Pre-Travel Winter Checklist

We believe there's no place like home for the holidays, and we're grateful for all our residents who choose to call a Fairfield community home! If you're traveling somewhere else this holiday season, use these helpful tips to make leaving home as stress-free as possible.

Pre-Travel Winter Checklist

Before you leave home for an extended period, tackle each of these items to ensure a smooth departure and return.

1. Leave a light on

No one wants to come home to a dark apartment after a long day of traveling.

2. Clean out your refrigerator

Anything that is expired or will expire while you are away should be thrown away to avoid any potential smells.

3. Ensure all windows and doors are locked

4. Close all blinds

5. Lock your car

If you're leaving your car during the holidays, remove any valuables and be sure to lock it properly.

6. Unplug nonessential electronics

Turn off and unplug anything nonessential to save electricity and prevent fire hazards.

7. Consider your mail

Check your mail before leaving to ensure it does not overflow during the holidays. If you will be gone for multiple days, put your mail on hold with the post office.

8. Tell a trusted neighbor

Ask a trusted neighbor to keep an eye out for packages that may be delivered to your door while you are gone.

9. Take out the trash

Leaving trash behind could attract bugs or create an unpleasant smell.

Additional Tips for Cold Weather

If you live in colder climates with the risk of freezing pipes, add these steps to your checklist.

10. Leave faucets dripping

This helps to ensure the pipes do not burst if temperatures drop below freezing.

11. Set the thermostat

Leave your heat on with the thermostat set to no lower than 68 degrees.

Safe travels and happy holidays!