Preparing Your Penthouse Before Extended Travel
As summer draws closer, many prepare to leave the city behind in favor of more relaxed, exclusive destinations. Whether it’s a seasonal retreat to the Hamptons, a villa in the South of France, or a cultural getaway in cities like London or Barcelona, extended travel is a hallmark of a well-curated lifestyle. But before departing, it’s essential to ensure your house is properly prepared, both for peace of mind while you’re away and a seamless return. For most luxury homeowners, full-scale residential cleaning and maintenance are handled by professional services. Still, there are a few simple, high-impact steps you can take to complement those services and protect your space.
1. Clear and Simplify Surfaces
Even if your cleaning team will handle deep cleaning, take a few moments to declutter visible surfaces. Remove personal items, sensitive documents, or anything you wouldn’t want left out. A clean, minimal space allows your service team to work more efficiently and reduces the risk of misplaced valuables.
2. Empty Perishables and Refresh Essentials
Before leaving, dispose of perishable items in the refrigerator and pantry. While staff may handle general cleaning, this small step prevents odors and ensures a fresh environment upon return. You may also want to leave a short list requesting your team to restock essentials before you arrive back.
3. Schedule a Professional Deep Cleaning
Arrange for your residential cleaning service to perform a thorough deep clean just before your departure. This ensures every surface, fabric, and detail is properly maintained while you’re away, minimizing dust buildup and preserving the overall condition of your home. It also allows you to return to a perfectly refreshed space without needing immediate attention.
4. Prepare for Your Return
Think ahead. Set out fresh linens or leave instructions for your service team to prepare the bedroom and bathrooms just before your return. Coming back from travel is far more enjoyable when your home feels immediately welcoming.
5. Adjust Climate and Lighting Settings
Coordinate with your building management or service provider, but personally ensure your thermostat is set appropriately for energy efficiency. If you use smart lighting, program a few lights to turn on periodically to maintain the appearance of occupancy.
Preparing your house doesn’t require extensive effort, just thoughtful, intentional steps that complement the work of your trusted residential cleaning service providers. With minimal preparation, you can leave with confidence and return to a space that feels just as refined and comfortable as when you left it.