What are the essential things to do before leaving my house for a long vacation?

Before leaving your house for a long vacation, you must shut off the main water valve, clear all perishable food from the refrigerator, and set your thermostat to an energy-saving mode.

Kitchen and Appliances

• Appliance doors: Leave the dishwasher and washing machine doors slightly ajar to prevent mold and bad smells.
• Garbage: Take out all household trash and recycling to avoid foul odors and pests.
• Perishables: Eat, freeze, or throw out food that will spoil while you are away.
• Unplug electronics: Disconnect non-essential electronics like TVs, computers, and coffee makers to save power and protect against power surges.

Climate and Utilities

• Main water supply: Turn off the main water valve to prevent catastrophic leaks or burst pipes while you are away.
• Thermostat: Adjust your thermostat to 55°F–60°F in winter (to stop freezing) or 80°F–85°F in summer to save energy.
• Water heater: Switch your water heater to "vacation mode" if your model has the setting.

Security and Mail

• Lights: Set smart plugs or automatic timers on a few indoor lights so the house looks lived-in.
• Locks: Double-check that all doors, windows, and garage entries are securely locked.
• Mail and deliveries: Pause your newspaper delivery and put a hold on your mail through the USPS Hold Mail Service.
• Trusted neighbor: Give a spare key and your contact info to a trusted neighbor or friend to handle emergencies, packages, or plants.

If you'd like, tell me:

• How many weeks you will be gone
• The season you are traveling in

I can customize this list with more specific temperature or pet-care tips.

For a long vacation, the goal is to leave your house safe, dry, secure, and easy to restart when you return. Here’s a practical checklist:

🏠 Before you leave

• Lock everything: Check all exterior doors, windows, garage doors, basement windows, and any secondary entrances.
• Set lights/timers: Put a few interior/exterior lights on timers to make the house look occupied. Avoid announcing your absence publicly.
• Pause mail and deliveries: Hold your mail and newspapers, or have a trusted person collect them. Arrange for packages not to sit outside.
• Secure valuables: Put jewelry, cash, important documents, and other valuables somewhere secure rather than leaving them visible.
• Check your security system: Set the alarm, cameras, smart locks, and notifications; make sure someone you trust knows how to respond if an alarm goes off.

🔌 Utilities & appliances

• Unplug unnecessary electronics such as TVs, computers, chargers, coffee makers, and small appliances. This can also reduce damage from electrical surges.
• Clean out the refrigerator: Eat, freeze, or discard anything that will spoil while you're away.
• Don't automatically shut off everything: Whether to turn off water, gas, or the main electrical supply depends on your house, climate, appliances, and how long you'll be gone. If you do shut off utilities, know the proper procedure; Ready.gov recommends learning how to shut them off safely.
• Adjust the thermostat: Use a vacation setting appropriate for the season. Don't turn heating completely off in cold weather if pipes could freeze.
• Check for leaks: Look under sinks, around toilets, near the water heater, and around appliances before leaving.

🌿 Outside

• Take out all trash and recycling.
• Mow the lawn / arrange lawn care if you'll be gone long enough for it to become obvious the house is unattended.
• Water plants or arrange for someone to do it.
• Secure outdoor furniture, grills, tools, and decorations, particularly if bad weather is possible.
• Check gutters and drains if heavy rain is expected.

🚗 Cars & transportation

• Decide whether your car will stay home or at the airport.
• If leaving a car at home, park it securely and remove valuables.
• Check that you have transportation to the airport/station arranged before departure day.
• Don't leave a garage-door opener in an unattended vehicle if that vehicle will be parked somewhere insecure.

👤 Give one trusted person a backup plan

Give them:

• A key or access code
• Your travel dates and approximate return
• Your contact information
• Contact information for your home/security company
• Instructions for pets, plants, mail, and emergencies
• Information about where the main water shutoff and electrical panel are

Having an emergency contact and a basic household emergency plan is also recommended by FEMA/Ready.gov.

📱 Do a final 10-minute walkthrough

Right before you walk out:

• Stove/oven OFF
• Candles/fireplace OFF
• Faucets OFF
• Windows CLOSED and locked
• Doors LOCKED
• Garage CLOSED
• Thermostat set
• Unnecessary electronics unplugged
• Refrigerator/freezer closed
• Trash out
• Mail/deliveries handled
• Alarm/security system ON
• Pet arrangements confirmed
• Important documents/valuables secured
• Phone, wallet, keys, passport, medications, and chargers packed
• One last photo/video of the house if useful for documenting its condition

One particularly useful trick: take a slow video walkthrough of the house immediately before leaving. It gives you a record of what was switched off, locked, and secured—and can be surprisingly helpful if you're away for several weeks. FEMA also recommends keeping photos and documentation of your property for preparedness/insurance purposes.

