How To Prepare Your Home Before Vacation

I travel a lot and have gotten into a bit of a pre and post-travel routine. Some things are non-negotiable before I leave my home for a trip. Anything over two days, will spark my internal to-do list of “how to prepare your home before vacation” that I now know like the back of my hand.

Everyone’s list of what they need to do before they prepare their home to leave for a vacation will vary. Maybe you have pets, or a garden that needs to be tend to. Or if you’re like me who just lives in an apartment, your list may be a smidge shorter. Here’s everything to know about how to prepare your home before vacation.

How To Prepare Your Home Before Vacation

Do Laundry

Before I start packing for a trip, I like to do my laundry for two reasons. One, I want to have everything I own at my disposal for packing, which usually means my most worn items that are likely in the hamper. And two, I don’t want to leave wet towels or sweaty clothes in the hamper for too many days. Bonus points for doing your sheets so you come home to a freshly made bed.

Clean Out Fridge

Cleaning out your fridge is a must-do before a trip. It ensures things don’t spoil, leaving you a mess when you return. Plus, it gives you a good idea of what you’ll need when you return. I also pack any snacks from the clean out so I’m not wasting food when possible.

Take Out Trash

Now that you’ve cleaned out your fridge, make sure to throw out the trash before you leave. Leaving garbage in your home unattended for days can result in smells and possible pests. Avoid both by taking the trash out right before heading out the door.

Run The Dishwasher

Before you leave, run your dishwasher and put away the dishes if you can. Leaving dirty dishes for too long can also cause smells and pests. But leaving wet clean dishes in the dishwasher can also cause mold to form. I try to run the dishwasher the night before I leave (running a dishwasher while away makes me a smidge nervous in case there’s a leak or issue). And if there’s a glass or two in the sink before I leave, I’ll just handwash it.

Tidy Up

I love coming home to a clean house. I don’t do a full clean unless I have the time. But at the very least, I like to tidy up my home. Make the beds, clean off the counters, put away all the things. This way you come home to a nice clean and tidy house.

Water Plants Or Schedule Them To Be Watered

Depending on how long you’re leaving for, you may want to have someone come to water your plants. I try to water mine before I leave if they are close to needing it, so that I don’t have to worry about coming home to a sad plant.

Close Blinds

Optional, but can be good in the summer time to keep the house cool and reduce energy costs. Or even in the winter to keep out the cold and reduce your heating bill.

Adjust Thermostats

Some smart thermostats already have away settings, but if yours doesn’t, adjust your thermostat so that it isn’t working overtime when you’re not enjoying it. It saves money and energy.

Notify Credit Cards If Traveling Internationally

While I don’t think this is always necessary, you may want to let your credit card company know that you’re traveling internationally so you don’t run into any issues while abroad.

Unplug Electronics

When going on an extended stay, I like to unplug some of my electronics. This may not even be a big money savings in terms of my utility bill, but it just makes me feel better. I also feel like fewer things plugged in allows for fewer things to catch on fire, god forbid.

Arrange For Pet Care

If you have a pet, make sure to arrange for proper pet care in advance. Have enough food for a few extra days, too, just in case. Share any emergency vet information as well.

Arrange For Mail Pick-up Or Pause

For extended stay vacations, arrange for mail pick-up or a pause on your mail altogether. You can also sign up with FedEx and UPS to view your incoming packages and arrange for a new delivery date or have it held at a pickup point. We want to avoid our packages being stolen so this can be a good way to have some control over that.

Lock Up Doors And Windows

Locking your front door is always a no-brainer. But don’t forget to lock your windows, and any side or back doors and so on.

Set Your Alarms

If you have an alarm system in your home, make sure it is set up and ready to go. If you also have self timer lights, this is a good time to use them.

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When thinking about how to prepare your home before vacation, this is everything to do. What’s something that you always make sure is done prior to departing?