Away from Your Apartment for Winter Break? What To Do Before Leaving

By Garth Brunner on January 2, 2025

Are you excited to go home for winter break? You’ll get nice, home-cooked meals, easy access to laundry, and of course, get to see your family, old friends, and any pets if you have them. As much as there is to look forward to, you need to be cautious. There are many things you need to do before stepping away from your apartment for winter break. Here are the must-dos before leaving to leave a safe and taken care of apartment in the rearview mirror.

via Pexels

Winter Proof

First, you absolutely need to winter-proof your apartment. Extremely cold temperatures can cause a lot of damage if not taken care of properly. Ensure that all windows are closed and locked and cover any other areas that may carry in a draft. This prevents freezing air from getting into your apartment.

Next, you should turn your thermostat on to around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. While it may seem like you are wasting heat, it is imperative that you keep it on. If you do not, you could risk your pipes freezing and bursting which will be a much more costly and dangerous fix. Remember, you will not be home to fix the thermostat if the temperature feels too low, so keep it on the warmer side to prevent this mess.

However, do not keep space heaters plugged in and on. These have a risk of catching on fire, which is not exactly how you want to keep your apartment while you go home! You want to have a cozy apartment to come home to at the end of break, not a detrimental accident. By following these instructions, everything will be safe enough you won’t have to worry.

Protect Valuables

Next, you want any valuables you have to be protected. These include electronics such as a printer or television, but also anything with sentimental value. Lucky for you, GradGuard has great renters insurance that keeps your apartment protected from theft, fires, and so much more.

Not only is their insurance great, but it is lower than most other renters’ insurances, giving you more money to spend on holiday gifts for your friends and family. Even if you do all you can to protect your valuables, having GradGuard renters insurance can help give you peace of mind while you’re away, so you do not have to stress about what is happening at home.

Turn off and Unplug Lights

When walking around your apartment to double-check that you have packed everything you need and want, turn off and unplug and lights or electronics. Unplugging them can save energy and greatly reduce the risk of an electrical fire.

This also includes any holiday lights that you have put up to decorate. You don’t necessarily have to take down all of your decorations, but they should not turn on while you’re away from your apartment from winter break just to be safe. Once you return, you can turn them back on to see them twinkle again before putting them away for the season.

Clean Up

Next, you should also clean and tidy up before you step away from your apartment. This includes piles of clothes, any gunk in your bathroom or kitchen sink, and especially any food in your pantry or fridge. If you have any leftovers or produce, these can mold easily and leave you with a big mess as soon as you come home.

Plus, even though it is winter and most bugs and pests have gone, they may also come into your apartment to find warmth and easily find any food you’ve left. Since you won’t be there, you won’t notice any infestations right away. By cleaning up and making sure everything you leave behind is tightly sealed, you can greatly reduce the chance of any pests making a temporary home in your apartment.

Consider an Apartment Sitter

If it would make you feel a little safer to have someone who lives in the area check in on your apartment once a week or so, this is a great idea. That way you can be updated on anything happening, if it seems too cold, if you accidentally left a window open, or a snack out, they can come by and help disaster from happening. Since you’ll save so much money with GradGuard’s renters’ insurance, you won’t have to stress about paying someone to stop by your place.

By doing all of these tasks before leaving your apartment for winter break, your apartment will be safe and protected upon your return so you can cozy up and procrastinate unpacking as you settle back in and prepare for the new semester. Don’t forget to check out GradGuard’s renters insurance plans and get a great quote to protect your apartment and all of your belongings.

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