Preparing Your Home Before Going on Vacation: A Homeowner’s Checklist for Peace of Mind

Planning a vacation is exciting. Whether you’re heading out for a long weekend, taking a family road trip, or traveling overseas, the last thing you want is to spend your time worrying about what might be happening back at home.

Unfortunately, unattended homes can become vulnerable to problems such as water leaks, theft, electrical issues, storm damage, and other unexpected events. Fortunately, a little preparation before you leave can help reduce risks and give you greater peace of mind while you’re away.

Before you pack your bags and head to the airport, use this homeowner’s checklist to help protect your property and avoid unnecessary surprises when you return.

Start Preparing Several Days Before Your Trip

Many homeowners make the mistake of waiting until the day they leave to think about home security and maintenance.

Instead, begin preparing your home several days before departure. This gives you time to address any repairs, replace batteries, test equipment, and take care of last-minute details without feeling rushed.

A little extra planning can make a significant difference.

Check Your Doors and Windows

One of the simplest ways to improve home security is ensuring every entry point is properly secured.

Before leaving:

• Lock all doors and windows.
• Verify that sliding glass doors are secured.
• Check garage service doors.
• Confirm deadbolts are functioning properly.
• Test window locks throughout the home.

Don’t forget less frequently used areas such as guest rooms, laundry rooms, and garage access points.

Pause Deliveries and Mail

A pile of newspapers or an overflowing mailbox can signal that no one is home.

Consider:

• Placing a temporary hold on mail delivery.
• Pausing newspaper subscriptions.
• Rescheduling package deliveries.
• Having a trusted friend or neighbor collect deliveries.

Reducing visible signs of vacancy can help discourage unwanted attention.

Make Your Home Look Occupied

A dark, silent house for several days can be an obvious indication that homeowners are away.

You can help create the appearance of normal activity by:

• Using programmable light timers.
• Setting smart lighting schedules.
• Leaving a few interior lights on timers.
• Using smart home devices to control lighting remotely.

Avoid leaving every light on continuously, as that can also appear unusual.

Secure Valuables

While most vacations end without issue, it’s always wise to protect important items before leaving.

Consider securing:

• Jewelry
• Cash
• Important documents
• Firearms
• Collectibles
• Family heirlooms

If you have a safe, use it. If not, keep valuable items out of sight and in secure locations.

Inspect Your Home for Water Leaks

Water damage remains one of the most common and costly homeowners insurance claims.

Before traveling, inspect:

• Faucets
• Toilets
• Appliance connections
• Water heaters
• Under-sink plumbing
• Washing machine hoses

Even a small leak can become a major problem if left unnoticed for several days or weeks.

Consider Turning Off the Main Water Supply

For extended vacations, many homeowners choose to shut off the home’s main water supply.

Doing so may help reduce the risk of significant water damage from:

• Burst pipes
• Appliance failures
• Plumbing leaks
• Water heater issues

If you’re unsure whether this is appropriate for your situation, consult a qualified professional.

Adjust Your Thermostat

Your heating and cooling systems should continue protecting your home while you’re away.

During Summer

Avoid turning the air conditioning completely off.

Maintaining a moderate indoor temperature may help protect:

• Electronics
• Appliances
• Furniture
• Flooring
• Interior finishes

During Winter

Keep your heating system operating at a safe temperature to help protect plumbing and other systems.

A smart thermostat can make remote monitoring easier.

Unplug Unnecessary Electronics

Many electronic devices continue drawing power even when they aren’t actively being used.

Before leaving, consider unplugging:

• Televisions
• Computer equipment
• Gaming systems
• Small kitchen appliances
• Chargers

This may help reduce energy consumption and minimize risks associated with electrical surges.

Test Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Safety devices should always be in proper working order, especially when a home will be vacant.

Prior to departure:

• Test smoke detectors.
• Test carbon monoxide detectors.
• Replace batteries if needed.
• Verify alarm systems are operational.

These simple checks can provide additional protection while you’re away.

Maintain Your Landscaping

Overgrown lawns and unmaintained landscaping can quickly reveal an empty home.

If you’ll be gone for an extended period:

• Arrange lawn service.
• Schedule landscaping maintenance.
• Ensure irrigation systems are functioning properly.
• Remove dead branches or debris.

Keeping the property maintained helps preserve both appearance and security.

Review Outdoor Areas

Outdoor spaces deserve attention before you leave.

Secure or store:

• Patio furniture
• Grills
• Umbrellas
• Garden tools
• Pool equipment
• Decorative items

Strong winds or storms can turn unsecured objects into potential hazards.

Ask a Trusted Neighbor to Keep an Eye on Things

One of the best resources available is a reliable neighbor.

Ask someone you trust to:

• Watch for unusual activity.
• Collect packages.
• Check for visible damage.
• Monitor for utility issues.
• Contact you if they notice anything concerning.

A trusted set of eyes can often identify problems before they become larger issues.

Use Smart Home Technology

Modern technology can provide homeowners with valuable peace of mind while traveling.

Popular options include:

• Video doorbells
• Security cameras
• Smart locks
• Motion sensors
• Water leak detectors
• Smart thermostats

Many systems allow homeowners to monitor their property directly from a smartphone.

Don’t Announce Your Vacation on Social Media

Posting vacation photos while you’re away may seem harmless, but it can also let others know that your home is temporarily vacant.

Consider waiting until you return home before sharing:

• Travel photos
• Vacation updates
• Location check-ins
• Travel itineraries

Protecting your privacy can be an important part of overall home security.

Prepare for Severe Weather

Before leaving, check local weather forecasts and address any potential concerns.

Depending on the season, you may want to:

• Clean gutters
• Inspect roofing
• Trim tree branches
• Secure loose outdoor items
• Verify drainage systems are clear

A little preventative maintenance can help reduce weather-related risks while you’re gone.

Create an Emergency Contact List

Leave important information with a trusted individual who can be reached if an issue arises.

Include:

• Emergency contacts
• Utility providers
• Alarm company information
• Insurance contact information
• Plumbers and contractors
• Travel contact details

Quick access to information can make emergencies easier to manage.

Review Your Homeowners Insurance Coverage

Vacation planning provides a great opportunity to review your homeowners insurance policy.

Ask yourself:

• Are my coverage limits still appropriate?
• Have I completed any recent renovations?
• Have I purchased valuable items?
• Do I understand my deductible?
• Do I know how to report a claim if needed?

Understanding your coverage before a loss occurs can help eliminate uncertainty during stressful situations.

Keep a Home Inventory

If you haven’t created a home inventory, now may be a good time.

Document:

• Electronics
• Jewelry
• Furniture
• Appliances
• Valuable collections

Photos and receipts can be extremely helpful if a loss ever occurs.

Final Thoughts

A relaxing vacation starts with knowing your home is prepared while you’re away. Taking steps to secure entry points, check for maintenance issues, monitor your property, and review your insurance coverage can help reduce risks and provide valuable peace of mind.

While no homeowner can prevent every unexpected event, a little preparation before departure can go a long way toward protecting your home, belongings, and finances.

At Farrell Insurance Agency, we believe protecting your home extends beyond your insurance policy. Whether you’re preparing for a vacation, purchasing a new home, or reviewing your current coverage, our team is here to help.

Contact Farrell Insurance Agency today to review your homeowners insurance coverage and make sure your home is protected whether you’re across town or across the world.

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.