If you're leaving for 2+ weeks, I can also give you a “house closed for a month” checklist that covers things like water shutoff, thermostat settings, fridge/freezer, mail, cars, and preventing mold or frozen pipes.

For a long vacation, focus on four things: prevent water/fire damage, make the house look occupied, secure everything, and arrange for someone to keep an eye on it.

Before you leave

• Shut off the main water supply if appropriate for your home. This can prevent a small leak from becoming major water damage while you're gone.
• Set your thermostat to vacation settings rather than turning HVAC completely off. In humid climates, maintaining reasonable temperature/humidity control helps prevent mold and moisture problems.
• Put the water heater in vacation mode or turn it down/off according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Unplug nonessential electronics and appliances, particularly heat-producing devices and chargers. Leave anything that must operate—such as your refrigerator, security system, or required medical equipment—powered.
• Empty the refrigerator of food that will spoil, wash dishes, run/empty the dishwasher, and take out all trash.
• Check smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms and make sure your security equipment has adequate battery power.
• Lock every possible entry point: front/back/side doors, windows, sliding doors, garage, gates, and less-used entrances. Don't forget the door connecting the garage to the house.
• Arm your alarm and check cameras, outdoor lighting, and other security equipment.
• Stop or redirect mail and deliveries. In the U.S., USPS Hold Mail can hold mail for 3–30 days; if you'll be gone longer, arrange forwarding or have someone collect it.
• Arrange for a trusted person to check the house periodically. Give them a key/access code and your contact information, and have them handle trash, packages, plants, or emergencies as needed.
• Make the house look normally occupied. Timed lights, regular lawn care, and avoiding accumulated packages/mail can help.
• Secure the yard and outdoor items. Bring in bicycles, tools, loose furniture, umbrellas, and anything that could be damaged or become a projectile during bad weather.
• Take care of scheduled bills and services so nothing important lapses while you're away.
• Don't advertise the empty house publicly. Avoid posting that your home is vacant until you're back.
• Write down emergency information for your house-sitter: utility shutoffs, alarm instructions, plumber/HVAC contact, insurance information, and where the main water valve is.

The final 5-minute walkthrough

Right before locking the door, check:

Stove/oven OFF → faucets OFF → water shutoff → thermostat set → unnecessary electronics unplugged → refrigerator OK → trash out → windows locked → doors locked → garage closed → alarm armed → lights/timers working → mail/deliveries handled.

One particularly useful rule for a long absence: don't just think about burglary—think about what could fail while nobody is home. Water leaks, HVAC problems, power issues, spoiled food, and storm damage can be much more consequential than forgetting one lock.

If you're leaving from Miami/South Florida, I'd add a specific hurricane/storm-prep layer to this list because the priorities are somewhat different.

Getting ready for a long getaway is exciting, but securing your home before you head out is key to a stress-free trip. Here is an organized checklist to get your house locked down and ready:

• Adjust the Climate & Utilities : Turn your thermostat up in the summer or down in the winter to save energy, but keep it at a safe baseline (around 55°F to 60°F in winter to prevent frozen pipes). Shut off the main water valve or individual valves to the washing machine and toilets to avoid catastrophic leaks.
• Tackle the Fridge & Kitchen : Eat, donate, or throw away perishables that will spoil while you're gone. Empty all trash and recycling bins, and take them out to the curb (or have a neighbor do it) to prevent pests and odors. Run the garbage disposal with some ice cubes and cold water to clear out residue.
• Secure and Automate Lighting : Unplug non-essential electronics like TVs, computers, and toaster ovens to protect them from power surges and eliminate phantom energy draw. Put indoor and outdoor lights on smart timers or automated schedules to make the house look lived-in.
• Lockdown & Security : Double-check that all windows, sliding doors, and garage entries are tightly locked. If you have a security system, test the cameras, arm the system, and let your monitoring company or a trusted neighbor know you'll be away.
• Stop Mail & Deliveries : Put a temporary hold on your mail and package deliveries through the USPS Hold Mail Service so packages don't pile up on your porch signaling an empty house.
• Plan for Pets & Plants : Arrange reliable care for your pets well in advance, and move indoor plants to a cluster near a well-lit sink or use self-watering bulbs.

