You’ve planned the perfect vacation, booked your flights, and packed your bags. But have you prepared your home for your absence? An unprepared home faces risks from water damage, break-ins, HVAC failures, pest infestations, and utility problems that can transform your dream vacation into a homeowner’s nightmare.

The stories are countless: homeowners returning to flooded basements, burst pipes, spoiled food from power outages, break-ins, or pest infestations that occurred while they were away. Most of these disasters are preventable with proper preparation.

This comprehensive vacation checklist walks you through every step to secure, protect, and prepare your home for extended absence. Whether you’re leaving for a long weekend or several months, these preparations protect your property and provide peace of mind while you’re away.

Vacation Checklist: How Long You’ll Be Gone Matters

Preparation intensity scales with absence duration.

Weekend (2-4 days): Minimal preparation needed. Basic security measures and perishable food management.

One week: Standard vacation preparation. Most of the items on this checklist apply.

Two weeks to one month: Comprehensive preparation including all checklist items plus additional safeguards.

Extended absence (1+ months): Maximum preparation including potential property management, winterization (seasonal), and enhanced security measures.

This guide covers preparations appropriate for absences of one week or longer. Adjust based on your specific timeline.

Two Weeks Before Departure

Starting early reduces last-minute stress and ensures nothing gets overlooked.

Arrange Property Oversight

Someone should check your property periodically while you’re gone.

Trusted contacts to arrange:

• Neighbor who can collect mail and packages
• Friend or family member with house key
• Professional property management service (for extended absences)

What they should do:

• Check exterior for damage or problems
• Verify no water leaks visible
• Confirm HVAC operating normally
• Ensure no break-in attempts
• Water plants if requested
• Bring in delivered packages
• Vary lighting and blind positions

Frequency: Every 2-3 days for trips under two weeks, every 1-2 days for longer absences.

Review Insurance Coverage

Verify your homeowner’s insurance covers incidents during your absence.

Questions to ask your insurance agent:

• Does coverage continue during extended vacation absence?
• Are there requirements (checking property every X days)?
• Should we increase coverage for valuables?
• Does policy cover specific risks (freezing pipes, etc.)?

Some policies require properties to be checked every 3-5 days during extended absences or coverage may be voided.

Schedule Services

Arrange for ongoing maintenance while you’re away.

Services to schedule while on vacation:

• Lawn mowing and landscaping
• Snow removal (winter absences)
• Pool maintenance (if applicable)
• Pet care or house sitting

Maintained properties appear occupied, deterring break-ins.

One Week Before Departure

Final preparations focus on securing valuables, adjusting systems, and handling perishables.

Secure Valuables and Important Documents

Don’t leave expensive items or critical documents accessible to potential intruders.

Items to secure:

• Jewelry in safe or safety deposit box
• Important documents (passports, birth certificates, deeds)
• Prescription medications
• Valuable collections
• Electronics and cameras not traveling with you
• Spare keys (don’t leave any outside)

Document your belongings:

• Photograph valuable items
• Record model/serial numbers
• Update home inventory for insurance purposes

Arrange Mail and Package Delivery During Vacation

Accumulated mail and packages signal an empty home.

Options:

• USPS mail hold (free, up to 30 days)
• Package delivery hold with carriers
• Trusted person collects mail daily
• Mail forwarding to temporary address

Never let mail pile up—it’s the most obvious sign of absence.

Pay Bills in Advance

Avoid late fees, service interruptions, or collection notices arriving while gone.

Handle these bills:

• Set up automatic payments for recurring bills
• Pay any bills due during absence
• Ensure sufficient account balances for auto-payments
• Arrange credit card travel notifications

Clean Thoroughly

A clean home prevents pest problems and odors during absence.

Priority cleaning:

• Remove all garbage and recycling
• Clean all perishable food from refrigerator
• Run garbage disposal with ice and citrus
• Clean all dishes and put away
• Take out all trash including bathroom waste baskets
• Clean counters and seal food containers
• Empty vacuum bags or canisters (can attract pests)

2-3 Days Before Departure

Focus shifts to utilities, systems, and final security measures.

Adjust HVAC Settings

Don’t shut off heating or cooling completely—maintain temperatures that protect your home.

Summer settings:

• Set thermostat to 82-85°F
• Maintains reasonable humidity levels
• Prevents mold growth
• Protects electronics, wood furniture, musical instruments

Winter settings:

• Never set below 55°F
• Prevents frozen pipes
• Protects plants and prevents damage to wood, paint, and finishes
• Maintains minimal humidity

As discussed in our article about emergency home repairs, frozen pipes cause catastrophic damage. Proper temperature maintenance prevents this disaster.

Consider a smart thermostat:

Modern thermostats allow remote monitoring and adjustment. You can verify your system is operating and adjust if needed.

