Take care of these quick home prep steps so you can truly relax on vacation.
The excitement of heading out on vacation is hard to beat, but nothing will kill that vacation vibe faster than worrying about what’s happening back home. With a little prep before you leave, you can protect your home, avoid unnecessary expenses and give yourself peace of mind.
Here’s a simple checklist of things to take care of around the house before your next trip:
1. Tidy Up the Kitchen
- Empty the fridge of any perishables that won’t last until you get back (think milk and leftovers).
- Run the dishwasher. Be sure to leave it cracked open, if possible, to avoid odors.
- Wipe down the counters and throw away any fresh fruit or vegetables that may spoil.
- Take out the trash and recycling.
2. Set Your Thermostat(s) Wisely
- If you have a smart thermostat, use the vacation setting or control it remotely.
- In summer, set your AC a few degrees higher than normal (around 78–80°F).
- In winter, lower your heat but be sure not to go below 55°F to avoid frozen pipes.
3. Pause/Hold Deliveries
- Hold your mail through USPS or ask a neighbor to collect it.
- Pause newspaper delivery or any regular shipments that might sit on your porch.
- Consider a package lockbox or ask a friend to check for deliveries.
4. Prep Your Plumbing
- Consider turning off your main water supply to avoid leaks or burst pipes.
- Drain any outdoor hoses and turn off sprinkler systems, if appropriate.
- If you’re traveling in winter, be sure to leave cabinet doors open to allow warm air to reach pipes.
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5. Check Windows and Doors
- Do a walkthrough to ensure every window is locked.
- Double-check all doors, including garage and basement entries.
- Close blinds or curtains, but strategically leave a few open for a lived-in look.
6. Manage Lights and Electronics
- Use timers or smart plugs to turn a few lights on and off while you're away
- Unplug larger electronics to save energy and reduce fire risk.
- Consider installing a smart security camera or video doorbell for peace of mind.
7. Notify a Trusted Neighbor or Friend
- Let someone local know your travel dates and how to reach you.
- Give them a spare key or garage code in case of emergency.
- Consider asking them to water plants, or check in periodically, if you’ll be gone more than a week.
8. Take Care of the Yard
- Mow the lawn just before you leave.
- Trim back shrubs or trees near doors and windows.
- Set sprinklers to maintain curb appeal if you're planning to be gone for a while
9. Do a Final Walkthrough
- Check that stove, oven, and small appliances are off.
- Make sure doors are locked and alarms are set.
- Toss out any remaining trash or laundry that might smell.
- Set your out-of-office email and enjoy the feeling of being officially “off duty”!
Now that your home’s in order, you’ve only got one job left: enjoy every minute of your adventure and don’t look back (unless it’s to double-check you packed the sunscreen)!
Safe travels!
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