If you'd like, let me know:

• How long you'll be gone
• Whether you have pets or heavy landscaping to manage

I can tailor a more specific departure checklist for your situation.

Before leaving your house for a long vacation, focus on preventing damage, protecting your home, and making your return easier. Here are the essential things to handle:

Home safety

• Lock all doors and windows, including garage doors, basement windows, side doors, and gates.
• Arm your security system and test cameras, alarms, and smart-home devices.
• Put interior/exterior lights on timers or smart schedules so the house does not look empty.
• Ask a trusted neighbor, friend, or family member to check on the house if you’ll be gone a long time.

Prevent water and utility problems

• Consider shutting off the main water supply if your home setup allows it, especially for longer trips.
• Check for leaks under sinks, around toilets, and near appliances before leaving.
• Set your thermostat appropriately for the season; don’t turn heating or cooling completely off if doing so could risk damage.
• Put your water heater into vacation mode if it has that feature.

Kitchen and cleaning

• Throw away or use up perishable food.
• Empty trash and recycling.
• Clean out the sink and garbage disposal.
• Run the dishwasher and avoid leaving dirty dishes.
• Wipe down counters and remove anything that could attract pests.
• Empty coffee makers, humidifiers, or appliances with standing water.

Electrical precautions

• Unplug unnecessary electronics:
  • Toasters
  • Coffee makers
  • Hair tools
  • Chargers
  • Small kitchen appliances
• Leave essential systems running, such as refrigerators, security systems, and required medical equipment.

Mail, deliveries, and appearance

• Put mail on hold or arrange for someone to collect it.
• Pause newspaper deliveries.
• Delay packages or ask someone to pick them up.
• Arrange lawn care, snow removal, or other visible maintenance if needed.

Pets, plants, and household care

• Confirm pet care arrangements and leave instructions, emergency contacts, and vet information.
• Arrange plant watering.
• Give a trusted person access instructions if they’ll be checking in.

Travel-related tasks

• Confirm flights, lodging, rental cars, and reservations.
• Save copies of important documents (passport, IDs, insurance information, itinerary).
• Tell your bank/credit card company if you’ll have unusual travel spending, especially internationally.
• Share your itinerary with someone you trust.

Final 10-minute walkthrough before leaving

• Check stove/oven is off.
• Check faucets are off.
• Close blinds/curtains appropriately.
• Take out final trash.
• Turn off unnecessary lights.
• Set thermostat.
• Lock the final door.
• Take a photo of your locked-up home if it helps you remember everything is done.

For a trip longer than a month, add extra steps: arrange regular home checks, consider utility adjustments, protect vehicles, and make plans for mail, landscaping, and seasonal weather.

Preparing your home for an extended absence ensures you return to a safe, clean, and bills-optimized house. Here is a scannable checklist of the essential steps to take before you head out:

1. Climate and Utilities

• Adjust the thermostat: Set it to a higher temperature in summer (82°F - 85°F) or lower in winter (50°F - 55°F) to save energy without risking frozen pipes or extreme humidity.
• Shut off the main water supply: Prevent catastrophic leaks or burst pipes while you're away. Drain remaining water from the lines by opening the lowest faucet briefly.
• Unplug appliances and electronics: Coffee makers, microwaves, toasters, and TVs draw phantom power and are vulnerable to power surges.

2. Kitchen and Perishables

• Clear the refrigerator: Eat, freeze, or discard perishable foods. Wipe down any spills so you don't return to a science experiment.
• Take out all trash: Empty every wastebasket in the house, including the bathrooms, and take the bins to the curb or an outdoor bin.
• Run the dishwasher and sink disposal: Ensure no food particles are left sitting in the disposal or dishwasher drain to attract pests or foul odors.

3. Security and Access

• Lock all doors and windows: Double-check ground-floor windows, patio doors, and the door leading from the garage into the house.
• Set automated lighting: Plug a few indoor lights into timers or use smart bulbs to mimic your normal daily routine.
• Hold mail and package deliveries: Put a temporary hold on your mail through the USPS Hold Mail Service so packages don't pile up on your porch.

