As the crisp air of cooler weather beckons, the urge to travel becomes undeniable. Many of us are more eager than ever to explore new destinations or simply unwind after years of navigating pandemic restrictions. Whether your clients are embarking on a much-needed holiday getaway or have strategically planned their trip to coincide with home showings and open houses, thorough preparation is key.
The goal is always the same: to ensure their homes remain safe, sound, aesthetically pleasing, and ready for a smooth return. This comprehensive guide offers an essential checklist designed to equip homeowners with the knowledge and steps needed for a worry-free departure and a welcoming return.
Your Comprehensive Pre-Vacation Home Preparation Guide
1. Inform Your Insurance Provider About Your Absence
One of the most critical steps before leaving your home vacant for an extended period is to contact your insurance company. Many standard homeowner’s insurance policies include clauses that may void coverage if a property is left unoccupied for a certain number of days—often 30 to 60 days—without someone regularly checking in. Failing to notify them could have disastrous financial consequences should an unforeseen event occur, such as a burst pipe, fire, or theft.
Beyond simply preventing a voided policy, discussing your travel plans with your insurer allows you to understand any specific requirements or recommendations they might have. They may suggest arranging for a trusted house-sitter, a neighbor, or a professional service to conduct regular checks. This proactive communication safeguards your investment and provides invaluable peace of mind, knowing your home is covered against potential disasters like furnace failures, freezing pipes, or roof leaks.
2. Deep Clean and Declutter Your Refrigerator and Pantry
Imagine returning from a relaxing vacation only to be greeted by a foul odor emanating from your kitchen. To avoid this unpleasant scenario, take the time to thoroughly clean out your refrigerator. Dispose of or freeze any perishable items that might spoil during your absence. This includes opened condiments, fresh produce, dairy, and leftovers. A clean fridge not only prevents putrid smells and bacterial growth but also deters pests.
If your home is being shown while you’re away, a pristine, fresh-smelling kitchen is paramount for making a positive first impression. Extend this clean-up to your pantry as well, ensuring all open food packages are sealed or removed to prevent attracting unwanted critters.
3. Eliminate All Household Waste: Garbage, Compost, and Recycling
Similar to cleaning out the fridge, ensuring all waste bins are empty and clean before you leave is non-negotiable. Leftover food scraps, wrappers, or even damp recycling can quickly develop unpleasant odors and attract pests like flies, ants, or even rodents. Schedule your departure after your regular trash collection day, or arrange for a neighbor to take out any remaining refuse.
This simple act guarantees that your home remains fresh-smelling throughout your vacation, creating a more pleasant environment upon your return and preventing any embarrassing odors during potential home showings.
4. Unplug Non-Essential Appliances and Electronics
Many appliances, even when turned off, continue to draw a small amount of electricity known as “phantom load” or “vampire power.” Unplugging non-essential electronics such as TVs, computers, chargers, coffee makers, toasters, and even lamps can lead to surprising savings on your electricity bill. More importantly, it significantly reduces the risk of electrical fires caused by power surges or faulty wiring while you’re away.
Exceptions to this rule would be your refrigerator (if not completely emptied and cleaned), any security systems, and smart home hubs that require continuous power. This small habit provides both financial and safety benefits, ensuring your home is secure and energy-efficient.
5. Optimize Your Thermostat Settings for Energy and Protection
A smart thermostat is an invaluable tool for vacation preparation. Instead of turning off your heating or cooling system entirely, program your thermostat to maintain a moderate temperature. In colder months, setting it no lower than 15°C (59°F) helps prevent pipes from freezing and bursting, which can cause catastrophic water damage. In warmer months, setting it no higher than 25°C (77°F) can prevent excessive heat buildup, protecting electronics and furniture from damage, and inhibiting mold growth.
If your home is on the market, consider a slightly more comfortable range for showings – perhaps 18-20°C (64-68°F) in winter and 22-24°C (72-75°F) in summer. Many smart thermostats allow remote adjustment, offering flexibility if a showing requires a warmer or cooler environment. This balance saves energy while protecting your property from extreme temperatures.
6. Utilize Timed Lighting for Enhanced Security
One of the easiest ways to deter potential intruders is to create the illusion that your home is occupied. Placing a few lights on timers in different rooms, set to turn on and off at varying intervals, can simulate daily activity. This strategy is far more effective than leaving a single light on continuously, which can signal an empty home.
Consider using smart lighting systems that can be controlled remotely or programmed with random patterns. Don’t forget exterior lights, especially porch and driveway lights, which add another layer of security. This simple yet effective measure makes your home less appealing to those looking for an easy target.
7. Arrange for Property Maintenance and Mail Collection
An overflowing mailbox, unkempt lawn, or unshoveled driveway are clear indicators of a vacant home. Before you leave, arrange for someone to handle essential property maintenance. This could be a trusted neighbor, a local teenager looking to earn some extra money, or a professional service.
