Make a list

Make a list of the things that you need to do in your house before you leave. For example, switching off the electrical appliances and stove. Not only will this help you to remember things, it will also help you to return things to their original state after you come back.

Electrical appliances

Switch off unnecessary lamps and unplug your electronic appliances. More than merely saving you a few cents on your electricity bills, these are necessary steps to prevent unwanted events such as electronic short circuits happening when you are not around.

(Read also: Classy Lebaran gifts to send to your loved ones)

Turn off the gas

To be safe, turn off your gas and stove and disconnect the LPG container also. Turn off your water faucets too.

Clean your refrigerator

Surely you do not want to come home to a stinking smell coming from of your refrigerator. Before you leave, sort out the ingredients or products that you won’t be using or those that are most likely to expire soon. Check the meat and vegetables also.

(Read also: Greater Jakarta: No gifts for city officials this Lebaran)

Lock the doors and tell the neighbors you are leaving

Locking the doors and windows are prerequisites, but don’t forget to tell your trusted neighbors that you are leaving for several days. You may need their help.

Find someone to look after your pets

If you have pets in your home, you may want to consider entrusting them to your neighbors or to your relatives while you are away. It is even better if you know them well enough beforehand to be sure they won’t have any trouble with your request and that they aren’t too unfamiliar with taking care of pets.

Install a remote camera monitoring application

If you want to be able to keep monitoring the inside of your house, you may want to try installing a remote camera monitoring mobile application on your phone. There are various applications you can try, from ones using your old phone as a CCTV, to those using separate gadgets. Some that are worth mentioning are video surveillance lvideon (available for Android and iOS devices), Surveillance Camera for Mobiscope - Live Video Streaming (iOS), Mobiscope - Cloud Surveillance (Android) and WardenCam Home Security IP-Cam (Android + iOS). (kes)