Packing for a vacation is exciting, but don’t forget to prepare your home for vacation as well. A little planning now can help you relax while you’re away and avoid coming back to unwanted surprises. Securing your home, taking care of small tasks, and checking a few things off your list will give you peace of mind and help everything run smoothly while you’re gone.
Double-Check Doors and Windows When You Prepare Your Home for Vacation
Before heading out, walk through your house and make sure every door and window is locked. That includes lesser-used areas like the basement, garage, or back porch. It’s easy to forget a window that’s been cracked open for air or a side door that doesn’t get much use. Secure everything well. If you have sliding doors, place a bar or rod in the track to prevent them from being forced open.
If you have a security system, test it and set it before you leave. Consider setting up motion-activated lights outside your home to deter unwanted visitors. Smart doorbells and cameras are also great tools to monitor activity and get alerts directly to your phone.
Hold Mail and Deliveries
Nothing says “no one’s home” like a pile of packages or an overflowing mailbox. If you’ll be away for more than a couple of days, pause your mail with the post office or ask a neighbor to collect it. Do the same for packages—some carriers allow you to reschedule or hold deliveries. Newspapers on the driveway? Put those on pause, too. The fewer signs there are that your home is empty, the better.
Add Light Timers to Prepare Your Home for Vacation
Keeping your home looking lived-in is a simple way to discourage break-ins. Plug a few lamps into timers so they turn on and off at different times throughout the evening. This gives the impression that someone is home. Smart plugs make this even easier because you can control them from your phone and adjust things as needed while you’re gone.
Clean Out the Fridge and Take Out the Trash
It’s tempting to run out the door and leave things as they are, but take a few minutes to check your fridge. Toss anything that will expire while you’re gone so you don’t come home to a rotten smell. The same goes for the trash—take it out before you leave, even if the bin isn’t full. That includes kitchen garbage, bathroom wastebaskets, and even the diaper pail if you have one.
If you’ll be gone for over a week, pour some vinegar or baking soda down your drains to keep things fresh. You can also add a half cup of vinegar to the toilet bowl to help prevent rings and buildup while it sits unused.
Adjust the Thermostat
There’s no need to keep your house at your normal temperature if no one is there. Set your thermostat a few degrees higher in the summer or lower in the winter to save energy while still protecting your home. Just don’t turn it off completely. You still want to keep humidity levels in check and avoid extreme swings that could damage wood or electronics.
If you have a smart thermostat, you can adjust the settings while you’re away. That’s especially handy if your return date changes or you want the house to be comfortable when you walk in the door.
Unplug Unused Electronics
Even when turned off, electronics can draw power. Unplug things like TVs, computers, kitchen appliances, and chargers before you go. This will save power and protect your electronics from power surges while you’re gone.
It’s also a good idea to turn off power strips if you use them. Just make sure any devices you want to run while you’re gone—like your security system, refrigerator, or automatic sprinklers—stay plugged in and functioning.
FAQs on How to Prepare Your Home for Vacation
How far in advance should I start preparing my home?
Start making your checklist a week ahead of your trip so you’re not rushed. You can do many tasks a few days in advance, like arranging mail holds or scheduling timers.
Is it better to leave some lights on all the time or use timers?
Timers are better. Leaving lights on 24/7 looks unnatural and will raise your electric bill. Timers mimic real routines and are more effective for home safety.
Should I turn off the water before vacation?
If you’ll be gone more than a week, it’s a good idea to turn off the main water valve to prevent leaks or floods. If that’s not possible, at least shut off water to appliances like your washing machine and dishwasher.
What’s the best way to secure my home if I don’t have a security system?
You can still take steps to protect your home. Lock all doors and windows, install motion-activated lights, and have someone check in regularly. Timed lights indoors and cameras like smart doorbells also help.
Do I need to notify my alarm company?
Yes, if you have a monitored security system, let them know the dates you’ll be away and give them the name of your emergency contact. That way, they can reach someone if there’s an issue and you can’t be reached.
Griffin Home Inspection provides inspections in Sumter County, SC. If you’re buying or selling a home, contact us to request our services.