Going Away This Summer? Serenity Has Your Home Covered

August is holiday season. Whether you’re escaping Bucharest for a long weekend, heading to the seaside, or disappearing for a few weeks somewhere further afield, there’s always that last-minute checklist before you close the door behind you.

Passport? Check. Chargers? Check. Sunglasses? Hopefully.

But what about your apartment?

A few simple preparations can make sure you spend your holiday thinking about where to have dinner — rather than wondering whether you left a window open back home.

Keep Things Cool

Bucharest in August can get seriously hot, so before leaving, close blinds or curtains in rooms that get direct sunlight.

There’s usually no reason to leave the air conditioning running as normal while you’re away. Adjust the settings appropriately, switch off units you don’t need, and make sure all windows are properly closed.

Give the Kitchen a Once-Over

Nobody wants to come home from holiday to discover what three-week-old leftovers smell like.

Clear out anything perishable from the fridge, take out the rubbish and don't leave dirty dishes in the dishwasher or sink. If you're going away for a longer period, it's also worth checking fruit bowls, bread bins and cupboards for anything that isn't going to survive until your return.

Your future self will thank you.

Check Water, Electricity and Appliances

Before you leave, make a quick tour of the apartment. Switch off and unplug appliances that don't need to stay on, check that taps aren't dripping and make sure nothing has been left running.

Of course, some things — like your fridge — need to stay powered, so don't get too enthusiastic at the fuse box.

Don't Forget the Balcony

If you have a balcony or terrace, make sure anything that could be blown around by a summer storm is secured or brought inside.

Cushions, lightweight furniture and other loose items are better protected indoors if you're going to be away for a while.

Make a Plan for Your Plants

Your plants don't get a summer holiday just because you do.

For a short trip, a good watering before you leave may be enough. For longer holidays, you'll need someone to check on them — particularly during the hottest weeks of the Bucharest summer.

Think About Mail and Deliveries

If you're expecting letters, parcels or other deliveries while you're away, make arrangements before you travel. Apart from the inconvenience, an overflowing mailbox can be a fairly obvious sign that nobody is home.

And if something important is arriving while you're away, you'll want someone you trust to receive it.

Make Coming Home Easy

This one isn't essential, but it's worth the effort.

Take out the bins, do that final load of laundry and leave the apartment reasonably tidy. Bonus points for putting fresh sheets on the bed before you go.

After airports, traffic and suitcases, there's something particularly satisfying about walking back into a clean, comfortable home.

And If You're a Serenity Tenant? Just Ask Us.

One of the benefits of renting with Serenity is that you don't have to worry about your apartment alone.

If you're travelling, speak to the Serenity team before you leave. Depending on what you need, we can help with practical things while you're away — from checking up on your apartment and collecting your mail to receiving packages, giving access to approved service providers or helping make sure everything is in order for your return.

It's a small thing, but it's one of the reasons we believe renting should be about more than simply handing over the keys to an apartment.

Your home should be looked after even when you're not there.

So go. Switch off. Enjoy the summer.

We'll help look after home.

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