An extended vacation should be about relaxation and new experiences, not worrying about what’s happening back at the house. While it’s tempting to focus only on the fun ahead, taking some time to prep your home ensures a smoother return.
From cutting down on energy use to avoiding post-trip messes, simple steps ahead of time can save you from stress later. A little effort now makes it easier to truly unwind once you’re away.
Start With a Pre-Vacation Home Prep Mindset
Getting ready for a longer trip isn’t something you want to leave for the night before. Tackling small tasks over several days makes things manageable and gives you time to catch anything you missed.
A checklist helps keep everything on track. Whether you jot it down on paper or use an app, outlining tasks like unplugging electronics or looping in a neighbor means fewer things are left to chance.
Here’s a sample checklist to help you get started:
- Unplug non-essential electronics.
- Set the thermostat to vacation mode.
- Lock all windows and doors.
- Turn off the water supply.
- Empty fridge and trash cans.
- Place lights on timers.
- Arrange mail hold or pickup.
- Notify a trusted neighbor.
- Double-check smoke alarms and security systems.
Leave time for a final sweep: checking locks, adjusting shades, and walking through the house can give you peace of mind as you head out. Planning makes it easier to shift into vacation mode, knowing your home is covered.
Don’t Forget About Pets
If you have pets, sort out their care well in advance. Whether you hire a sitter, ask a friend, or book a boarding facility, you want someone dependable who knows your pet’s needs.
Write out feeding schedules, medication instructions, and emergency contact info. It’s smart to leave your vet’s number and a backup key, too, just in case.
Before you go, stock up on food, litter, or other essentials. That way, your pet’s routine won’t be disrupted while you’re gone.
Home Security and Neighborhood Communication
Ask a neighbor you trust to keep an eye on your place. Having someone who can bring in flyers, move bins, or park in your driveway helps your home appear lived-in.
If your area offers vacation checks through the local police department, consider signing up. It’s an easy way to add another layer of protection.
Timed lights or smart bulbs can make your home look occupied during the evening hours. Pair that with smart security upgrades like smart doorbells or cameras that send updates to your phone, and you’ve got a solid system in place.
Plumbing issues are easy to overlook, but they can do serious damage. Put together a vacation plumbing checklist and see that everything is checked off before you leave. Turn off your main water line, clear out drains, and inspect hoses. A quick check now could save you from a major cleanup later.
Mail, Deliveries, and Signs of Absence
A packed mailbox or a stack of packages is a dead giveaway that nobody’s home. Use USPS’s hold mail service or ask someone you trust to collect things while you’re gone.
It’s worth reviewing which subscriptions and deliveries you can pause during your trip. Doing so declutters your porch while keeping items from sitting out in plain sight.
You might also want to ask a friend or neighbor to swing by and check for unexpected deliveries or flyers. They can scoop those up before they attract attention.
Before you leave, consider walking around your yard with fresh eyes. Are the bins tucked away? Are tools stored and toys picked up? A quick tidy-up goes a long way in maintaining a lived-in look.
Unplug, Shut Down, and Secure Essentials
Major electronics, like televisions, kitchen gadgets, and gaming consoles, draw energy even when not in use. Unplugging them before you leave not only lowers utility costs but also helps reduce fire hazards.
Thermostats are another area where a small tweak can make a noticeable impact. Setting yours to an energy-efficient temperature keeps things stable without running up the bill. Smart models give you even more control while you’re away.
Before stepping out the door, give your home a careful once-over. Check each door, window, and garage entry. The less-used ones are often the easiest to miss.
Safety systems deserve a quick review, too. Confirm that smoke alarms are functioning and that your security system is ready to go. If you use professional monitoring, a quick heads-up about your absence can make their response more efficient in case something triggers an alert.
Prep Your Home’s Interior
Taking care of the inside of your home ensures you don’t come back to unexpected messes or smells. A quick run-through now saves time and frustration later:
- Kitchen and food safety. Clear out your fridge of anything that might expire while you’re away. Take out the trash and run the dishwasher so nothing lingers. Keeping pests and odors at bay starts before you leave, so wipe down surfaces and put away open food.
- Laundry and linens. Don’t leave dirty laundry sitting. Do a final load and empty the hamper. Fresh sheets on the bed also make your return feel a little more welcoming.
- Declutter for peace of mind. Tidy up the areas you use most. Straighten pillows, clear countertops, and put away anything left out. It’s a small gesture that makes a big difference when you get back.
Outdoor Maintenance Before You Go
Keeping up with the exterior of your home preserves curb appeal while signaling that someone is around and lowers the chance of storm damage while you’re away.
A freshly mowed lawn and trimmed hedges suggest the home is occupied, even if it’s not. If your trip spans more than a week or two, arranging for a lawn care service can help maintain that illusion.
Loose items like furniture cushions, garden tools, or decorations can become projectiles in high winds. Stashing or securing them reduces risk and keeps your yard looking tidy. Covering grills and closing up storage bins adds another layer of protection.
Overflowing bins can attract pests and send the wrong message to passersby. Coordinate with a neighbor to manage your trash days. That way, things get handled while you’re gone and your property stays looking well cared for.
Emergency Planning While You’re Away
Emergencies happen. Having a plan gives you peace of mind while you’re gone.
- Leave emergency contacts. Share your contact info with someone local and give them access to your home if needed. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference in a pinch.
- Prep for power outages or storms. Have surge protectors in place and leave out a flashlight in case of outages. You can also adjust your fridge settings to handle temperature shifts.
- Insurance and documents. Make sure your homeowners insurance is up-to-date and store important documents in a safe spot. Digital backups are also a smart idea.
Conclusion
No one wants to come home to an overflowing mailbox, spoiled food, or a preventable leak. That’s why a little planning goes a long way when it comes to leaving your home for an extended vacation. The steps you take now can save you from worry later.
Your mind is free to fully enjoy the time away when your house is in order. Coming back to a calm, intact space is one of the best welcomes home you can give yourself.
