There’s always a lot happening right before a vacation. You’re packing bags, checking reservations, figuring out what you forgot to buy, and trying to get everyone out the door on time. It’s easy to overlook the house itself.
Unfortunately, some of those little things can turn into pretty unpleasant surprises while you’re gone. Before locking the door and heading out, take a few extra minutes to get your home ready too.
Clean Out Food That Will Spoil
That half container of berries isn’t going to look or smell better after another ten days in the refrigerator. Eat, freeze, give away, or toss perishables and leftovers that won’t make it until you return, and don’t forget the fruit sitting on the counter.
Take Out Every Trash Can
Kitchen garbage is obvious, but it’s surprisingly easy to forget the smaller trash cans scattered around the house. Empty bathroom, bedroom, office and diaper pail trash too, particularly anything containing food or other items that could start smelling while you’re away.
Double-Check Every Door and Window
It sounds obvious, but this is exactly the kind of thing that’s easy to overlook when you’re rushing out the door. Walk through the house one last time and physically check exterior doors, windows, sliding doors and the garage rather than assuming they’re locked.
Keep Your Vacation Plans Off Social Media
Posting that airport selfie might seem harmless, but you’re also letting people know you’re away from home. Save the vacation photos and updates for when you’re back, especially if your social media accounts are public.
Ask Someone You Trust to Check In
If you’ll be gone for more than a few days, having a neighbor, friend, or family member stop by can be incredibly helpful. They can bring in packages, check for leaks or appliance problems, water plants, and alert you if something doesn’t look right.
Adjust the Thermostat
There’s little reason to heat or cool an empty house the same way you would when you’re home. Adjust the temperature to reduce energy use without going so far that you risk frozen pipes in winter or excessive heat and humidity during summer.
Related: 20 Cheap Ways to Keep Warm Without Turning Up the Thermostat
Make a Plan for Your Pets
Don’t leave pet arrangements until the last minute. Whether you’re using a boarding facility, pet sitter, or trusted family member, make sure someone is responsible for feeding, medications, walks, and anything else your pet needs while you’re away.
Related: 15 Everyday Household Hazards That Could Be Dangerous for Your Pets
Make the House Look Lived In
A completely dark house night after night can make it pretty obvious that nobody is home. Put a few lights on timers or smart plugs so they turn on and off at reasonable times rather than leaving every light running around the clock.
Stop the Mail
An overflowing mailbox is another easy giveaway that you’ve been gone for a while. Arrange to have your mail held or ask someone you trust to collect it, along with newspapers, flyers and packages left near your door.
Deal With Your Water Before You Leave
A small plumbing leak is much worse when nobody notices it for a week. For an extended trip, consider shutting off the home’s main water supply if it’s appropriate for your plumbing and appliances, or at minimum check sinks, toilets, and visible plumbing for leaks before leaving.
Put the Water Heater in Vacation Mode
There’s no point keeping a full tank of water heated normally when nobody is there to use it. If your water heater has a vacation setting, use it while you’re gone, and remember to restore your normal setting when you return.
Unplug Things You Don’t Need
Walk through the house and unplug nonessential electronics and small appliances such as coffee makers, toasters and countertop gadgets. There’s no need to unplug everything; the refrigerator obviously needs to stay on—but reducing what’s plugged in can eliminate unnecessary standby power use and protect some devices from power surges.
Clean the Garbage Disposal and Check the Toilets
Food sitting inside a garbage disposal can smell pretty awful after several days, so give it a good rinse and clean before leaving. Do one final bathroom check, too, and make sure toilets are flushed and not continuously running.
Give Your Plants a Vacation Plan Too
Water indoor and outdoor plants before you leave and consider moving vulnerable container plants away from intense direct sun. For longer trips, ask the person checking on your house to water them or set up an appropriate automatic watering system.
Put Your Car Somewhere Secure
If you’re leaving a vehicle behind and have a garage, this is a good time to actually use it. A car parked inside is less exposed to theft, vandalism, storms, falling branches and other damage that could turn the end of a relaxing vacation into an expensive headache.
