Ultimate Vacation Prep: 19 Essential Things to Do Before Leaving Home

Summer is here, and for many, that means vacation time! Whether you’re embarking on an epic road trip across the country, setting sail on a relaxing cruise, escaping to a rustic outdoor camping adventure, or retreating to a cozy cabin by the lake, leaving your home unattended requires careful preparation. While your house might not feel lonely in the traditional sense, it will certainly miss your attentive maintenance. To ensure peace of mind during your getaway, it’s crucial to take care of a few essential tasks inside and outside your home. This comprehensive guide outlines 19 things you should meticulously address before going on vacation, allowing you to relax and enjoy your trip to the fullest.

The Ultimate Vacation Preparation Checklist: 19 Must-Do Tasks

This list covers everything from saving energy to ensuring your home’s security and preventing unwanted surprises upon your return.

1. Set Your Water Heater to Vacation Mode

Why waste energy heating water you won’t be using? Before leaving, switch your hot water heater to “VAC” (vacation) mode. This setting maintains a lower water temperature, significantly reducing energy consumption until you return and switch it back to normal operation. Consulting your water heater’s manual is essential for locating and activating the vacation mode setting. Some modern water heaters even allow you to program specific start and end dates for vacation mode, providing added convenience and control.

2. Test Your Smoke Detectors

Your smoke detectors are your home’s first line of defense against fire. Before your departure, ensure all smoke detectors are functioning correctly by pressing the test button on each unit. Replace batteries if necessary. A working smoke detector can quickly alert neighbors to a potential fire, minimizing damage and potentially saving lives. Consider installing interconnected smoke detectors that all sound an alarm if one detects smoke, providing comprehensive coverage throughout your home.

3. Unplug Unnecessary Electronics

Even when turned off, many electronics continue to draw a small amount of power, known as “phantom load.” Over time, this can add up to significant energy waste. Save money and conserve energy by unplugging all unnecessary electronics before leaving. This includes TVs, computers, chargers, and small appliances. Of course, essential appliances like your refrigerator should remain plugged in. Consider using a smart power strip that automatically cuts power to devices when they’re not in use, further reducing energy consumption.

4. Thoroughly Clean Out the Refrigerator

Returning from vacation to a fridge full of spoiled food is never a pleasant experience. Before your trip, carefully sort through your refrigerator and freezer, disposing of any items that are likely to spoil while you’re away. Prioritize perishable items like fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. While you might be tempted to leave behind certain treats, consider whether they’ll still be edible upon your return. That almost empty vegetable drawer should be completely cleared out, but the case of beer? That can probably stay. Consider consuming or freezing any leftovers to prevent waste.

5. Temporarily Hold Your Mail

A pile of mail accumulating in your mailbox is a clear signal to potential burglars that you’re out of town. Prevent this security risk by placing a temporary hold on your mail delivery through the United States Postal Service (USPS) website. This free service ensures your mail is securely held at the post office until you return. Alternatively, ask a trusted neighbor to collect your mail daily.

6. Water Your Plants Diligently

Returning to a house full of dead or dying plants after a relaxing vacation is disheartening. Before you leave, give all your plants a thorough watering. For longer trips, consider using self-watering devices or asking a neighbor to water them regularly. Grouping your plants together can also help to create a more humid environment, reducing water loss.

7. Pay All Upcoming Bills in Advance

The last thing you want to worry about while lounging on the beach is a forgotten utility bill. Before your trip, ensure all upcoming bills are paid in full. Utilize online banking or automatic payment options to avoid late fees and potential service interruptions. Consider paying bills that are due shortly after your return as well, just to eliminate any post-vacation financial stress.

8. Set Your Thermostat Appropriately

Adjusting your thermostat is a simple yet effective way to save energy while you’re away. During summer months, set your thermostat to no higher than 85°F (29°C). This prevents your air conditioner from working overtime to cool an empty house. In the winter, set it to at least 50°F (10°C) to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting. A programmable thermostat can automatically adjust the temperature based on your schedule, further optimizing energy savings.

9. Strip Your Bed and Air Out Your Mattress

An extended absence is the perfect opportunity to freshen up your mattress. Before leaving, strip all bedding and sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda over the surface of the mattress. Baking soda absorbs odors and moisture. Upon your return, simply vacuum up the baking soda for a fresh, clean sleeping surface. Consider washing your bedding before you leave so you have fresh sheets to return to.

10. Sprinkle Baking Soda in Your Toilets

Standing water in toilet bowls can become stagnant and attract odors. Keep your toilets sanitary while you’re away by sprinkling a generous amount of baking soda into each bowl. Baking soda helps to deodorize and prevent the growth of mildew.

11. Do All the Laundry Before Packing

Starting your vacation with a clean slate is always a good idea. Ensure all your laundry is done before you begin packing. This ensures you have all your favorite outfits at your disposal and prevents a mountain of dirty clothes from accumulating while you’re gone. Returning to a clean home feels much better than returning to a mess.

12. Notify Your Alarm Company of Your Travel Dates

If you have a home security system, inform your alarm company of your travel dates. This prevents false alarms and ensures that they can properly monitor your home while you’re away. Provide them with a contact number for someone who can be reached in case of an emergency.

13. Mow Your Lawn Before Leaving

An overgrown lawn is an obvious indicator that a house is unoccupied. Maintain your home’s curb appeal and deter potential burglars by mowing your lawn before your vacation. If you’ll be gone for an extended period, consider hiring a lawn care service to maintain your yard while you’re away.

14. Clean and Lemonize Your Drains

Drains can be breeding grounds for unpleasant odors and fruit flies. Before your trip, thoroughly clean all drains in your sinks and showers. Remove any food debris or hair from the drain traps. After cleaning, squeeze half a lemon down each drain to freshen and deodorize them.

15. Double-Check Your Windows and Doors

A simple yet crucial step: ensure all windows and doors are securely closed and locked. This is your primary defense against intruders. Double-check every entry point to your home.

16. Finalize Pet Care Arrangements

If you’re leaving pets at home, ensure they have adequate care. This might involve booking a stay at a reputable boarding facility or hiring a reliable pet sitter. Provide detailed care instructions, including feeding schedules, medication administration, and emergency contact information. Leave an extra key with your pet sitter or boarding facility in case of emergencies. Also, have your pet’s carrier and vet contact information readily available.

17. Empty All Trash Cans and Add Baking Soda

Take out all trash bags before leaving and sprinkle a small amount of baking soda into the bottom of each trash can to absorb any lingering odors. This prevents unpleasant smells from developing while you’re away.

18. Wash All Dishes and Empty the Dishwasher

Ensure all dishes are clean and the dishwasher is empty before your trip. This prevents food from rotting and creating unpleasant odors while you’re away. It’s also a nice feeling to come home to a clean kitchen.

19. Provide a Trusted Neighbor with Your Emergency Contact Information

Leave your emergency contact information with a trusted neighbor who can keep an eye on your property while you’re gone. This includes your phone number, the name and phone number of a local contact person, and any relevant information about your home, such as alarm codes or pet care instructions. A good neighbor can be an invaluable asset in case of an emergency.

Did we miss any crucial vacation preparation tips? Share your suggestions in the comments below, and have a fantastic and worry-free vacation!