Going on a holiday trip should be about rest, relaxation, and enjoying a change of scenery, not worrying about what you forgot to do at home.
Whether you’re leaving your house for a weekend, a week, or a longer vacation, preparing your home before you leave can help protect your property and give you peace of mind while you are away.
Your Holiday Home Preparation Checklist:
A little holiday home preparation can also make returning home from vacation much more pleasant. From cleaning the kitchen and securing your doors and windows to checking your appliances and arranging for someone to look after your plants, this vacation home checklist covers the essentials and provides you with great tips!
1. Start With a Clean and Tidy Home
One of the simplest ways to make your return home more comfortable is to leave a clean house behind.
You don’t need to deep clean every corner, but a quick once-over of frequently used areas can prevent unpleasant surprises.
Start by washing dirty dishes, wiping kitchen counters, taking out the trash, and putting away food that could spoil. Run the dishwasher if needed and make sure there is no food left sitting in the sink. Check the fridge for anything that will expire while you are away.
Do the laundry as well. Returning to a pile of dirty clothes after a relaxing trip can quickly add unnecessary stress. Fresh sheets on the bed can also make coming home feel much more comfortable.
A tidy house is not just about appearance. Cleaning before a trip can help prevent bad smells, pests, and other problems that may develop while the home is empty.
2. Work Through Your Home Checklist
Before leaving, walk through the house room by room. This is where a simple home checklist can help you remember all the things that are easy to forget during holiday prep.
Check your kitchen appliances, including coffee machines, ovens, microwaves, and the dishwasher. Make sure appliances that do not need to remain on are switched off. You should also check whether your air conditioning or heating needs to be turned off or adjusted depending on the weather, pets, plants, and other household needs.
If you have a water heater, check its settings before leaving. In some homes, adjusting the temperature or switching it off while the property is vacant may help reduce energy costs.
Do not forget to check lights, fans, televisions, chargers, and other electronics. Reducing unnecessary energy use can lower your electricity bill and reduce the risk associated with electrical problems.
3. Check or Turn Off the Water Supply and Pipes
Water-related problems can cause significant damage when nobody is home to notice them. Before your trip, inspect visible pipes and faucets for any telltale signs of a water leak.
If you will be away for an extended period, consider whether you should turn off the main water supply. This can help protect the property from unexpected leaks or burst pipes while you are away. If your home has a sump pump or other water-management equipment, make sure it is working properly before leaving.
If you are traveling during winter or staying somewhere that experiences freezing temperatures, take additional precautions to prevent pipes from freezing. Your approach may be different depending on your home’s plumbing system and climate.
4. Prepare Your Home for Power Problems
Power outages and power surges can happen while you are away. Unplugging nonessential appliances and electronics can help protect them from unexpected electrical fluctuations.
Some homes may also have backup systems or a security system that should remain connected to power. Make sure these essential systems are functioning before you leave.
Check your refrigerator and freezer as well. If a power outage occurs, keeping the doors shut can help food stay cold for longer. If you have concerns about extended outages in your area, check local guidance before your trip.
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5. Secure Your Doors and Windows
Security should be a major part of preparing your home for a vacation. Before leaving, check that all doors and windows are securely locked, including less frequently used entrances.
Close curtains or blinds where appropriate, especially if they prevent people outside from easily seeing into your home. However, avoid making the property look obviously unoccupied. Timers that switch lights on and off can help create the appearance of normal activity.
If you have a security system, test it before your trip and make sure you know how to receive alerts while you are away. Check outdoor areas, the garage, gates, and other access points as well.
Ask a trusted neighbour, friend, or family member to keep an eye on the property if possible. They can collect mail, check for unusual activity, and alert you if something appears wrong.
6. Take Care of Food, Plants, and Other Essentials
Before leaving, check your pantry and fridge for food that could spoil. Use, freeze, or dispose of items that will not last until you return home.
Pro tip: You can also place an open container of baking soda in the refrigerator to help absorb lingering odors while you are away.
You may also want to leave a few snacks and basic supplies for your return. After a long trip, having something easy to eat can be convenient while you unpack and settle back in.
Plants need attention too. Ask a friend, family member, or trusted neighbour to water them if necessary. If you have pets, make sure their care arrangements are confirmed well before your trip.
If you have a car, decide whether it will stay at home, be parked in a secure location, or be used during your trip. Make sure the vehicle and garage are secure before leaving.
7. Review Your Home Insurance and Important Contacts
Before a longer vacation, take a moment to review your home insurance policy and make sure you understand what it covers. Some policies may have specific conditions relating to an unoccupied property, so it is worth checking the details before you leave.
Keep important contact information accessible, including your insurance provider, security company, property manager, plumber, and a trusted neighbour or family member.
It can also be useful to notify your credit card company or bank if you will be traveling, particularly if you expect to make purchases in another country. This can help prevent legitimate transactions from being unexpectedly flagged.
8. Do One Final Walk Before You Leave
Once all the things on your vacation home checklist are done, take one final walk around the property.
Check the doors and windows, lights, faucets, appliances, air conditioning, fridge, water supply, and security system. Make sure food has been stored properly, laundry has been washed, and trash has been taken out.
Depending on your home and destination, you may also want to confirm that the temperature is appropriately set, the gas supply is handled safely, and unnecessary appliances are turned off.
This final walk can take only a few minutes, but it can prevent the stress of wondering whether you forgot something after you have already left.
Enjoy Your Vacation and Come Home to Comfort
The goal of holiday prep is not to create another long list of chores. It is to protect your home, reduce potential problems, and give you the freedom to relax during your trip. By following a simple home checklist, you can prepare your house by cleaning, securing doors and windows, checking appliances, managing the water supply, arranging for plants and pets, and reviewing important documents.
The same sense of comfort and security matters when choosing a home in the first place. Camella communities are designed to provide thoughtfully planned houses where families can enjoy comfortable everyday living while having access to community amenities and essential conveniences. With a well-maintained home and a secure community environment, homeowners can leave for a vacation with greater peace of mind and look forward to returning home.
Whether you are taking a short summer break, spending a week away with family, or planning a longer vacation, taking time to prepare your house before your trip can make the experience more relaxing. And when you return, a tidy, comfortable home gives you a welcoming place to rest, unpack, and settle back into everyday life.