4. Safety and Peace of Mind

• Test smoke and security alarms: Replace batteries if needed and confirm your security cameras or monitoring systems are armed and working.
• Double-check water heaters: If you have a tank water heater, turn it to the "vacation" setting to save gas or electricity.
• Share your itinerary: Leave a copy of your travel dates, address/phone number of where you are staying, and a house key with a trusted neighbor or family member.

If you'd like, let me know:

• How long you will be gone
• If you have any pets or plants that need a plan

I can give you a few more tailored tips for your specific trip.

Getting ready for a long trip is exciting, but securing your home beforehand gives you total peace of mind while you're away. Here is a clean, scannable checklist of the essential things to do before you lock the door:

Utilities and Climate Control

• Adjust the Thermostat: Program your AC or heater to an energy-saving temperature (around 82°F in summer or 55°F in winter) so it doesn't run constantly.
• Unplug Appliances: Save phantom energy and protect electronics from power surges by unplugging TVs, computers, toasters, and coffee makers.
• Shut Off Main Water: Turn off your main water valve or individual shut-off valves for the washing machine, toilets, and sinks to prevent catastrophic leaks.
• Turn Off Water Heater: If you have a tank water heater, switch it to "vacation mode" or turn it off entirely to save gas/electricity.

Kitchen and Food Safety

• Clear the Fridge: Eat, freeze, or throw out perishables that will expire while you're gone.
• Empty the Trash: Take all garbage and recycling outside to outdoor bins to avoid odors, mold, and unwelcome pests.
• Run the Dishwasher: Run a final load and leave the door cracked slightly so the interior stays dry and doesn't grow mildew.

Security and Maintenance

• Test Smoke Detectors: Make sure your batteries are working so your home is safe while vacant.
• Lock All Windows and Doors: Check every single entry point, including garage doors, patio doors, and basement windows.
• Pause Mail and Deliveries: Set up a vacation hold with the USPS Mail Hold Service or ask a trusted neighbor to grab packages so they don't pile up.
• Set Smart Lights: Program interior and exterior lights on timers to create a lived-in look.

Would you like me to help you set up a timeline for these tasks (e.g., 1 week before vs. day of) or provide tips on what to arrange with a house sitter?

Before leaving your house for a long vacation, focus on preventing damage, protecting your home, and making your return easier. A final walkthrough is especially useful because small oversights (a leaking faucet, unlocked window, spoiled food, etc.) can become bigger problems while you’re away.

Home security

• Lock all doors and windows, including garage doors, side gates, basement windows, and less-used entrances.
• Set your alarm/security system and confirm cameras, batteries, and notifications work.
• Use timers or smart lights to make the home appear occupied.
• Ask a trusted neighbor or friend to check on the house periodically.
• Hold mail and packages or arrange for someone to collect them.

Water and plumbing

• Check under sinks, around toilets, and near appliances for leaks.
• Consider turning off the main water supply if you’ll be gone for an extended period (especially if your home has a history of leaks or older plumbing).
• Shut off water supply valves to appliances like washing machines if appropriate.
• Make sure toilets, sinks, and drains are functioning normally before you leave.

Kitchen and appliances

• Throw away perishable food or freeze what you can.
• Take out all trash and recycling.
• Clean out coffee makers, dishwashers, and garbage disposals.
• Unplug nonessential electronics and small appliances.
• Make sure the refrigerator is set appropriately if you’re leaving it running.

Climate and utilities

• Adjust your thermostat for the season; avoid turning systems completely off if doing so could cause humidity, mold, or temperature problems.
• Put water heaters into vacation mode if available.
• Turn off unnecessary lights and electronics.
• Make sure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working.

Yard and exterior

• Mow the lawn or arrange maintenance if you’ll be gone a while.
• Secure outdoor furniture, tools, and loose items.
• Arrange plant watering.
• Put away valuables from the yard, driveway, or porch.

Personal and travel preparation

• Confirm flights, reservations, passports/IDs, and travel documents.
• Notify your bank or credit card companies if traveling internationally.
• Pay bills that will come due while you’re away.
• Make copies of important documents and store them securely.
• Share your itinerary and emergency contacts with someone you trust.

Final 10-minute walk-through before locking the door

• Windows closed and locked
• Doors locked
• Garage closed
• Appliances checked
• Trash removed
• Thermostat set
• Water plan completed
• Lights/security system set
• Keys, wallet, phone, medications, and travel documents packed

For a week-long trip, the basics are usually enough. For a month or longer, add deeper planning: someone checking the property, plant/pet care, lawn service, and more extensive utility preparation.

