Ah, vacation! A time to unwind, explore new places, and create lasting memories. But before you jet off, there's one crucial detail to consider: your home. An empty house can be a target for break-ins, and your precious furniture is especially vulnerable. But fear not, with some planning and preparation, you can ensure your furniture returns from your trip unscathed.

How To Protect Your Furniture When You Are On Vacation?

• Cover Up: This is your first line of defense. Invest in clear vinyl covers for sofas, chairs, and other upholstered pieces. These will shield your furniture from dust, spills, and even potential pet accidents while you're away. Consider the weight and material of your furniture covers. Lighter weight covers may be sufficient for dust protection, but for areas prone to spills or with rambunctious pets, choose a more heavy-duty option.

• Move It or Secure It: For lightweight furniture, consider rearranging your living space. Move chairs away from windows or tuck them under tables to minimize the risk of tipping during a storm or strong winds. For heavier pieces, tighten loose screws and bolts to ensure stability. You can also place furniture pads under the legs of heavy pieces to prevent scratches and dents on your flooring.
• Fight the Fading: Direct sunlight can wreak havoc on your furniture, causing fabrics to fade and colors to lose vibrancy. Before you leave, draw blinds or curtains on windows facing the afternoon sun. If you have valuable antiques or artwork that is particularly susceptible to sun damage, consider temporarily moving them to a room with less exposure. In some cases, you may also want to invest in UV-protectant window film for vulnerable areas.
• Climate Control is Key: Extreme temperatures and humidity can cause warping, cracking, and peeling of furniture finishes. Adjust your thermostat to a moderate setting to maintain a stable environment for your furniture. Ideally, aim for a temperature between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit and a humidity level between 30-50%. If your home is prone to significant humidity swings, consider investing in a dehumidifier to help regulate moisture levels.

How To Protect Your Home When You Are On Vacation?

While furniture protection is important, securing your entire home is equally crucial. Here are some additional tips:

• Light Up the Night: Install timers on your indoor and outdoor lights to create the illusion of occupancy. This is a well-known deterrent, and by using timers, you can ensure your lights come on and go off at natural times, even if you're not there to flick the switch yourself.
• Friend Power: Ask a trusted friend or neighbor to check in on your house periodically. This deters potential intruders and allows them to address any minor issues like overflowing mailboxes. Having a friend house-sit for a night or two is an even better option, but not always feasible. Even a quick walk-through every few days is enough to show someone is keeping an eye on things.
• Hold the Social Media Posts: Avoid announcing your vacation plans on social media. Wait until you return to share your adventures and avoid tipping off potential burglars. This may seem obvious, but it's easy to get caught up in the excitement of a trip and forget that not everyone who sees your posts has good intentions.

Final Thought

With a little forethought and these simple steps, you can return from your vacation to a home that's just as welcoming as you left it, furniture included. So pack your bags, relax, and enjoy your well-deserved break!