Vacation Home Checklist: What to Do Before You Leave
A vacation home checklist is essential for making sure your home is safe, secure, and ready for your time away. Of course, before you lock the doors and head out it’s a good idea to protect your home. With this vacation home checklist, you can protect your home, save energy, and avoid coming back to any unpleasant surprises.
Packing bags and confirming reservations may get most of the attention before a vacation, but preparing the house matters too. A plumbing leak, power problem, or unlocked window can turn into a much larger issue when nobody is home to notice it. A short inspection before leaving can reduce property damage, unnecessary energy use, and security risks.
This Vacation Home Checklist Can Save You Lots of Anxiety
We put a lot of work decorating our vacation homes and it’s a good idea to think about how to protect it. Unfortunately, we don’t often think about how essential it is to keep a vacation home checklist handy.
From adjusting your thermostat and unplugging appliances to securing windows and taking care of last-minute details, these simple steps will give you greater peace of mind so you can relax and enjoy your vacation without worrying about what’s happening back home.
Below, you’ll discover some key things to do and prepare before you pack your bags and head out the door.
Check for Water Problems
Look beneath sinks, around toilets, near the water heater, and behind appliances for signs of leaks. Even a slow drip can cause considerable damage if it continues for several days. Keeping a vacation home checklist handy will remind you to always check for any signs of water problems.
Consider shutting off the main water supply during longer trips if doing so is appropriate for your home’s plumbing and appliances. At minimum, make sure faucets are completely off and avoid running the dishwasher or washing machine immediately before leaving.
Adjust the Temperature
There is usually no reason to heat or cool an empty home to normal occupied temperatures. Adjusting the thermostat can reduce energy consumption while keeping indoor conditions within a safe range.
Do not turn heating or cooling systems off automatically. During winter, adequate heat helps protect pipes from freezing. Extreme summer heat can create problems with humidity and temperature-sensitive belongings.
Unusual noises, weak airflow, or inconsistent temperatures should be investigated before departure. Calling a heating repair company before a winter trip is far better than discovering a system failure after several days of freezing temperatures.
Reduce Fire and Electrical Risks
Unplug unnecessary electronics and small appliances, including countertop kitchen equipment. Avoid disconnecting devices that need continuous power, such as refrigerators, security systems, or sump pumps.
Take out the trash, remove perishable food that may spoil, and confirm that the stove and oven are off. Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms if they are due for routine testing.
Make the Home Look Occupied – A Vacation Home Checklist Priority
Lock every exterior door and window, including less obvious entrances such as basement windows and garage access doors. Avoid leaving spare keys in predictable outdoor locations.
Timers or smart controls can switch lights on and off at realistic times. Stop mail and package deliveries or ask someone you trust to collect them. An overflowing mailbox or stack of packages can signal that nobody is home.
A vacation-ready home does not require complicated preparation just your vacation home checklist always handy. Focus on the problems that become more serious when left unnoticed: water leaks, temperature changes, electrical hazards, and unsecured entrances. For more information on preparing your vacation home, look over the accompanying infographic below.
