Leaving Home Before a Long Trip

21 items · Travel · Easy difficulty · 1 hour

Shut down, secure, and streamline your home before a long trip.

• Lock all doors and windows

  Double-check deadbolts and sliding door locks.

• Activate alarm and security systems

  Arm system and enable remote monitoring apps.

• Set timers for lights

  Stagger schedules to mimic daily routines.

• Set indoor light timers

  Put living area lights on evening schedules.

• Set outdoor light timers

  Cover porch, driveway, and yard lights for security.

• Secure mail and deliveries

  Prevent visible pile-ups while you're away.

• Hold mail at the post office

  Use USPS or local postal service hold options.

• Pause package deliveries and subscriptions

  Temporarily stop online orders and recurring shipments.

• Unplug non-essential electronics and small appliances

  Reduce fire risk and vampire power draw.

• Empty fridge of perishables

  Eat, donate, or toss items that will expire.

• Take out trash and recycling

  Avoid odors and pests while you're gone.

• Set thermostat and water heater to vacation mode

  Save energy while protecting pipes in cold weather.

• Lower thermostat or set to eco mode

  Keep temperature safe but energy-efficient.

• Set water heater to vacation mode or off

  Follow manufacturer guidance to avoid damage.

• Shut off main water if away long or freeze risk

  Only shut main if gone weeks or in freezing weather.

• Check and replace smoke and CO detector batteries

  Test alarms and swap batteries if low.

• Secure outdoor items and lock gates

  Store furniture, tools, and ladders out of sight.

• Notify a trusted neighbor or nearby friend

  Share travel dates so they can watch the property.

• Leave emergency contact info and spare key with neighbor

  Provide phone numbers and a secure key location.

• Arrange pet care and leave feeding/walking instructions

  Confirm schedule, meds, and emergency vet contact.

• Water plants or set self-watering systems

  Use watering spikes or ask someone to water weekly.

Printed from TickYouOff — the interactive version tracks your progress and can be shared with others.