Vacation Home Checklist: 15 Things Homeowners Forget Before Leaving
Whether you're heading away for a long weekend, a family vacation, or several months as a snowbird, preparing your home before you leave can help prevent unpleasant surprises when you return.
Most homeowners remember to pack their luggage and arrange transportation, but many overlook simple tasks around the house that can lead to maintenance issues, security concerns, or unnecessary stress while away.
Before you lock the door and begin your trip, take a few minutes to review our vacation home checklist.
Want a quick reference before you leave? Download our free Vacation Home Preparation Checklist and keep it handy before your next trip.
1. Stop or Manage Mail and Package Deliveries
An overflowing mailbox or stack of packages on the front porch can signal that no one is home.
Consider placing a temporary hold on mail delivery and pausing recurring shipments. Ask a trusted neighbor to collect packages.
2. Set the Thermostat Properly
Adjust your thermostat based on the season. During the summer, keep temperatures high enough to save energy while still controlling humidity. A setting between 78 and 82 degrees is often recommended.
During the winter, never turn the heat completely off. Maintain a temperature between 60 and 65 degrees to help protect pipes from freezing.
David’s Tip: Consider switching to a smart thermostat. A smart thermostat lets you monitor and adjust your home's temperature from anywhere using your smartphone.
3. Inspect Exterior Water Sources
Before leaving, disconnect hoses that won't be used, inspect outdoor faucets for drips, and verify irrigation systems are operating as intended if they will remain active while you're away.
David's Tip: If you're leaving for an extended period, consider shutting off your home's main water supply and installing a smart water monitoring system that can alert you to leaks.
4. Empty Perishable Food
Take a quick look through the refrigerator and pantry. Dispose of fresh produce, dairy products nearing expiration, and leftovers.
No one wants to come home to unpleasant odors.
5. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
A quick test takes only a few minutes and helps ensure your home's safety systems are functioning properly. Replace batteries if needed.
6. Lock All Windows and Doors
Many homeowners double-check the front door but forget basement windows, garage entry doors, or sliding patio doors. Walk through the entire home and verify everything is secured.
7. Secure the Garage
Garage doors are often one of the largest access points to a home. Before leaving, confirm the door is fully closed, lock any service doors, and remove garage door remotes from vehicles left outside.
8. Set Light Timers
Light timers can help create the appearance that someone is home. A lived-in appearance can help discourage unwanted attention.
David's Tip: Smart plugs allow you to create lighting schedules from your phone and adjust them remotely if travel plans change.
See our recommended smart plugs and home monitoring devices.
9. Unplug Unnecessary Electronics
Protect electronics from power surges and reduce energy consumption by unplugging devices that do not need to remain connected. Examples include coffee makers, toasters, televisions, and chargers.
10. Check Your Sump Pump
If your home has a sump pump, verify it is operating properly before leaving. This is especially important during seasons with frequent rainstorms.
David's Tip: Consider installing a water alarm near your sump pump to receive alerts if water begins accumulating unexpectedly.
11. Arrange Lawn Care
Overgrown grass and neglected landscaping can quickly make a property appear vacant.
If you'll be away for more than a week or two, arrange for lawn mowing, basic yard maintenance, and garden watering. Consider setting up automatic waterers for your garden.
12. Take Out the Trash
Empty all interior trash containers before leaving. Don't forget kitchen trash, bathroom wastebaskets, and recycling bins.
13. Leave Emergency Contact Information
Provide a trusted neighbor, friend, or family member with a way to reach you in case of an emergency. It's also helpful to share contact information for your preferred vendors – your plumber, HVAC company, and Home Watch provider.
14. Verify Alarm and Security Settings
If your home has a security system, confirm it is armed and functioning properly. Check all cameras, motion detectors, door and window sensors, and mobile alerts.
Before leaving, verify that mobile notifications are enabled and that cameras are connected to your home's Wi-Fi network.
See our recommended home security and monitoring devices.
15. Arrange for Home Watch Visits
When a leak detector sounds, a sump pump alarm activates, or a storm causes damage, someone still needs to assess the situation and take action.
That's where Home Watch visits can provide additional peace of mind. Regular home watch visits can help identify issues such as:
Water leaks
Storm damage
HVAC failures
Security concerns
Maintenance problems
These types of problems can become significantly more expensive when they go unnoticed for days or weeks. Having a trusted professional check on your home provides peace of mind while you're away and helps ensure any problems are discovered early.
Enjoy Your Vacation with Greater Peace of Mind
A few minutes of preparation before you leave can help protect your home and reduce the chances of unexpected problems during your trip.
At DCN Property Management, we help homeowners in Concord, Acton, Lincoln, Carlisle, Boxborough, and surrounding communities keep an eye on their homes while they're away. Through scheduled visits and detailed reporting, we provide an additional layer of oversight and peace of mind.
Whether you're leaving for a week or an entire season, a little planning today can help make your return home much more enjoyable.
✅ Ready for your next trip? Download our free Vacation Home Preparation Checklist for an easy-to-follow departure checklist.
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