The Ultimate Checklist: Home Preparation Before Vacation

Vacations are exciting and much-needed breaks from the hustle and bustle of daily life. But before you jet off to your tropical paradise or head to a quiet cabin for some rest, there’s one important task to take care of: preparing your home for your absence. Doing a little bit of work before you leave ensures that your home stays safe, well-maintained, and ready for you to return to without any surprises.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through an essential checklist of things to do at home before you go on vacation. These tips will help you safeguard your property, keep it in good condition, and give you peace of mind while you’re away.

Home Preparation Before Vacation Checklist:

1. Secure Your Home

One of the first things you want to do before you leave for vacation is to ensure your home is secure. A vacant home is an easy target for burglars, so taking proactive steps to make it look lived-in and keeping your valuables out of sight is crucial.

a. Lock all doors and windows: Make sure all windows and doors are properly locked before you leave. Don’t forget about garage doors, patio doors, or any other entry points.

b. Set up timers for lights: A dark house is a sure sign that no one is home. Set up timers for your indoor and outdoor lights to give the appearance that someone is around. Modern timers can be controlled through smart devices, making it easier than ever to adjust lights while you’re away.

c. Install a smart security system: If you don’t already have one, consider investing in a smart security system with cameras, motion detectors, and remote access via your smartphone. Not only will this help you keep an eye on things while you’re away, but it can also alert you if anything suspicious happens.

d. Don't forget your mailbox and deliveries:A full mailbox or visible packages can indicate that you're not at home. Either arrange for a neighbor to collect your mail or use a service like USPS Hold Mail to pause delivery while you’re gone.

2. Prevent Water Damage

Water damage is one of the most common and expensive problems that homeowners face. The last thing you want is to return from your vacation to find a burst pipe or overflowing bathtub. Taking a few precautions before you leave can help protect your home from water-related disasters.

a. Turn off the water supply: If you’re going to be gone for an extended period, consider turning off the main water supply to your home. This can help prevent leaks or ruptures from causing significant damage. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, ask a neighbor or friend to check on things for you.

b. Check for leaks: Inspect your plumbing fixtures—like faucets, toilets, and water heaters—before you leave. Even a small leak could turn into a big problem while you’re away. Repair any issues before you head out.

c. Clean your gutters: Clogged gutters can cause water to overflow and damage your roof, siding, and landscaping. Clean your gutters or hire a professional to do it before you leave, especially if you’re traveling during a rainy season.

3. Maintain Your HVAC System

Your home’s HVAC system needs attention before you leave to ensure it runs efficiently during your absence. This will help save on energy costs and prevent issues while you’re away.

a. Adjust the thermostat: Set your thermostat to an energy-efficient temperature. In the winter, set it to about 55°F to avoid freezing pipes. In the summer, raise it to 78°F to save on cooling costs.

b. Clean or replace filters: If you haven’t already, clean or replace your HVAC system’s filters. This will help keep air flowing smoothly and prevent any potential problems from arising while you're gone.

c. Turn off any unnecessary systems: If you're heading out for a short vacation, consider turning off non-essential systems. For instance, if you don’t need to cool your home or heat water, turn off the respective systems to save energy.

4. Take Care of Your Appliances

Many home appliances, if left unchecked, can lead to unexpected problems. Before you leave, give everything a once-over to make sure you’re not leaving anything on that could potentially malfunction or waste energy.

a. Unplug unnecessary electronics: Unplug small appliances like toasters, coffee makers, and lamps to save energy and reduce the risk of electrical fires. It’s also a good idea to unplug any devices that are known to malfunction when left on for too long.

b. Turn off large appliances: Don’t forget to turn off your large appliances, such as your stove, oven, dishwasher, and washing machine. Even if you don't unplug them, making sure they're turned off reduces energy consumption and minimizes risk.

c. Empty the fridge and take out the trash: A refrigerator with leftover food can start to smell after a few days, and forgotten trash bags will quickly begin to stink up your home. Empty your fridge, clean it out, and throw away any perishable items. Take out the trash and recycling before you leave to avoid unpleasant odors upon your return.

5. Check for Pests

No one wants to return home from vacation to find that pests have taken over. Taking steps to prevent pests from invading while you’re away can help you avoid costly extermination services.

a. Seal entry points: Check for gaps around windows, doors, and vents. Seal any cracks or openings to prevent pests from getting in.

b. Store food properly: Keep all food sealed in airtight containers. Leaving food out or in open packaging can attract pests like ants, mice, and insects.

c. Arrange for pest control: If you live in an area prone to certain pests, such as termites, roaches, or rodents, it might be a good idea to schedule a pest control treatment before you leave.

6. Organize Important Documents and Items

You may need to access important documents while you’re on vacation, so organizing and securing them before you go can save you time and stress.

a. Back up important files: Make sure all essential documents, like insurance papers, home warranties, and financial statements, are backed up electronically or stored in a secure cloud service. You may need them while you're away or upon your return.

b. Safeguard valuables: Put away any valuables, including jewelry, important documents, and electronics. Consider locking them in a safe or a hidden location.

7. Prepare Your Garden and Yard

Your yard can quickly get overgrown or neglected when you’re away. Taking some time to care for your garden and outdoor spaces before leaving will keep your home looking presentable and help prevent damage.

a. Water your plants: If you're going to be gone for an extended period, make sure to water your plants and flowers. You can set up a watering system or ask a friend or neighbor to check on your garden while you’re away.

b. Mow the lawn: Trim your lawn and take care of any overgrown areas before you leave. A well-maintained yard not only looks good but also prevents the growth of unwanted pests and overgrown plants.

c. Secure outdoor furniture: Bring in or cover any outdoor furniture to protect it from the elements. This will help maintain its condition and avoid any damage from storms or strong winds.

8. Notify Neighbors and Trusted Contacts

It’s always a good idea to let your trusted neighbors or friends know that you’ll be away. In case anything goes wrong, they can be your first line of defense.

a. Provide a contact number: Leave a way to reach you while you’re gone in case of an emergency. You can also provide a trusted neighbor with access to your home if needed.

b. Ask for assistance if necessary: If you need help watering your plants, collecting mail, or keeping an eye on your home, ask your neighbors or friends ahead of time.

Relax and Enjoy Your Vacation!

Preparing your home before you leave for vacation may feel like a lot of work, but these steps ensures that your home stays secure, safe, and in good condition while you’re away. Plus you’ll be able to enjoy your vacation without worrying about your home. With everything in place, you can rest easy knowing that everything will be just as you left it when you return.

Happy Travels!

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The above article “The Ultimate Checklist: Home Preparation Before Vacation” was provided by Kelly Gibbs, Realtor, Comey & Shepherd. Kelly can be reached via email at kelly@kscincy.com or by phone at 513-290-6216.

If you’re thinking of buying or selling a home or an investment property in the Cincinnati area I would love to share my marketing knowledge and expertise to help you! Contact me today!

I service the following Greater Cincinnati, OH areas: Amberley, Anderson Township, City of Cincinnati, Clifton, Columbia Tusculum, Blue Ash, Deer Park, Hyde Park, Indian Hill, Kennedy Heights, Kenwood, Loveland, Madeira, Madisonville, Mariemont, Mason, Milford, Montgomery, Mt. Lookout, Mt. Washington, Newtown, North Avondale, Northside, Norwood, Oakley, Pleasant Ridge, Silverton, Sycamore Township, Symmes Township, and Walnut Hills.