How to Prep Your Home for Holiday Travel

The plane tickets are booked, your friends and family have your itinerary, and everyone’s bags are packed, but there’s one remaining detail to consider, and it’s an easy one to overlook: Your house.

When you’re going out of town for the holidays, it can be tempting to hold off on prepping the house until the last minute. But advance planning can bring you that extra peace of mind, so you can relax and fully enjoy your trip.

Here’s a guide to getting your home ready before you head out on vacation, with essential steps for keeping everything safe, energy-efficient and in good condition for your return.

1. Prioritize security

One of your biggest concerns will naturally be safety. Take a few precautionary steps, and you can greatly reduce the risk of theft or damage while you’re away.

• Hold off on posting: Although it’s tempting to talk about vacation plans on social media, it’s better if you wait until you’re back to post about your trip. Broadcasting your absence can make your home a target. Resist the urge to spread the news that you’ll be out of town.
• Move your car: To protect your vehicle from theft and weather-related damage, consider moving it into the garage
• Pick someone to rely on: A trusted neighbor or nearby friend can be your eyes and ears while you’re away. Ask if they’re willing to keep an eye out for anything unusual and pick up any flyers or packages that might get left at your door (which, if they’re left around too long, are a tipoff that no one’s home). Leave a contact number with them in case of an emergency, and drop off a bottle of wine or small souvenir as thanks when you’re back.
• Time lights and use outdoor sensors: A dark home can be a signal to burglars that it’s unoccupied and it can also provide cover while they gain entry. Put indoor lights (or a TV, if you can) on a timer set to mimic your typical routine. Many smart home systems even let you randomize the lighting schedule to create a more realistic impression of someone being home. If you don’t have automated systems, pick a light to leave on in the basement or an interior room. Outdoor lights with motion sensors add an extra layer of deterrence.
• Secure your home: If you have a home security system, make sure it’s activated and connected to an app that you can access remotely. Many modern alarm systems alert you to any unusual activity and let you view live camera feeds from your phone. Some systems even let you set temporary zones so that you won’t be bothered for common outdoor movements like passing cars but will still send notifications if someone comes close to doors or windows. If you don’t have a security system, make sure before you leave that all doors and windows are locked.

2. Handle the odds and ends

• Put your mail on hold: An overflowing mailbox is a dead giveaway that no one’s home. You can request a hold on your mail through the postal office or ask a neighbor to pick it up for you. For packages, consider having them rerouted to a nearby pick-up location, if possible. Some companies, like Amazon and UPS, offer delivery to lockers, which are often located in convenience stores and grocery stores.
• Take out the trash and perishables: Empty all the trash cans right before you leave. If you’ll be gone for more than a week, it’s also a good idea to clear out perishables from the fridge, countertop and pantry to prevent any surprises when you get back.
• Adjust water and heating: When you’re traveling in the winter, set your thermostat to a temperature that is low enough to save energy but high enough to prevent your pipes from freezing – around 55°F is generally recommended. If you have a smart thermostat, you can manage it remotely, adjusting the settings if needed based on local weather conditions. Many smart thermostats even have vacation modes.
• Check on water leak and fire sensors: If you have leak detectors or smoke detectors connected to your smart home system, double-check that they’re functioning and set up to send notifications to your phone.
• Unplug small appliances and devices: To save energy and minimize fire risk, unplug devices that won’t be in use, such as toasters, coffee makers and small electronics. Many electric devices draw power even when they’re turned off, so unplugging is a good way to reduce energy waste.
• Care for your plants: There are several gadgets you can buy for watering plants while you’re away—glass globes and electronic drip irrigation systems, to name just two. But for a simple DIY trick, take a plastic jug, fill it with water and thread a cotton cord from the water in the jug to your plant’s pot. Make sure to bury the cord in the soil near the plant’s roots.
• Don’t forget your furry friends: Make plans well in advance of your travels to ensure your pets are taken care of. You can board them at a reputable local facility or ask a friend or family member to check in on them regularly. If you’d prefer to have a live-in pet sitter, apps like Rover and Wag! are filled with qualified caretakers.

With the help of today’s technology and a short checklist of preparatory tasks, you can get everything in your house vacation-ready in plenty of time for your holiday trip. You’ll return to a home that’s just as welcoming as when you left, and the only thing you’ll have to worry about is unpacking!