Going on vacation can be so exciting! The prep work before and the worries that go along with leaving your home for days at a time…not so much.
Use these tips to help you plan and prepare your home before leaving on your next trip.
Whether you’ve gone on many trips or this is your first, these tips will help ease the stress and reduce the rush before going on vacation.
1. Clean out your fridge
Freeze or use up any foods that will spoil while you’re away. Dairy products, fresh produce, or leftovers, especially. This will prevent you from being welcomed home by odors, moldy or expired food. Wipe down the shelves and check for any spills to make sure your fridge stays fresh and clean.
Bonus tip: Check out this post for awesome fridge cleaning tips!
2. Do the Dishes
Taking care of dishes before leaving on a trip is essential for a clean and fresh kitchen. Wash all dirty dishes, pots, and utensils. If you use a dishwasher, leave the door slightly open after the last load. This helps it to air out and prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to bad smells or even mold. By tackling the dishes beforehand, you’ll return to a clean and welcoming kitchen.
Bonus tip: Does keeping up with dishes feel overwhelming even when vacation isn’t thrown into your busy schedule? Check out this dishes tips post.
3. Take out the trash
No one wants to go home to a house that smells like a garbage disposal. Taking out the trash before leaving on a trip is super important to avoid unpleasant odors or even attracting pests. Make sure to empty all trash cans throughout your home, including the kitchen, bathrooms, and bedrooms. Also, check for any perishable items that have been overlooked, like leftovers in the refrigerator or forgotten scraps. This simple step ensures a clean and odor-free home when you get back from vacation.
4. Check Laundry
It is very helpful to get laundry finished before leaving on a trip.
One thing that many people forget with laundry is airing out their washer before leaving for a trip.
Why is this important? Well, think about it – your washer is constantly filled with water, detergent, and dirty clothes. All of these create the perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow. No one wants that!
After your last load, leave the lid or door open for it to dry out.
Bonus tip: Buried under piles of overwhelming laundry? Try these genius tips!
5. Unplug appliances
Unplugging appliances before going on a trip is a practical step to save energy and prevent potential electrical hazards. Televisions, computers, coffee makers, and other electronics often consume power even when turned off. By unplugging them, you can reduce unnecessary power usage and lower your electric bill.
Also, disconnecting devices protects them from potential damage caused by power surges or electrical storms while you’re away. Make sure to double-check each room so that non-essential appliances are safely unplugged before you leave.
Check out this post for more info on home appliance prep before leaving on vacation.
6. Adjust Thermostat and Check Water Heater
Setting your thermostat appropriately before leaving on a trip is another crucial way to save energy.
If you’re traveling during the summer, consider setting the thermostat to a higher temperature, like 80°F, to reduce the strain on your air conditioner. During the winter, lowering the thermostat to around 60°F is sufficient to keep pipes from freezing while conserving energy.
Smart thermostats can make this process even easier by allowing you to schedule or remotely adjust the temperature. This helps save energy and can lower your utility bill while you’re away.
Another important step before leaving for a trip is to check your water heater. If you’ll be away for an extended period, lowering the temperature on your water heater can save energy.
Some newer water heaters have a “vacation mode” setting, which reduces energy consumption. If your water heater does not have this, manually setting the temperature to a lower level, like 50°F, can help save energy. This simple adjustment can prevent unnecessary energy usage while ensuring your water heater is ready to resume normal operation upon your return.
7. Shut off water
Before leaving on a trip, shutting off the water supply to your home can help prevent potential water damage caused by leaks or pipe bursts while you’re away. Locate the main water shut-off valve, which is typically found near the water meter or where the main water line enters your house, and turn it off. This simple precaution can provide peace of mind and protect your home from costly repairs.
8. Assign Mail/Package Check Person
Another important step to take before leaving on a trip is to assign a trusted friend or neighbor collect mail and check on your home. Accumulating mail, packages, or newspapers can be a clear sign that the house is empty. Which can attract unwanted attention. Ask your designated person to check mail regularly and take a quick look around to make sure everything appears in order.
9. Lock up and double-check
This may seem like an obvious step, but double-checking that all windows and doors are locked before leaving is crucial.
Start by making sure all doors and windows are locked. Double-check entry points like sliding doors or basement windows, which are often forgotten. It’s also wise to set timers for your lights to give the impression that someone is home.
Burglars often target homes that appear unoccupied, so taking steps to make your house look occupied can go a long way in preventing break-ins and theft.
Conclusion
Preparing your home before leaving on vacation is very important for ensuring its safety, security, and general maintenance. Taking simple steps like dishes, locking all doors, setting timers for lights, and making your home appear occupied can significantly reduce the risk of break-ins. A little preparation can provide peace of mind, allowing you to fully enjoy your time away.
