Pack Your Bags, Prep Your Home

There is nothing quite like getting ready for vacation. Bags are packed, reservations are confirmed, pets need plans, and last-minute errands always seem to pop up. But before you lock the door and leave, take a few minutes to prepare your home.

A simple pre-vacation checklist can help protect your property, prevent damage, reduce energy waste, and give you peace of mind while you are away.

Make the Home Look Lived In

The first goal is simple: do not make it obvious that nobody is home. Mail piling up, packages on the porch, newspapers in the driveway, or flyers stuck in the door can quickly signal that a house is empty.

Ask a trusted neighbor, friend, or family member to collect anything that arrives. You can also place a temporary hold on your mail if you will be gone for more than a few days. If trash or recycling pickup happens while you are away, ask someone to bring the bins back in after collection.

Take Care of the Yard

During the summer, a yard can change quickly. Grass grows, flowers dry out, gardens need water, and storms can blow outdoor items around. If the lawn may look overgrown, arrange for mowing. If you have flowers, hanging baskets, gardens, or new landscaping, ask someone to water them.

Use Lights the Smart Way

A completely dark house night after night can stand out, but leaving the same lamp on for a full week is not ideal either. Timers and smart plugs are a simple solution. Set a few lamps to turn on and off at normal times, especially in rooms visible from the street. Outdoor motion lights can also help.

Lock Doors and Windows

This sounds obvious, but it is easy to miss when you are rushing. Before heading out, do one final walk-through. Check exterior doors, sliding doors, the garage entry door, basement windows, first-floor windows, and any upstairs windows that may have been opened.

If you have a security system, arm it before you leave. Make sure anyone checking on the home knows how to access the house, turn off the alarm if needed, and contact you in an emergency.

Protect Against Water Problems

Water issues are one of the biggest risks when a home is empty. A small leak can become a major problem if nobody notices it.

Before you leave, check under sinks, around toilets, near the water heater, and around appliances like the washing machine, dishwasher, and refrigerator. For longer trips, consider shutting off the main water valve. Avoid running the washing machine or dishwasher right before you leave.

Adjust the Thermostat

You do not need to heat or cool an empty house the same way you would when everyone is home. Set the thermostat to a reasonable level that saves energy while still protecting the home, furniture, electronics, and any pets staying behind.

Clean the Kitchen and Take Out the Trash

Nobody wants to come home to bad smells, fruit flies, or a leaking trash bag. Before leaving, take out the garbage, empty food that may spoil, wipe down counters, and make sure there are no dirty dishes in the sink.

Unplug and Double-Check

Walk through the home and unplug small appliances and electronics that do not need power while you are gone, such as coffee makers, toasters, chargers, hair tools, and countertop appliances.

Also double-check that the stove, oven, candles, fireplaces, and outdoor fire features are completely off.

Be Careful With Social Media

It is tempting to post vacation photos in real time, but public posts can announce that your home is empty. Consider waiting until you return to share photos, or limit posts to a private audience.

Leave Instructions With Someone You Trust

Make sure someone reliable can access your home if needed. Leave a key, garage code, alarm instructions, and emergency contact information with a trusted person. Let them know what to do if there is a storm, power outage, leak, package delivery, or other issue.

Vacations are supposed to be relaxing. Taking a little time to prepare your home before you leave can help you enjoy your trip without wondering if you forgot something important.

Lock up, clean up, shut things down, make the house look occupied, and have someone reliable keep an eye on things. That simple checklist can help you return to the home you left — not a problem waiting at the door.