 

But what should you actually prioritise as you prepare for an overseas trip? Keep on reading, as we consider the top three. 

# 1 – Fix what needs fixing

If something around your home starts playing you up in the weeks before your trip, you probably take an ‘it can wait’ attitude. After all, how urgent can it really be?

We’re sorry to say, but the answer may well be ‘quite a lot’. This is obvious with major problems like missing roof tiles, which need immediate attention before you jet off for a few weeks and come home to a problem that’s quickly escalated. But even seemingly minor issues like a leaking gutter could see you returning to major mould problems in your empty property if you don’t look into gutter repairs before you go. 

Our solution? Always fix what needs fixing beforehand. This may mean extra hassle, and probably extra expense, but trust us when we say that you’ll be glad you took this precaution. 

# 2 – Focus on temperature control

You’re probably not too worried about the temperature in your home when you aren’t in it, but guess what? Problems, including damp, dust, and generally bad air, can all come about as a result of this oversight. None of which is nice to come home to.

That’s why you should pay at least some mind to temperature control maintenance in your empty home before you leave. The best option here is to always go through your thermostat settings and make sure your heating comes on at least a few times a day during winter travels. If you’re heading for a summer trip, maintenance tasks like changing your air conditioner filters are also vital for ensuring a functioning system that ensures a fresh, dust-free homecoming. 

# 3 – Do a deep clean

Have you ever heard it said that you should deep clean your home before travelling? Maybe you wondered why on earth you would bother, but trust us when we say this is a maintenance task worth keeping on top of.

Why, when you won’t even be here to reap the rewards? Because, though dust will obviously still accumulate during your trip, dusting beforehand can really help to stem that buildup. Equally, tasks like changing the bedding before you head off can save you a whole load of effort when you’re exhausted from your travels, and just want to slip into a clean, pristine bedroom. 

Should you overhaul your whole house before every trip you take? No, but these basic pre-trip maintenance tasks can’t hurt!