Heading Out? 20 Must-Do Steps to Prepare Your Home Before Vacation

I like to travel, but I do not like to pay for things I am not using. I also hate coming home to a messy house. Whenever we go on vacation, I go through my checklist of things to do before going on a trip.

In this article, I’ll share my top tips for getting your home vacation-ready. I actually wrote this article after reading my checklist while getting ready for a 2,000 mile road trip.

This article is not going to cover what to pack. You already know how to do that. Instead I’m going to cover all the other things to do before you leave for vacation. Let’s get into the world of smart travel preparation!

Making a List 

The first step in my pre-travel routine is creating a comprehensive checklist. This might seem basic, but it’s a game-changer. I keep a running list that I update before each trip. It includes all the tasks we’ll cover in this article, plus any specific items for our family. 

For example, I always add a reminder to double-check that my kids’ activity bags are packed, especially for family road trips. I can’t stress enough how important it is to review and update this list regularly. 

Related: 23 Top Travel Tips From Frugal Frequent Flyers (With Video)

Temperature Control

Let’s start with home maintenance. Adjusting your home’s temperature before you leave is a crucial step in your pre-travel routine. Start by lowering the temperature on your water heater. Most water heaters have a “vacation” setting. If it doesn’t just lower it all the way down. There is no reason to heat water while you are away.

This simple action can save you money on your utility bill while you’re away. 

For your home’s climate control, set your air conditioner or heating system to an energy-efficient level. In summer, I bump our AC up a few degrees higher than usual, while in winter, I lower the heat. 

We turn our AC and furnace off when we leave on trips. Our thermostat can be controlled from our smart phones. So we just turn them back on before we head home. That way we walk into a comfortable home.

Related: Save Time and Money with These Expert Approved Travel Sites

Appliance and Utility Management

Next, take a walk through your home and unplug unnecessary electronics and appliances. This includes items like TVs, computers, toasters, and coffee makers. Unplugging these devices not only saves power but also protects them from power surges. 

Also, turn off all ceiling fans and lights throughout the house, except for a few lights to make it look like someone is home. This small step can prevent potential damage and reduce your energy consumption.

I wrote all about “killing energy vampires” in our article on 15 Mostly Easy Ways To Lower Your Monthly Electric Bill (With Video)

Related: How Often Should You Clean Your Kitchen Appliances? – Experts Weigh In

Water and Plumbing

Pay close attention to your home’s water system. Conduct a thorough check for any existing leaks or drips. Look under sinks, around toilets, and near your water heater. If you spot any issues, it’s best to address them before you leave. 

For longer trips, consider shutting off the main water supply to your home. This extra precaution can prevent major flooding if a pipe bursts while you’re away.

It might seem excessive, but as a landlord for more than two decades, I’ve dealt with enough plumbing issues to know it’s worth the peace of mind. 

Related: Did You Know You Can Do These 24 Travel Hacks On Your Phone For free? 

Home Security

Start by checking all doors and windows, ensuring they’re locked tight. Don’t forget about less obvious entry points like garage doors or basement windows. 

Next, use timers for your lights. These devices can make it seem like someone’s at home, which can discourage potential intruders. I usually set timers in the living room and a couple of bedrooms to mimic our normal evening routine.

It’s also wise to tell a trusted neighbor or friend about your trip. Ask them to keep an eye on your property and collect any packages that might arrive. If you have a neighborhood watch program, let them know you’ll be away too. 

If you have an alarm system, make sure it’s set before you leave. Double-check that all sensors are working properly and that your monitoring service has your current contact information.

Mail and Deliveries

Piles of mail and uncollected packages are clear signs of an empty house. You can easily put your mail on hold through the postal service’s website. This convenient service keeps your mail safe at the post office until you return. 

For those living elsewhere, ask a friend or neighbor to collect your mail regularly. Don’t forget about any regular deliveries you might receive. Pause your newspaper subscription and any recurring deliveries like meal kits or subscription boxes. 

If you’re expecting any important packages during your vacation, consider having them delivered to a trusted friend’s address instead.

Also check your Amazon deliveries, especially your Subscribe And Save subscriptions. Put any on hold that won’t arrive in time.

These simple steps help maintain the appearance of someone’s home and prevent valuable items sitting unattended on your doorstep.

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Cleaning the House

A clean house is a great gift to your future self. Before you leave, take the time to tidy up thoroughly. Start by tackling the dishes, wash everything and put it away. This prevents unpleasant odors and potential pest problems. 

Next, take out all the trash and replace the bags. Don’t forget to clean out your refrigerator too, tossing any items that might spoil. Vacuum or sweep all floors, and give bathrooms a quick clean. 

