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

Before leaving your house for a long vacation, shut off the main water valve, adjust your thermostat, and secure all doors and windows to prevent property damage, save energy, and deter break-ins.

Essential Pre-Departure Checklist

• Adjust the Thermostat: Set your thermostat to an energy-saving mode—around 55–60°F in winter to prevent frozen pipes, or turn your AC off or up to 85°F in summer.
• Turn Off the Main Water Supply: Locate and turn off your main water valve to prevent catastrophic leaks or burst pipes while you are away.
• Unplug Electronics: Disconnect TVs, computers, coffee makers, and toaster ovens to protect appliances from power surges and eliminate phantom energy draw.
• Empty the Refrigerator: Consume, donate, or throw out perishable food items, and take out the kitchen trash to avoid unpleasant odors and pests.
• Stop Mail and Deliveries: Pause your mail and package deliveries through the USPS Hold Mail Service so packages do not pile up outside.
• Secure Doors and Windows: Lock all entry points, latch sliding glass doors with a security bar, and close all window blinds to keep valuables hidden from view.
• Set Lighting Timers: Plug a few indoor lights into automatic smart timers to make your home look lived-in during the evening hours.

If you'd like, let me know:

• How long you will be away
• Whether you have pets or plants that need care

I can give you extra steps to make sure everything stays safe.

For a long vacation (a week or more), the biggest risks are water damage, fire/electrical problems, food/trash, and making the house obviously look empty. A solid checklist:

🏠 Protect the house

• Turn off the main water supply if practical. A small leak can become major damage while nobody is home.
• If you can't shut off all water, at least consider shutting off supplies to washing machines, ice makers, and other vulnerable appliances.
• Set your thermostat to a safe vacation setting rather than turning HVAC completely off—especially in hot, humid climates, where excessive humidity can encourage mold.
• If freezing weather is possible, keep the heat high enough to protect pipes.
• Unplug nonessential electronics and appliances, particularly things that generate heat or have heating elements.
• Don't unplug anything that needs to remain operational, such as necessary medical equipment, refrigerators/freezers, or certain security systems.

🔐 Make it secure

• Lock every door and window, including garage, basement, side entrances, and rarely used windows.
• Remove any hidden spare keys outside.
• Arm your security system and check that cameras, alarms, and batteries are working.
• Put a few interior lights on timers so the house doesn't look vacant.
• Close curtains/blinds enough to prevent valuables from being easily seen.
• Don't announce your absence publicly on social media.

📬 Stop signs that you're away

• Put your mail on hold or have someone collect it.
• Pause newspapers and scheduled deliveries.
• Arrange for someone to put trash/recycling bins out and bring them back.
• Have someone mow the lawn, shovel snow, or otherwise maintain the exterior if you'll be gone long enough for it to become noticeable.

🥶🍎 Deal with food and plumbing

• Throw out or freeze anything that will spoil.
• Empty the trash.
• Wash dishes and clean food residue from sinks/counters.
• Check the refrigerator for anything that could become unpleasant while you're gone.
• If you have a sump pump, make sure it's working before leaving.

🌿🐕 Arrange ongoing care

• Arrange care for pets, plants, pool, lawn, and anything else requiring regular attention.
• Give a trusted person a key/access code and your contact information.
• Consider asking that person to physically check the house periodically rather than relying entirely on cameras.

📄 Before you walk out

• Save copies of important travel documents and your itinerary.
• Make sure bills/autopayments are covered.
• Let your bank/security company know if appropriate for your trip.
• Check your homeowners/renters insurance requirements for extended absences.
• Take a quick photo/video inventory of your home and valuables before leaving.
• Check smoke/CO detectors and replace weak batteries.

🚪 The 2-minute final walk-through

Before locking the door, physically check:

Stove/oven off → faucets off → water valve handled → HVAC set → appliances unplugged → refrigerator closed → trash out → windows locked → doors locked → garage closed → alarm armed → lights/timers set → keys with trusted person.

