10 THINGS TO DO BEFORE LEAVING ON VACATION - LIFESTYLE

Did you turn off the water? Did you activate the alarm? Have you pulled out all the plugs? The 10 things to do absolutely before leaving!

You have chosen the destination, the reservation has been made, the list of things to pack and you are ready in all respects to close not only the front door behind you, but also the problems of everyday life, to enjoy a little healthy and well-deserved rest.

Aren't you forgetting something?
Let's do a quick review so that you don't have to find any unwelcome surprises on your return.

1 - Leave the keys to a trusted person

Before departure it is advisable to leave an address of the place where you will go and entrust a bunch of keys to a relative or a trusted friend, who can intervene in case of malfunction of the "alarm system", to water any plants or for any other eventuality sudden.

2 - Test the differential switch

A good rule of thumb would be to do it periodically, but if you have forgotten it, remember to do it at least a few days before leaving. Just press the test button of the differential switch - that safety device capable of interrupting the electric flow of energy throughout the house - to verify its correct operation.

3 - Unplug

Not just metaphorically. Make sure that the plugs of all appliances - TV, Hi-Fi, PC and video games - are unplugged, so that they do not work in standby and consume unnecessary energy. In the case of television, it is also advisable to disconnect the antenna cable, to prevent the lightning of some summer storm from damaging the set.

4 - Empty your inbox

This will prevent communications from accumulating and no longer finding space with the risk of getting lost. If you are absent for quite a long time you can ask someone to check your mail for you and check for any upcoming bill & co due dates.

5 - Watch out for food

If you have decided to disconnect the main power switch, remember to empty and defrost the refrigerators and freezers and leave them clean and with the door open, so that mold does not form. If you leave the system on, consume the food in expiration date and discard the open packages.

6 - Close the water

A good rule of thumb is also to close the general water tap, just check that the garden irrigation system is not connected!

7- Take care of the plants

Move all houseplants outdoors to a corner sheltered from the sun and wind so they can have natural light and watering. For the latter you can use many systems, such as specific moisturizing gels or a timed irrigation system.

8 - Leave the house clean

Before leaving, it is good to give a general cleaning to the whole house, checking above all not to leave crumbs that would attract crowds of ants in no time at all. For the same reason, remember to take out the garbage on the day of departure.

9 - Enter the alarm

A few days before leaving, test the correct functioning of the alarm system. Don't you have it? Not bad, today even with a hundred euros you can buy a system equipped with the most innovative technologies and easy to install. For example, the Avidsen GSM Wireless Alarm Kit with integrated telephone dialer, easy to configure and use, even if you are not an expert on the subject. Cost: 99 euros for the basic kit that you can find on www.avidsenstore.it or at the main Leroy Merlin, OBI, Self, Bricocenter, Brico Io, Bricofer and Brico Ok.