Lastly, do all the laundry. It’s so nice to come home to fresh, clean clothes instead of a mountain of dirty laundry. These steps might seem like a lot of work, but trust me, you’ll thank yourself when you return to a clean, welcoming home.

Related: Shhh! Cleaning Pros Don’t Want You To Know These 19 Cleaning Secrets

Food Management

Managing your food before a trip is crucial to avoid food waste and prevent unwanted visitors (like ants or mice). Start in your fridge. Take out all perishable food and sort it into two categories: what you’ll eat and what needs to be thrown away. 

Next, check your pantry. Gather all open bags of dried goods like seeds, nuts, crackers, and chips. If you can’t take them with you, seal them tightly in airtight containers. This step not only prevents food waste but also discourages pests looking for an easy meal.

Pro Tip: Instead of buying expensive airport or gas station snacks, pack food you already have at home. I always pack a mix of fruits, crackers, and homemade trail mix for our trips. They make great travel snacks and save you money on the road.

Related: How to Eat Healthy When You Travel

Bills and Payments

Taking care of your financial obligations before you leave ensures a worry-free vacation. Start by paying all necessary bills that will come due during your trip. This includes utilities, credit card payments, and any other regular expenses. 

If you haven’t already, consider setting up automatic payments for your recurring bills. This system works wonders for peace of mind, not just when you’re traveling but all year round. 

I’ve found that automating our bill payments has eliminated the stress of remembering due dates and freed up mental space for more enjoyable things.

Related: How Many Credit Cards Is Too Many? An Expert Answers.

Important Documents

Securing important documents is a crucial step in your pre-travel preparations. Gather all valuable papers such as birth certificates, social security cards, and any other sensitive information. 

Store these in a secure location like a home safe or a bank safety deposit box. This protects them from both theft and potential damage like fire or flooding. 

At the same time, make sure you have all necessary travel documents ready. This includes passports, visas, tickets, and any required vaccination records. 

I like to keep a digital copy of these documents in a secure cloud storage as a backup. Remember, it’s always better to be over-prepared when it comes to important paperwork.

Related: Top 10 Travel Tips To Pack Lighter

Pet Care

If you have furry, feathered, or scaly family members, arranging for their care is a top priority. For dogs and cats, you have several options. You might hire a pet sitter to come to your home daily, which allows your pets to stay in familiar surroundings. 

Alternatively, you could board them at a reputable kennel. For smaller pets like fish or hamsters, a reliable friend or neighbor might be able to stop by for daily feeding and care. 

Whichever option you choose, make sure to leave detailed instructions about feeding schedules, medication needs, and any special care requirements. Don’t forget to provide your vet’s contact information in case of emergencies.

Related: Vacation With Your Furry Friend: Traveling With Your Dog

Lawn and Plant Care

Don’t let your garden turn into a jungle while you’re away. Mow your lawn right before you leave so it doesn’t look overgrown upon your return. This not only keeps your property looking tidy but also discourages potential intruders who might target homes that appear unattended. 

For your indoor and outdoor plants, give them a good watering before you go. If you’ll be away for more than a week, consider asking a friend or neighbor to water them. 

Related: Need a Greener Garden? Here’s How to Start Sustainable Gardening Today!

Communication

Clear communication about your travel plans is an important safety measure. Inform a trusted neighbor or family member about your trip. Give them your travel itinerary and contact details. 

This step ensures someone knows where you are and how to reach you in case of an emergency at home. Leave them a spare key if you’re comfortable doing so, or tell them where to find one if needed. 

Also, provide them with any alarm codes or special instructions about your home. If you have a home security system, inform the monitoring company about your travel dates. This extra layer of communication can be invaluable if any issues arise while you’re away.

Related: Discover the Cheapest Airlines and Save Big on Your Next Flight!

Final Checks

Before you head out the door, it’s crucial to do one final walkthrough of your home. This last check helps catch any overlooked details and gives you extra peace of mind. Start at the top floor of your house and work your way down, carefully going through each room.

Make sure all windows are closed and locked securely. Unplug or turn off all electrical appliances at the wall. Check for any items you may have forgotten to pack. In the kitchen, double-check that the oven and stove are turned off and ensure no faucets are leaking.

This thorough inspection often reveals small things you might have missed, like a curling iron left plugged in or a half-empty water glass on a windowsill. 

Bon Voyage!

As we wrap up this guide to preparing your home for your absence, remember that each step you take, cleaning, securing, and organizing, is an investment in your peace of mind. 

This checklist might seem extensive, but with practice, it will become effortless. Adjust it to fit your specific needs and situation. The goal is to create a system that works for you and your family. 

With your home secure and everything in order, you can fully enjoy your time away. So go ahead, make those memories, take those photos, and enjoy every moment of your trip! 

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