Hey Blugolds! Getting ready to head home for winter break? Before you pack your bags and say goodbye to your apartment, let's make sure you've done everything to keep your place safe while you're gone. This guide will help you avoid coming back to any unwanted surprises after the holidays.
Keep the Heat Running (Super Important!)
Think of your apartment like a winter coat - it needs to stay warm to protect what's inside! Here's what to do:
Set your thermostat to at least 60 degrees (never turn it completely off. Frozen water expands and bursts pipes.)
Check that all heating vents are open and not blocked by furniture
Get a friend who's staying in town to check on your place daily when temperatures drop
Test your thermostat before leaving to make sure it's working properly
Replace your furnace filter if you haven't done it recently - a dirty filter can make your furnace work harder and perhaps even breakdown your furnace
Protect Your Stuff
You wouldn't leave your laptop at a coffee shop, so don't leave valuables in plain sight during break:
Take important items home (laptop, jewelry, gaming systems)
Close all blinds and curtains so people can't see inside
Double-check that ALL doors are locked
Consider getting a timer for a lamp to make it look like someone's home
Store important documents in a safe place or take them with you
Kitchen Clean-Up
Nobody wants to come back to a science experiment in their fridge:
Throw out any food that will expire during break
Empty and clean the refrigerator to prevent bad smells
Take out ALL trash and recycling (rotting garbage can attract pests and really stinks)
Clean all dishes and empty the dishwasher
Wipe down counters to prevent any crumbs from attracting unwanted visitors
Winter Weather Prep
Wisconsin winters are no joke! Make sure your place is ready for snow:
Know your shoveling responsibilities - check your lease!
If you're responsible for shoveling, arrange for someone to do it while you're gone
Keep sidewalks and walkways clear of ice and snow before you leave
Check that your windows are properly sealed to prevent drafts
Make sure you know where your water shut-off valve is (in case of freezing pipes)
If your house looks vacant it can attract vagrants and theifs
Know where your roommates will be staying and how to contact them
Know when your roommates will be going home to coordinate who will be the last person leaving your apartment
Recycle your real Christmas tree at the City of Eau Claire's Brush Disposal Site 5710 Jeffers Road from December 23rd to January 31st
Save Energy (and Money!)
A few simple steps can keep your utility bills from shocking you:
Unplug everything you can (chargers, TVs, gaming systems)
Turn off power strips
Turn off all lights
Keep heat at 60 degrees (any lower risks of frozen pipes!)
Replace your furnace filter - a dirty filter can make your furnace work harder using more energy that you purchase from Xcel Energy
Before You Walk Out
Final checklist before you hit the road:
Take a walk through every room with this list
Take photos of how you left everything (just in case)
Lock ALL doors (check twice!)
Leave your contact info with your properties manager or landlord
Make sure your renter's insurance is up to date
Who to Call If Something Goes Wrong
Save these numbers in your phone:
UW-Eau Claire Police: 715-836-2222
Your landlord's emergency number: _________________
A friend or friends staying in Eau Claire: ______________________
Local police non-emergency number: 715-839-4972
Your renter's insurance company: __________________
When You Get Back
Do these things as soon as you return:
Check all rooms for any problems
Look for signs of water damage or frozen pipes
Make sure the heat is working properly
Check that nothing looks disturbed
Report any issues to your landlord right away
Remember, a little preparation now saves a lot of headaches later! Don't rush through these steps - think of it as a holiday gift to yourself. You'll be thanking yourself when you come back to a safe, clean apartment after break.
Stay safe, Blugolds, and enjoy your winter break!
P.S. Don't forget to water any plants one last time and give them to a friend to care for during break - they won't survive a month alone!
Disclaimer
Hey there! Thanks for reading our stuff. We want you to know a few important things:
We're General Property Management LLC, right here in good old Eau Claire, WI. You can make an appointment to visit us. Our office is located at 703 5th Avenue #1, Eau Claire, WI 54703 or send written correspondence to General Property Management, LLC, P.O. Box 283, Eau Claire, WI 54702.
If you need to reach us, our email is contact@ec4rent.com and our phone number is 715-832-1200.
We try our best to give you good information, but we're not lawyers. If you have a serious legal problem, it's best to talk to a real attorney.
If you spot any mistakes in what we've written, please let us know! We'd love to fix it or take it down if needed.
We always welcome your comments and thoughts. Your feedback helps us do better!
Remember, when we all do our little part, the world is a better place.