For a long absence, water shutoff + safe HVAC settings + mail/delivery management + secure locks + someone checking the property are probably the highest-priority items.

Preparing your home before a long absence gives you peace of mind so you can actually enjoy your trip. Here is your essential checklist, broken down by priority:

1. Security & Access

• Lock all doors, windows, and balcony/garage entries.
• Pause mail and package deliveries using the USPS Hold Mail service, or ask a trusted neighbor to pick them up daily.
• Hide spare keys instead of leaving them outside; give one to a neighbor or local emergency contact instead.
• Set automatic timers on indoor lights to create a lived-in appearance.

2. Plumbing & Appliances

• Shut off the main water valve if you'll be gone for more than a week to prevent catastrophic leaks or burst pipes.
• Unplug major electronics (TVs, computers, coffee makers, toasters) to protect them from power surges and eliminate phantom energy drain.
• Empty the refrigerator of perishables; eat, freeze, or donate everything that might spoil, and prop the fridge door slightly ajar if turning it off (or leave it running if you have a stocked freezer).
• Run your garbage disposal with some ice cubes and cold water to clear residue, then pour vinegar down drains to prevent fruit flies and odors.

3. Climate & Energy

• Adjust your thermostat. In warm weather, set it to around 85°F (29°C) or turn it to "Eco" mode; in winter, set it no lower than 55°F (13°C) to keep pipes from freezing.
• Close blinds and curtains to block direct sunlight, keep the house cool, and prevent outsiders from peering in.

4. Pets, Plants & Final Sweep

• Arrange professional pet care or a dedicated pet sitter.
• Water indoor plants thoroughly or set up self-watering bulbs/drip trays.
• Take out all household trash and recycling to outdoor bins—and ask a neighbor to bring the bins back in on collection day if possible.
• Double-check the stove, iron, and hair tools are unplugged.

If you want, I can:

Create a day-by-day countdown timeline for these tasks Give you a printable checklist format Provide tips on smart home tech to monitor your house while away

For a long vacation, the goal is to prevent water damage, fire, pests, and security problems while making the house look occupied.

Before you leave

• Shut off the main water supply if practical, especially for trips lasting more than a few days. This is one of the best ways to prevent a burst hose or pipe from flooding your home while nobody is there.
• Set the thermostat appropriately. Don't simply turn HVAC off; maintain a safe temperature for the season. In winter, keeping the home around 55°F or higher is commonly recommended to reduce freeze risk.
• Put the water heater in vacation mode or follow its manufacturer's instructions.
• Unplug nonessential electronics and small appliances—coffee makers, toasters, TVs, computers, chargers, etc.
• Empty the trash and remove food that could spoil or attract pests.
• Check the refrigerator and dispose of perishables you'll be gone too long to use.
• Close and lock every window and door, including the garage, basement, sliding doors, and less-used entrances. Arm your alarm if you have one.
• Test smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors and replace weak batteries.
• Pause mail and deliveries. In the U.S., USPS Hold Mail can hold mail for 3–30 days.
• Arrange for someone to check the house periodically. Give them your contact information and instructions for emergencies.
• Make the house look occupied: use light timers, have someone move trash cans, and arrange lawn care or snow removal if necessary.
• Secure outdoor items such as grills, furniture, tools, ladders, and anything that could blow around in bad weather.
• Take care of plants and pets—don't forget automatic watering, pet sitters, boarding, or medication arrangements.
• Don't advertise that your house is empty on public social media while you're away.
• Take photos of valuable belongings and make sure important documents and valuables are safely stored.

The 5-minute final walk-through

Right before you close the door:

Water → thermostat → appliances → refrigerator/trash → windows/doors → alarm → lights → mail → garage → keys.

Then take one last look at the stove, faucets, toilets, and anything that generates heat.

For a vacation of several weeks or months, I'd add a more detailed checklist covering plumbing, HVAC, lawn care, vehicles, insurance, and emergency access.

