Preparing Your Home for Vacation: Simple Steps for Peace of Mind

By Jeff Lowe • January 7, 2026

Leaving for vacation should feel exciting, not distracting. But if you’ve ever found yourself halfway to the airport wondering whether you locked a door, stopped the mail, or adjusted the thermostat, you know how quickly those loose ends can creep into your thoughts.

Preparing your home before leaving on vacation doesn’t have to be complicated — it just needs to be thoughtful and consistent.  A simple routine can go a long way toward protecting your home, avoiding surprises, and letting you actually enjoy your time away.

Over the years, I’ve found that focusing on the basics — security, deliveries, food, and a final walk-through — provides far more peace of mind than trying to over-optimize every detail.

Whether you’re leaving for a week or a bit longer, this guide covers the practical steps that help you lock the door confidently and head out without second-guessing yourself.

Start with Home Security Basics

The first thing I think about before leaving is how the house will look and feel while no one’s home. You don’t need to turn your place into a fortress, but you do want it to look lived-in and secure.

Before you leave, make sure to:

• Lock all exterior doors and windows, including basement and garage entries

• Double-check sliding doors and secondary access points

• Close or partially close blinds and curtains — no need to black out the entire house

• Arm your security system, if you have one

• Confirm that exterior doors latch properly

Exterior lighting also plays a big role. Porch lights, side-yard lights, or motion lights set to turn on automatically in the evening can make an empty home far less obvious.

Manage Mail, Packages, and Deliveries

A pile of mail or a couple of boxes sitting on the porch is one of the clearest signs that someone’s away. Fortunately, this is one of the easiest things to prevent.

Smart delivery prep includes:

• Placing a USPS mail hold for the duration of your trip

• Pausing subscription deliveries when possible

• Avoiding online orders scheduled to arrive while you’re gone

• Asking a neighbor to grab the occasional package if needed

Even for trips that last just a week, stopping mail keeps things tidy and eliminates one more thing you might otherwise worry about while traveling.

Adjust the Thermostat for an Empty House

There’s no reason to heat or cool your home the same way you do when you’re living in it every day. A small adjustment before leaving can reduce energy use without risking comfort or damage.

General thermostat guidelines:

• In summer, raise the temperature a few degrees above normal

• In winter, lower it slightly but keep it well above freezing

• Use “away” or “vacation” modes if your thermostat offers them

• Avoid shutting systems off completely for longer trips

If you use a smart thermostat, this becomes even easier — and you can always make adjustments remotely if plans change.

Take Care of Food and the Kitchen

This step is easy to rush, but it’s one of the most important. Spending a little time in the kitchen before leaving can save you from unpleasant smells or wasted food when you return.

Before you head out:

• Toss perishables that won’t last

• Use up leftovers and produce

• Empty the trash and recycling

• Run the garbage disposal with plenty of water

For trips longer than a week, it’s also worth:

• Clearing out anything questionable from the refrigerator

• Wiping down counters and sinks

• Making sure nothing damp is left behind

Coming home to a clean kitchen after a trip is one of those small wins that makes re-entry much smoother.

Use Smart Home Features to Your Advantage

Smart home technology can add peace of mind without much effort — especially when you’re away.

Helpful setup ideas:

• Schedule a few lamps to turn on in the evening

• Use smart plugs or timers in main living areas

• Enable notifications on doorbells or cameras

• Confirm devices are connected and working before leaving

You don’t need to overdo it. A couple of predictable lights turning on each night is often more effective than trying to simulate full activity.

Handle the Exterior Before You Go

Even a short trip can be noticeable if the outside of your home looks neglected. A quick exterior pass helps maintain both appearance and security.

Exterior prep checklist:

• Mow the lawn shortly before leaving

• Move trash bins back to their usual spot

• Secure outdoor furniture and grills

• Lock gates, sheds, and storage areas

• Confirm the garage door closes completely

If you’ll be gone for an extended period, scheduling lawn care or having a neighbor keep an occasional eye on things can help everything look normal.

Keep Plumbing Prep Simple

For week-long trips, plumbing doesn’t need much attention. Rather than overthinking it, a few basic checks are usually enough.

Light plumbing prep includes:

• Making sure faucets aren’t dripping

• Running the dishwasher before leaving

• Avoiding laundry left in the washer

• Knowing where the main water shutoff is, just in case

Unless you’re dealing with known plumbing issues or leaving for a long stretch, there’s no need to take additional steps here.

Prep for Pets and Household Routines (If Applicable)

If someone is checking on pets or stopping by occasionally, clarity matters.

Helpful preparation steps:

• Leave written instructions for feeding and routines

• Stock extra food, treats, and supplies

• Clearly label medications

• Share emergency contact information

Even simple check-ins go more smoothly when everything is organized and easy to follow.

Do a Light Clean Before Leaving

You don’t need to deep-clean the house, but a quick reset makes a big difference when you return.

Focus on:

• Dishes and countertops

• Trash and recycling

• Bathrooms

• Entryways and common areas

Walking back into a clean home after a trip always feels better than facing chores right away.

The Final Walk-Through

Right before heading out, I always do one last walk-through. It takes just a few minutes and eliminates that nagging “Did I forget something?” feeling.

Final checks before locking up:

• Doors and windows locked

• Thermostat adjusted

• Lights scheduled or off

• Trash taken out

• Garage door closed

• Security system armed

Some people like keeping a short checklist by the door — once you’ve done this a few times, it becomes automatic.

Head Out with Peace of Mind

Preparing your home before leaving on vacation doesn’t require extreme measures or overthinking every detail. It’s about covering the basics consistently so you can leave with confidence. A secure house, paused mail, a clean kitchen, and a quick final check are usually all it takes.

When your home is taken care of, it’s easier to fully enjoy your time away — whether that means exploring somewhere new or simply slowing down. Handle a few smart steps before you go, lock the door, and focus on the trip ahead.