Pre-Vacation Home Checklist: What to Do Before You Leave

A relaxing trip begins with a house that is ready to be left alone. The aim of a pre-vacation routine is to prevent damage, reduce wasted energy, and make an empty home look occupied. You can finish most of this checklist in an hour or two the day before you leave.

Security Checklist

• Lock all doors and windows, including garage and basement entries.
• Ask a trusted neighbor, friend, or family member to check the property and take in packages.
• Pause mail delivery with the postal service or ask someone to collect it.
• Use timers to turn a few interior lights on and off in the evening.
• Keep curtains and blinds in their usual positions rather than fully closed.
• Avoid sharing your travel dates publicly, including on social media.
• Leave a spare key only with someone you trust, never hidden outside.
• Arrange for lawn care or snow removal so the property looks maintained.

Plumbing Checklist

• Check under sinks and around toilets, the water heater, and the washing machine for any drips.
• For longer trips, consider shutting off the main water valve, especially in freezing or very hot weather. Ask a professional if you are unsure how your system should be handled.
• Turn the water heater to its vacation or low setting if it has one, following the manufacturer's directions.
• Close the washing machine hose valves if they are accessible.
• In cold weather, leave the heat set to a safe minimum and open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls so warm air reaches the pipes.

Kitchen, Appliance, and Energy Checklist

• Use up or discard perishable food and take out the trash and recycling.
• Wipe counters and leave the dishwasher empty and the door slightly open.
• Leave the refrigerator running, and turn off the ice maker if you will be gone a long time.
• Unplug small appliances such as toasters, coffee makers, and chargers.
• Check that the stove, oven, and any space heaters are off.

Energy Checklist

• Set the thermostat to an energy-saving setting appropriate for the season rather than turning the system off entirely.
• Turn off or unplug electronics that draw standby power, such as game consoles and some televisions.
• Switch off lights you are not putting on timers.
• Close fireplace dampers and make sure no fires are left burning.

Final Walk-Through

• Check every room one last time for open windows, running water, and lights.
• Put valuables in a safe place, and consider storing important documents out of sight.
• Make sure pets have care arrangements, including food, water, and a backup contact.
• Give your emergency contact details and your itinerary to someone you trust.
• Leave the contact information for your plumber or home repair service with the person looking after the house.

Coming Home

When you return, walk through before unpacking. Check ceilings for stains, sniff for musty odors, and run the taps for a minute. If you shut off the main water, turn it back on slowly and look for leaks. Restart appliances one at a time. If you notice anything unusual, such as a burning smell or active leak, shut off the relevant supply and call a qualified professional.

If you will be away for an extended period, consider telling your insurance agent and checking what your policy expects of a vacant or unattended home, since some policies have conditions after a certain number of days. Keep a printed copy of your checklist on the refrigerator so a house sitter or relative knows exactly what to look for.

Takeaway: Secure the house, protect the plumbing, power down what you can, and have someone check in. A little preparation lets you enjoy your trip without worrying about home.