Getting ready for a long getaway is super exciting, but checking off the boring home-maintenance tasks first makes coming back infinitely better. Here is your essential checklist to handle before walking out the door:

Security & Access

• Lock every entry point : Double-check all doors, windows, sliding glass doors, and garage entry doors.
• Pause mail and deliveries : Set up a hold at the USPS Hold Mail portal or ask a trusted neighbor to grab packages so they don't pile up.
• Set smart lights : Program interior lights on timers to simulate activity during the evening hours.
• Hide spare keys : Bring any hidden outdoor keys inside so opportunistic burglars can't find them easily.

Climate & Utilities

• Adjust the thermostat : Nudge the AC up (around 82°F to 85°F) or the heat down (around 55°F to 60°F) to save energy without risking frozen pipes or mold.
• Shut off the main water valve : For an extended trip, turn off the main water supply or water heater to completely prevent catastrophic leaks or burst hoses while you're gone.
• Unplug electronics : Disconnect TVs, computers, coffee makers, and toaster ovens to protect them from power surges and eliminate phantom vampire energy draw.

Kitchen & Perishables

• Empty the fridge : Eat, freeze, or give away perishables. Toss anything that will spoil, go moldy, or smell up the kitchen.
• Take out all trash : Walk every single indoor trash and recycling bin out to the curb or outside bins to keep pests and odors away.
• Run the garbage disposal : Toss a few ice cubes and a splash of vinegar down the disposal, run it, and let it dry out to clear trapped food particles.

Peace of Mind

• Notify your security company : Let your alarm monitoring company know the dates you'll be away and who to call in an emergency.
• Share your itinerary : Leave a copy of your travel dates, flight numbers, and accommodation details with a trusted friend or family member.

If you want, tell me:

• How long you'll be away
• Whether you have pets or plants that need care

I can give you a customized checklist for those as well!

For a long vacation, the goal is to prevent water/fire damage, avoid attracting pests, and make the house look occupied.

Before you leave

• Lock everything: Check every exterior door, window, garage door, basement entry, and other access point. Don't forget to remove or bring inside any hidden spare keys.
• Stop mail and deliveries: Put USPS mail on hold or have a trusted person collect it. USPS Hold Mail is available for 3–30 days. Also pause newspaper subscriptions and arrange for packages already in transit.
• Take out all trash: Empty kitchen, bathroom, and outdoor garbage cans.
• Clean out perishables: Throw away food that will spoil, especially leftovers, produce, and opened foods that could attract pests.
• Unplug unnecessary electronics: Coffee makers, irons, small appliances, computers, TVs, chargers, etc. Leave appliances that genuinely need continuous power plugged in.
• Deal with water: For an extended absence, consider shutting off the main water supply, particularly if your home has a history of leaks. At minimum, consider shutting off the supply to washing machines and other high-risk appliances.
• Set the thermostat appropriately: Don't turn HVAC completely off if doing so could allow extreme heat, freezing temperatures, or excessive humidity.
• Check smoke and CO detectors: Test them and replace weak batteries.
• Secure the outside: Put away tools, bikes, ladders, patio items, and anything else that could be stolen or damaged by weather. Arrange lawn care or snow removal if necessary.
• Make the house look occupied: Put a couple of interior lights on timers or smart schedules. A trusted neighbor can occasionally move trash cans or park in the driveway.
• Tell one trusted person: Give them your contact information and, if appropriate, a key/access code so they can respond to an emergency.
• Check security equipment: Make sure alarms, cameras, doorbell cameras, and notifications are actually working before you leave.
• Don't advertise your absence: Consider waiting until you're home to post vacation photos or announce that your house is empty.
• Arrange care for pets and plants and make sure whoever is helping knows exactly what to do.
• Do a final 5-minute walkthrough: Stove/oven off, faucets off, doors/windows locked, garage closed, thermostat set, lights/timers working, trash out, and security system armed.

The night-before priority list

If you're short on time, don't leave without doing these six things: lock everything → stop mail/packages → empty trash → remove perishables → check water/HVAC → arm/test security.

That covers the biggest preventable problems while you're away.

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.