Their duties should include collecting mail, newspapers, flyers, and any packages left at your door. In winter, snow removal is crucial for both security and preventing slips or falls. In summer, lawn mowing and plant watering maintain your home’s curb appeal, which is especially important if your property is on the market. This consistent upkeep ensures your home looks lived-in and well-cared-for.
8. Secure All Windows and Doors Thoroughly
It may seem obvious, but rushing before vacation can lead to overlooked security details. Walk around your entire home, both inside and out, and double-check every window and door. Ensure they are not just closed, but securely locked. This includes basement windows, patio doors, and even the doors to sheds or detached garages.
Many people have a habit of leaving windows slightly ajar for fresh air, even in cooler weather. Make sure all these are firmly shut and locked. Consider adding extra security measures like secondary locks or window bars for added peace of mind. A secure perimeter is your first line of defense against potential break-ins.
9. Address Laundry: Empty and Air Out Washer and Dryer
Returning home to a load of forgotten, moldy laundry is an unpleasant experience no one wants. In the rush to pack, it’s easy to overlook clothes in the washer or dryer. Ensure both machines are completely empty before you leave.
To prevent mold, mildew, and stale odors from developing inside the appliances, leave the doors of your washing machine and dryer slightly ajar to allow for air circulation. An even more critical step for longer absences is to turn off the water supply to your washing machine. This prevents potential hose bursts or leaks that could cause significant water damage while you’re away.
10. Perform a Thorough Tidy-Up Before Departure
While the urge to simply “escape” might be strong, investing a little time in tidying up before you leave will pay dividends upon your return. A clean and organized home awaiting your arrival after a long journey significantly reduces post-vacation stress. There’s nothing quite like walking into a fresh, inviting space after days or weeks away.
If your home is being shown to potential buyers, this step is non-negotiable. Declutter countertops, clean surfaces, vacuum floors, and ensure beds are made. A tidy home presents better, enhancing its appeal and potentially leading to a quicker sale. It reflects pride of ownership and creates an immediate positive impression.
11. Safeguard Valuables and Important Documents
Before you depart, take inventory of any highly valuable items, irreplaceable heirlooms, sensitive documents, or significant amounts of cash. Consider storing these items in a secure location, such as a safety deposit box at your bank, a hidden home safe, or with a trusted family member. It’s also wise to make digital copies of essential documents like passports, insurance policies, and critical contact information, stored securely in the cloud or on an encrypted drive.
While taking precautions like timed lights and mail collection deters many, absolute security for your most prized possessions requires an extra layer of protection. This step ensures that even in the unlikely event of a break-in, your most important assets are safe.
12. Manage Your Mail, Newspaper, and Package Deliveries
An overflowing mailbox or a pile of newspapers on your doorstep is a tell-tale sign that a home is vacant. Contact your local postal service to put a hold on your mail for the duration of your trip. If you subscribe to newspapers or magazines, suspend their delivery. For any planned package deliveries, arrange for them to be redirected, held at the post office, or picked up by a trusted person.
This simple act not only maintains the illusion of occupancy but also prevents valuable items from being left exposed, making your home a less attractive target for thieves.
13. Attend to Indoor and Outdoor Plants
If you have indoor plants, arrange for their care. This could involve asking a friend or neighbor to water them, using self-watering systems, or grouping them together in a spot with indirect light to conserve moisture. For outdoor plants, especially those in pots, consider moving them to a sheltered area or setting up a drip irrigation system if you’re away for an extended period. Don’t let your green companions suffer in your absence, as withered plants can also signal an empty home.
14. Notify Trusted Contacts and Neighbors of Your Travel Plans
Beyond your insurance company, it’s a good practice to inform a few trusted individuals about your travel plans. Provide a close family member, a reliable neighbor, or your property manager with your itinerary and emergency contact information. If you have a home security system, notify the monitoring company of your absence and provide them with an updated contact list.
Leave a spare key with a local contact who can access your home in case of an emergency, or if the house sitter needs to enter. This network of contacts can act as your eyes and ears, providing an additional layer of security and responsiveness in your absence.
15. Perform Final Safety Checks: Alarms and Main Water Shut-Off
Before locking up and heading out, conduct one final sweep. Ensure all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms are in working order and have fresh batteries. For extended vacations, especially during winter months, consider turning off your main water supply. This significantly reduces the risk of major water damage from burst pipes or leaks while no one is home to catch them.
However, if you’ve arranged for plant watering or have an automated humidifier, this might not be feasible. Weigh the pros and cons based on your specific circumstances and length of absence. These final checks provide maximum reassurance that your home is safe and sound.
By diligently following this comprehensive checklist, homeowners can significantly reduce stress and enhance the security of their property. Proactive planning ensures that whether your journey is for pure relaxation or involves the logistics of selling a home, you can depart with confidence and return to a welcoming, worry-free environment. Enjoy your travels!