✈️ How to Prep Your Home for Vacation So You Don’t Come Back to a Flooded, Fried, or Funky Mess

Going on vacation is exciting, until that moment halfway down the interstate when you think, “Did I leave the oven on?” Or worse, you get back and your house smells like something crawled in and died, and the AC’s been cooling your furniture for two weeks. Let’s avoid all that, shall we? Here’s your pre-vacation home prep checklist, written for real life, real homes, and people who don’t have time for nonsense.

1. Turn Off the Water, Seriously

Unless you enjoy surprise indoor fountains, shut off your main water valve or at least the valves under sinks, toilets, and the washing machine.

Why? A simple supply line can burst and flood your home like Niagara Falls, and guess what, it won’t stop while you’re on a beach sipping margaritas.

👉 Bonus move: If you have a sprinkler system, leave that line active, but double-check for leaks.

2. Adjust the Thermostat

Don’t freeze the furniture or cook your houseplants. Set the thermostat a little higher in summer and a little lower in winter, depending on the season.

• Summer tip: 78 to 82 degrees keeps things dry without melting your house.

• Winter tip: 60 to 65 degrees, unless you’re storing popsicles.

If you’ve got a smart thermostat, now’s the time to show off and schedule it.

3. Clean Out the Fridge

Unless you want to be greeted by a new strain of penicillin, toss out anything that won’t survive the trip. That “just a little past the date” container of potato salad will become a biohazard by day three.

👉 Don’t forget the trash either. Nothing says “welcome home” like fruit flies and funky smells.

4. Unplug the Risky Stuff

TVs, toasters, routers, and power strips draw power even when off. They’re also the top items on the “things that might randomly catch fire” list.

Unplug everything except:

• Fridge

• Smart home hubs (unless you like rebooting everything)

• Security systems

And for heaven’s sake, don’t leave the curling iron plugged in. That’s not an old wives’ tale; that’s how garages burn down.

5. Lights, Camera, Fake Occupants

Make your home look lived in, even if you’re 400 miles away. Use timers on lamps, or smart bulbs you can control from your phone. Leave blinds slightly open, not full blackout mode like a horror movie. And if you trust your neighbor, have them bring in the mail.

Bonus move: Park a car in the driveway. Nothing says “someone’s home” like an ‘09 Altima covered in pollen.

6. Lock It Like You Mean It

Check every door, every window, even that weird bathroom one no one uses. Lock them tight.

Don't forget:

• Garage doors

• Shed doors

• Pet doors (yes, even the flap)

And if your door locks still jiggle like a loose tooth, maybe put “replace locks” on your post-vacation to-do list.

7. Tell a Trusted Human

Let someone know you’ll be gone. Give them a spare key, your alarm code, or instructions in case something goes sideways. Not Karen from next door who once “borrowed” your leaf blower and forgot it existed, but someone who’ll text you if water starts pouring out the front door.

8. Prepare for the Unexpected

Even with all the precautions, things can still go wrong. Make sure you have a plan in place. Consider setting up a home monitoring system that alerts you to any issues while you’re away. This way, you can address problems quickly, even from afar.

9. Secure Your Valuables

Before you leave, take a moment to secure your valuables. Store important documents, jewelry, and electronics in a safe or a hidden location. If you have a safe, make sure it’s locked and the combination is known to someone you trust.

10. Final Thoughts

A vacation should be relaxing, not a suspense thriller where you wonder if your house is still standing. A little prep before you leave means you can enjoy your trip without the “uh oh” in the back of your mind.

Need help spotting things that might cause issues before you go? We don’t just inspect homes, we protect peace of mind.

👉 Schedule a home checkup or maintenance inspection before your next trip.

By following these steps, you can ensure a worry-free vacation. So, go ahead and book that trip! You deserve it!