If you're getting ready to head off on a very long trip, then you're probably super excited, but you are also worried about how to handle the logistics of some basics back at home. There are three primary areas you will need to handle. They are: your mail delivery, home security, and your cats. Here's some ideas about what to do.
Don't Let Mail Pile Up
You never want to have mail pile up at your mailbox, or next to your front door, because that can be a signal to opportunistic burglars that you're away from the house. It's always an option to have your neighbors pick up your mail, but that's putting the burden on them and you also have to rely on them being conscientious and remembering to do what they said they would do. The better solution is to contact the post office and have them hold your mail. This way, when you return, you can simply head on over to the post office and get your mail.
One thing you might ask your neighbors to do is be on the lookout for a pile up of advertisements and circulars. Many stores might have people drive around and leave shopping adverts on your doorstep. In your area it might happen frequency enough that they will build up over a couple of weeks and signal to strangers that the house is empty. So, your neighbors could check every few days to see if there are mailers that have been dropped off.
Install Lights On Timers
You also want your lights to come on and off. You can't just leave a single light on in one room, that's an easy-to-figure-out ruse. Burglars will notice that only one light is on every night. What you want is a variety of lights to appear in your home and to turn on and off at appropriate times. The best way to do this is to get a device that can be plugged into the wall socket. Then you plug your lamp into the device. The device can be programmed to control the flow of electricity to the lamps on a schedule you set up.
Find A Pet Boarder For Your Cat
Most importantly, you need to arrange for a pet boarding place for your cat. Even if you get an automatic food dispenser, and a big water bowl, it's negligent to leave your cat alone for a long time. Besides the fact that the kitty litter will need to be changed, your cat will be lonely if left alone for a really long time. Additionally, there could always be a problem with the food dispenser, or the water bowls, and your cat might end up without water or kibble. So, the best and most appropriate solution is to use a pet boarding service. This way, your cat will be cared for by other humans who are responsible (not some friend who might only come over to the house when they remember) and your cat won't be lonely.
Share17 May 2017
Our pets are like our children — they need to be cared for when we are away. After being a stay at home mom for many years, I had to make some serious adjustments when I reentered the workforce. My children are all grown, but my dog just can't be home by himself. I had to find a day care for him to go to when I went to work. I was conflicted — how do I choose the day care that will provide him with the love, care and attention that he is used to? This blog will provide you with the same tips that I was given that helped me choose.