6 Things to Do Before Leaving Your House for a Long Vacation, Kingston, Jamaica

As a homeowner in Kingston, Jamaica, preparing for an extended vacation means more than just packing your bags. With our tropical climate and vibrant yet sometimes unpredictable city life, leaving your house unattended requires a little extra care. At New Kingston Cleaning, we’ve seen firsthand how a well-prepped home stays fresh, safe, and welcoming for your return. Here’s our expert take on six essential things to do before you jet off, tailored to the needs of Kingston residents who value peace of mind.

Boost Your Home’s Security

First, let’s talk security because it's a top priority in a bustling city like ours. Kingston’s crime rate isn’t a secret; an empty house can catch the wrong attention. Start by securing all entry points. Check your doors and windows, ensuring they’ve got sturdy locks. Many homes around here already use grills ; if you don’t have them yet, now’s the time to consider it. Pair that with a monitored alarm system, and you have a solid defense. We’ve cleaned homes post-vacation where owners skipped this step, only to find unwanted surprises, don’t let that be you.

Arrange a House Watcher

Next, arrange for someone to keep an eye on your place. Regular house checks are necessary, whether it’s a trusted neighbor in your upscale community or a family member from nearby Liguanea. They can spot issues like leaks or overgrown yards that scream “no one’s home.” Better yet, pair this with our house cleaning service, we can schedule a mid-vacation spruce-up to keep dust at bay and maintain that lived-in look. It’s a trick we’ve used for Norbrook and Cherry Gardens clients, and it works like a charm.

Keep Up Appearances

Speaking of appearances, don’t let your home look abandoned. Piles of newspapers or an overflowing mailbox are dead giveaways. Contact the post office to hold your mail, and pause any subscriptions. Then, set timers for your lights and maybe a radio to mimic your daily routine. I’ve seen homes in Mona where a flickering porch light fooled everyone into thinking the owners were still around. It’s a simple fix that goes a long way in Kingston’s close-knit neighborhoods.

Clear Out the Kitchen

Now, let’s get practical with your interior. Empty your fridge and pantry of anything that’ll spoil, trust me, you don’t want to come back to a stench that could knock out a goat. Our team once tackled a post-vacation cleanup in Barbican where forgotten mangoes had turned into a science experiment. Toss perishables, take out the trash, and give your bins a quick rinse. If you’re leaving for weeks, book us for a deep clean before you go, think spotless kitchens and bathrooms that won’t harbor mold in our humid climate.

Tackle Pest Prevention

Pests are another Kingston reality we can’t ignore. Cockroaches, termites, and ants love an unattended house, especially with our year-round warmth. Before you leave, seal up food tight or clear it out completely. A quick pest treatment wouldn’t hurt; local exterminators like Rentokil know the drill. We’ve walked into homes in St. Andrew where a little prep could’ve saved the owners from a full-on bug takeover. Pair that with our cleaning expertise, and your place stays pest-free till you’re back.

Tap Into Community Support

Finally, let your community know you’re away. In Kingston, we’ve got a strong sense of togetherness, especially in wealthier enclaves like Jack’s Hill or Stony Hill. Tell your local police station or neighborhood watch about your travel plans, they’ll swing by more often to check on things. It’s an extra layer of security that’s saved plenty of our clients from worry. One homeowner in Red Hills swore by this after a patrol scared off a loiterer during their month-long trip.

These steps aren’t just about protecting your property, they’re about coming home to a space that feels as good as when you left it. At New Kingston Cleaning, we get Kingston’s unique vibe, from the tropical quirks to the tight-knit streets. We’ve been keeping homes spotless for years, and are here to help you prep for that extended vacation. Whether it’s a pre-trip deep clean or a check-in while you’re gone, we’ve got your back. So, lock up, set those timers, and enjoy your getaway, your house will be waiting, just as you like it.