The summer is here, and that means vacation is calling your name! Relaxing on white sandy beaches or hiking through an evergreen forest – you deserve some R & R. Before you hop on that plane or pack up your car, you need to make sure your Camden apartment is all set for your time away from home. Here are a few tips to help make that happen:

1. Clean and Tidy Up

Coming home to a messy apartment is never fun. The last thing you will want to do when you come home from vacation is clean. Here is a quick checklist:

• Wipe down your counter spaces.

• Dust around your apartment.

• Vacuum and mop.

• Run the dishwasher and put away the dishes.

• Do you do your laundry and hang your clean clothes.

• Clean out your fridge and remove anything that will expire before you get home.

• Take out the trash.

Photo Courtesy of Camden Village District in Raleigh, North Carolina

2. Set a Timer For Your Lights

By using smart lights and devices, your lights can turn on and off when you're not home. This will help it appear that someone is home. Set timers for your lights to come on and off throughout the day and evening. You especially want to do this in rooms that have windows you can see through.

3. Adjust Your Thermostat (but Don't Turn AC Off!)

One of the things many people forget is to adjust their thermostat when they are away. There is no need to drive up your energy bills by keeping your house comfortable when you are not home. Don't shut your AC off completely. You still want some airflow to breeze through your apartment. Try to set the temperature to a level that prevents your AC from running constantly.

Many of our Camden communities have smart thermostats. Don't forget to set your apartment to your desired temperature a few hours before you get home.

Photo Courtesy of Camden Rainey Street in Austin, Texas

4. Unplug your Electronics

I'm not sure about you, but in Tampa, Florida, thunderstorms roll in every afternoon during the summer. Unplug all nonessential electronics to prevent power surges and conserve electricity while you're away. Big items like TVs, gaming consoles, and computers are a must. But don't forget your smaller items, such as toasters, coffee makers, blenders, speakers, and fans. You do not want to have to come home and replace any of those items due to a lightning strike. You may also save on your energy bill!

5. Water Your Plants

Your green friends also need to be taken care of when you are away. If you have a close neighbor, ask them to come in and water your plants periodically. If not, ensure that you water thoroughly before leaving and that the soil is well-saturated. If you will be away for more than a week, set up a plant watering system to ensure your plants remain healthy when you return.

Photo Courtesy of Camden West Nashville in Nashville, TN

If you follow these tips, your Camden apartment will be ready for your vacation! Happen to fall in love with a place you visited? Did you know that Camden has beautiful communities across some of the best cities in the US? With our easy transfer policy, you can make that vacation spot your home today!