Getting your home ready for a long absence gives you peace of mind so you can actually enjoy your trip. Here is an organized checklist of the essentials to take care of before you head out:

Utilities & Climate Control

• Adjust Thermostat : Set your AC to a higher eco-temperature (around 82°F to 85°F) or turn your heating down to prevent frozen pipes (around 50°F to 55°F) depending on the season.
• Turn Off Main Water Supply : Shut off the main water valve to catastrophic leaks or burst pipes while you're away. Drain your taps if freezing temperatures are expected.
• Unplug Electronics : Disconnect TVs, computers, coffee makers, and toaster ovens to save standby power ("phantom load") and protect devices from power surges.
• Water Heater : Switch your water heater to "vacation mode" if it has a specific setting, or turn it off entirely to save energy.

Kitchen & Food Safety

• Clear Perishables : Eat, freeze, or give away food in your fridge that will spoil before you get back.
• Take Out the Trash : Empty all indoor trash and recycling bins, and take them out to the curb/bins outside to avoid pests and odors.
• Run the Dishwasher : Run a quick cycle and leave the door slightly ajar so it dries completely and doesn't grow mold.

Security & Access

• Lock All Windows and Doors : Double-check every entry point, including garage doors, patio doors, and basement windows.
• Stop Mail and Deliveries : Put a hold on your mail and newspaper delivery through the USPS Hold Mail Service or ask a neighbor to collect packages daily.
• Set Timers on Lights : Plug a couple of interior lamps into automated timers or smart plugs to create a natural-looking daily light cycle.
• Alert a Trusted Neighbor : Let a friend or neighbor know you're leaving, give them a spare key for emergencies, and ask them to park in your driveway occasionally.

If you want to tailor this list further, let me know:

• How long you will be gone
• Whether you have pets or plants that need care
• If you live in an area prone to extreme weather during this season

For a long vacation, the goal is to prevent water damage, security issues, pests, odors, and unnecessary energy use while making it easy to return home. A few key preparations are consistently recommended for an empty house.

Before you leave

Home security

• Lock all doors, windows, garage doors, and gates.
• Arm your security system and test cameras, alarms, and motion lights.
• Put indoor lights on timers or smart schedules to make the house look occupied.
• Remove spare keys hidden outside.
• Tell a trusted neighbor or friend you’ll be away and leave emergency contact information.

Water and plumbing

• Check for leaks under sinks, around toilets, and near appliances.
• Consider shutting off the main water supply if you’ll be gone for an extended period, especially if your home is at risk for leaks.
• Turn off water to washing machines if appropriate.
• Make sure sump pumps and drainage systems are working if you rely on them.

Kitchen and food

• Throw away perishable food.
• Empty the trash and recycling.
• Run the dishwasher and let it dry.
• Clean out coffee makers and other appliances that can develop odors.
• Wipe down counters and sinks to discourage pests.

Appliances and electricity

• Unplug nonessential electronics (coffee makers, chargers, small appliances, etc.).
• Turn off unnecessary lights and devices.
• Check that major appliances you leave running (such as refrigerators or HVAC systems) are operating properly.

Temperature and climate

• Adjust the thermostat for the season rather than turning HVAC completely off.
• Keep temperatures safe for pipes, pets, plants, and humidity control.
• If you have a smart thermostat, confirm you can monitor it remotely.

Mail and deliveries

• Pause mail delivery or have someone collect it.
• Stop newspaper deliveries.
• Cancel or reschedule packages if possible.

Outside the house

• Mow the lawn or arrange yard care.
• Secure outdoor furniture, tools, and loose items.
• Put trash cans away after pickup if your trip overlaps collection day.
• Check that outdoor lights and cameras are working.

Pets and plants

• Arrange pet care, boarding, or a sitter.
• Water plants or set up an automatic watering system.
• Leave clear instructions and emergency contacts for anyone helping.

Final 10-minute walk-through

Before locking the door:

• Check every faucet is off.
• Check windows and doors are locked.
• Confirm appliances you want off are unplugged.
• Take out the last bag of trash.
• Take photos of your home’s condition if you want a record for insurance purposes.
• Grab passports, medications, chargers, keys, and travel documents.

For trips longer than a few weeks, it’s especially useful to have someone physically check the house periodically rather than relying only on technology.