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Many
off-campus students will be away from Scranton over winter, spring, and
summer breaks. It's important that you leave things in order at your
apartment or house, so you don't return to unpleasant surprises.
Your lease may specify what you
need to do to prepare for an extended time away. If not, here are some
things to consider:
- Let your landlord and
neighbors know when you plan to leave and return, so they can help keep
an eye on things for you. You may want to leave a key with a friend or
neighbor. Don't leave a key hidden under the mat or in a mailbox.
- Ask someone to
collect your mail, or ask the post office to hold it. You can also
submit a temporary change of
address form online. Stop regular deliveries of newspapers.
- Don't leave an away
message on your answering machine or IM.
- Set your heat to 55
degrees. Don't turn off your heat during the winter, because your
pipes could freeze and burst.
- Lower the setting on
your water heater, and turn it back up when you return.
- Close shades or
curtains to keep your home cooler and to keep people from looking in.
- Dispose of trash and
recycling, and wash up any dishes in the sink (dirty dishes and trash
attract bugs and mice).
- If you aren't driving
your car, leave it parked off the street if possible (but don't block
access to sidewalks).
- Lock all individual apartments. Last person out
check that all doors are locked.
- Turn off and unplug all appliances.
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