🏖️ Headed on Vacation? Don’t Forget to Prepare Your Home Before You Go

Planning a family vacation? While you’re dreaming of sandy beaches or scenic mountains, don’t forget to prepare your home before heading out. Many homeowners get caught up in trip logistics and end up rushing back to lock a door, take out the trash, or grab something they forgot.

Getting your home vacation-ready is just as important as packing your bags. A little prep goes a long way in keeping your house secure, clean, and stress-free while you’re away. Here’s a helpful checklist to make sure your home is ready to welcome you back—relaxed, refreshed, and worry-free.

🧹 Clean and Tidy Before You Leave

Nothing beats coming home to a clean house after a long trip. A few extra steps before you leave will help make your return feel like a welcome-home gift.

• Do the laundry: You’ll come back with dirty clothes, so start fresh. Clean what you’ve got now to avoid overwhelming laundry piles.

• Wash your sheets: Sleeping in your own bed feels amazing—make sure those sheets are fresh and clean.

• Scrub the bathrooms: Mildew and grime worsen when left alone. A quick clean will save you from coming back to funky odors.

• Tidy the kitchen: Wash dishes, wipe counters, and run the garbage disposal. Dirty dishes left behind can attract pests and lead to mold.

🌿 Take Care of the Yard

Overgrown lawns or snowy driveways are clear signs that no one’s home.

• Mow the lawn before leaving, and set sprinkler timers.

• Hire help if you’ll be gone a while—consider lawn service or snow removal depending on the season.

📬 Pause Mail and Package Deliveries

An overflowing mailbox or a pile of packages is a target for theft.

• Hold mail through the USPS or ask a neighbor to collect it.

• Pause deliveries or redirect them if needed.

• Consider a house sitter to keep up appearances.

🐾 Make Pet Arrangements

Don’t leave your pets in a bind while you’re away.

• Board them at a trusted kennel.

• Hire a pet sitter or ask a friend to care for them.

• Provide detailed instructions about feeding, medications, and routines.

🧊 Empty the Fridge

No one wants to come home to spoiled milk or funky leftovers.

• Use or toss perishables before you go.

• Freeze what you can to avoid waste.

• Take out the trash (including bathroom and bedroom bins) to prevent odors and pests.

🔌 Unplug and Power Down

Save energy and protect your electronics.

• Unplug devices like TVs, computers, and kitchen appliances.

• Set your water heater to vacation mode or the lowest temperature. For winter trips, don’t turn it off entirely to avoid frozen pipes.

• Turn off the main water supply unless someone will need access.

🌡️ Adjust the Thermostat

Set the temperature to save money while protecting your home.

• Summer: Set to around 85°F.

• Winter: Keep it between 50°F and 60°F to prevent freezing pipes.

• Never turn it off completely—extreme temperatures can damage your home and belongings.

🔒 Lock It Down

Double-check that your home is secure before you leave.

• Lock all doors and windows, including garage and basement entrances.

• Close blinds to reduce heat gain and keep valuables out of sight.

• Set your alarm and test it beforehand.

• Use light timers to make it look like someone’s home.

✅ Final Check: The Pre-Departure Home Checklist

Before you walk out the door, run through this quick list:

• All trash emptied

• Refrigerator cleared of perishables

• Dishes cleaned and put away

• Thermostat set

• Water supply shut off (if needed)

• Electronics unplugged

• Mail paused or collected

• Pets cared for

• Alarm set and lights on timers

• All windows and doors locked

A little preparation now means a smoother return later. Safe travels—and enjoy your vacation knowing your home is secure and ready for your return!