As retirement opens the door to new adventures and travel opportunities, many retirees face the question of what to do with their homes during their extended absences. Ensuring the safety of your property while maximizing its potential can be a balancing act.
Have Someone Come By
Leaving your home unattended for extended periods can lead to concerns about security and maintenance. To address these worries, consider having a trusted friend, family member, or neighbor periodically check on your home. This can include collecting mail, watering plants, and ensuring that everything is in order. This not only deters potential burglars by giving the appearance of an occupied home but also provides peace of mind. If you'll be away for an extended time, you might want to consider hiring a house-sitting service. Professional house sitters can stay in your home, ensuring its security and proper maintenance. They may also take on tasks like pet care and yard work. A house-sitting service can be a great way to make sure that all of your obligations are taken care of while you're away. This option can be particularly beneficial if you have pets that require care in your absence.
Keep Your Home Secure
Maintaining the security of your home is a top priority when traveling during retirement. Install quality locks on doors and windows, and consider reinforcing entry points with deadbolts. Most modern home security systems link seamlessly with smartphone apps. Investing in a reliable security system can provide real-time alerts in case of unusual activity and help you maintain peace of mind while you're away. Timers for lights and electronics can simulate your presence at home. Set timers to turn on and off lights, TVs, or radios during typical evening hours. Keep all exterior doors locked at night, and make sure any window that’s open is well secured. If you have a pet, keep them away from the front door and any other entry points for extra security. Taking these steps will help keep your home secure so that you can enjoy a peaceful retirement away from home worry-free.
Rent it Out
If your travel plans involve longer periods of absence, you might consider renting out your home for a portion of the time. Vacation rentals and short-term accommodations are increasingly popular options for travelers, and renting out your home can provide a source of income to support your adventures. Websites like Airbnb and VRBO make it easy to connect with potential renters. Before deciding to rent out your home, research local regulations and requirements for short-term rentals. Take time to set expectations with your renters, including house rules, check-in and check-out policies, and communication protocols. Establishing these guidelines in advance can help reduce the potential for misunderstandings or disputes during the rental period. You may want to consider hiring a home manager or service to handle the day-to-day operations of renting out your home while you are away. With careful planning and preparation, you can make sure that renting out your home is a stress-free process for both you and your renters.
By carefully planning and implementing these strategies, you can ensure that your home remains a safe haven for your return while also making the most of your retirement adventures.
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