Water Heater Adjustment

For absences under two weeks: Leave on lowest setting or vacation mode if available.

For absences over two weeks: Consider turning off and draining partially (or set to vacation mode). This saves energy without risking frozen pipes.

Gas water heaters: Turn gas valve to “pilot” position or off.

Electric water heaters: Turn off at circuit breaker.

Note: Turning water heaters completely off and draining is only necessary for extended absences (months) in cold climates with freeze risk.

Manage Refrigerator and Freezer

For trips under two weeks:

• Remove all perishables that will spoil
• Lower temperature settings slightly
• Leave unit running normally
• Place box of baking soda inside to absorb odors

For trips over two weeks:

• Consider emptying completely and unplugging
• If unplugging, clean thoroughly and prop doors open slightly (prevents mold and odors)
• For freezers, only unplug if empty; otherwise maintain operation

Full freezers: A full freezer maintains temperature better and costs less to run. If partially full, fill empty space with bags of ice.

Water Supply Decisions

For most vacations (under two weeks): Leave water on but know shutoff locations.

For extended absences or freeze-risk situations: Shut off main water supply.

If shutting off water:

1. Turn off main water valve
2. Open all faucets to drain lines
3. Flush toilets to empty tanks
4. Turn off water heater (gas to pilot, electric at breaker)
5. Pour antifreeze into all drain traps (toilets, sinks, tubs)
6. Consider draining washing machine and dishwasher

Why shut off water: A burst pipe flooding your home for days or weeks causes $20,000-$100,000+ in damage. Water shutoff eliminates this risk for extended absences.

Day Before Departure

Final walk-through ensures nothing is missed.

Security Measures

Lock everything:

• All doors and windows
• Garage doors (consider unplugging opener)
• Basement windows
• Sliding doors with security bars
• Deadbolts engaged on all doors

Security system:

• Activate home security system
• Test to ensure functioning
• Verify monitoring service has your contact information
• Provide access codes to trusted contacts if needed

Lighting:

• Set timers for interior lights (vary times and rooms)
• Leave some lights on 24/7 (bathroom, hallway)
• Ensure exterior lights functional
• Consider smart bulbs for remote control and varied schedules

Make home appear occupied:

• Use timers for lights, radio, or TV
• Arrange for curtain/blind position changes
• Have someone park in driveway occasionally
• Don’t advertise absence on social media

Electronics Management

Items to unplug:

• Small appliances (coffee makers, toasters, microwaves)
• Electronics (TVs, computers, gaming systems)
• Chargers and power strips
• Lamps not on timers

Why unplug: Prevents damage from power surges during storms, reduces phantom energy consumption, and eliminates fire risks from faulty devices.

Items to leave plugged:

• Refrigerator and freezer
• Security system
• HVAC system
• Sump pump
• Lights on timers
• Internet router (if security system requires it)

Outdoor Preparations

Secure outdoor items:

• Store or secure patio furniture
• Put away grills and tools
• Secure trash cans
• Store garden hoses
• Lock sheds and outbuildings

Arrange for lawn care: Overgrown lawns signal absence.

Final Walkthrough

Go room by room checking:

• All windows closed and locked
• All faucets turned off
• All appliances unplugged or turned off as planned
• Thermostat set correctly
• Stove and oven off
• Lights on timers functioning
• Security system armed
• All exterior doors locked
• Garage door closed and locked

Understanding how your home’s systems work together helps you verify everything is properly set before leaving.

Special Considerations

Winter Vacations

Cold weather absences require additional precautions.

Freeze prevention:

• Never set thermostat below 55°F
• Open cabinet doors under sinks (allows warm air to pipes)
• Let faucets drip slightly if concerned about specific pipes
• Shut off and drain outdoor faucets
• Insulate exposed pipes
• Consider shutting off main water and draining system for extended absences

Snow and ice:

• Arrange for snow removal from driveway and walkways
• Ensure roof is in good condition (heavy snow loads)
• Clear gutters before leaving

Summer Vacations

Hot weather creates different challenges.

Heat and humidity:

• Set AC to maintain 82-85°F
• Ensure dehumidifier functioning if applicable
• Check that AC is working properly before leaving
• Arrange for lawn watering if needed
• Close blinds to reduce solar heat gain

Extended Absences (Months)

Long-term absences require comprehensive preparation.

Additional steps:

• Consider professional property management
• Forward mail to long-term address
• Adjust insurance coverage
• Arrange for quarterly or monthly deep cleaning
• Winterize plumbing if leaving during cold months
• Store valuable furniture away from windows
• Consider renting property (with appropriate insurance)

Homes with Swimming Pools

Pools require ongoing maintenance even when not in use.

Pool preparation:

• Arrange for weekly cleaning and chemical balancing
• Verify pool equipment functioning
• Secure pool area
• Ensure pool cover if applicable

Homes with Sump Pumps

If your home has a sump pump, it must remain operational.

Sump pump preparation:

• Test pump before leaving
• Verify backup power if available
• Have someone check during heavy rain
• Consider battery backup installation if don’t have one

As detailed in our article about seasonal home maintenance, sump pump failure during heavy spring rains causes basement flooding and extensive damage.

Technology Solutions

Modern technology helps monitor and protect your home remotely.

Smart Home Security

Security cameras: Monitor your property in real-time from anywhere. Choose cameras with motion detection alerts.

Smart doorbells: See and speak to visitors remotely. Recorded video provides evidence if needed.

Smart locks: Lock/unlock doors remotely. Provide temporary access codes to trusted contacts.

Window/door sensors: Receive alerts if windows or doors open while you’re away.

Environmental Monitoring

Smart thermostats: Monitor and adjust temperatures remotely. Receive alerts if temperatures drop dangerously.

Water leak detectors: Sensors alert you to leaks immediately. Some can automatically shut off water.

Smart smoke/CO detectors: Receive immediate alerts of smoke or carbon monoxide.

Indoor cameras: Verify HVAC functioning, check for leaks, ensure everything appears normal.

Remote Control Systems

Smart plugs: Control any device remotely. Turn lights, fans, or appliances on/off from anywhere.

Smart lighting: Create varied lighting schedules that appear natural. Adjust remotely as needed.

Smart irrigation: Adjust watering schedules based on weather. Monitor water usage.

Emergency Contacts

Leave comprehensive contact information with trusted individuals.

Information to provide:

• Your itinerary and contact information
• Trusted neighbor or friend checking property
• Home security system company and codes
• Utility company contacts
• Insurance company and policy number
• Preferred contractors (plumber, electrician, HVAC)
• Property management company if applicable

Give access to:

• House keys
• Garage codes
• Security system codes
• Gate codes if applicable

What to Do When You Return

Your responsibilities don’t end when you walk back in the door.

Immediate actions:

• Walk through home checking for any problems
• Adjust thermostat to normal settings
• Turn water heater back to normal temperature
• Check all faucets and toilets for leaks
• Verify all appliances functioning
• Check for pest evidence
• Review security camera footage if applicable
• Restart mail and package delivery

Within 24 hours:

• Run all water to refill P-traps
• Run garbage disposal
• Flush water heater briefly
• Check attic and basement for leaks or damage
• Change HVAC filter if absence was extended
• Water plants thoroughly

If problems discovered:

Document everything with photos and contact appropriate professionals immediately. The sooner problems are addressed, the less damage occurs.

The Bottom Line on Home Vacation Preparation

Preparing your home for extended absence requires systematic attention to security, utilities, systems, and ongoing maintenance. The time invested—typically 2-4 hours for comprehensive preparation—prevents disasters that could cost thousands or tens of thousands of dollars.

The most common vacation home disasters are preventable:

• Burst pipes from freezing: Prevented by proper temperature maintenance
• Water damage from leaks: Prevented by shutting off water or using monitoring systems
• Break-ins: Prevented by proper security measures and making home appear occupied
• HVAC failures: Prevented by proper settings and monitoring
• Pest infestations: Prevented by thorough cleaning before departure

Technology has made vacation preparation and monitoring easier than ever. Smart home systems allow you to monitor temperatures, receive leak alerts, view security cameras, and control systems remotely. These investments provide peace of mind worth far more than their cost.

The key is systematic preparation using a comprehensive checklist. Don’t rely on memory—work through each category methodically. Start preparations two weeks before departure, intensify efforts in the final week, and complete a thorough walkthrough the day before leaving.

Trust neighbors or friends to check your property, but also implement systems that protect your home even if human oversight fails. Redundant safeguards—timer lights AND security cameras, proper thermostat settings AND remote monitoring—provide multiple layers of protection.

For detailed information about home safety and security during absences, the National Crime Prevention Council provides comprehensive guidance at https://www.ncpc.org/resources/home-security/, offering additional strategies for protecting your property while traveling.

Remember that your home requires care even when you’re not living in it. Systems must operate, temperatures must be maintained, security must be assured, and someone should verify everything is functioning properly. The better prepared your home, the more thoroughly you can enjoy your vacation without worrying about what might be happening at home.

Use this checklist every time you leave for extended periods. As you gain experience, you’ll develop your own routine and know exactly what your specific home needs. But especially for first-time long absences, work systematically through every category to ensure nothing is overlooked.

Your vacation should be relaxing, not interrupted by emergency calls about home disasters. Invest the time in proper preparation, and your home will be exactly as you left it when you return—ready to welcome you home from your adventures.