Out of town for the holidays

How to Prepare Your Home When You’re Going Out of Town for the Holidays

Heading out of town for the holidays is exciting, but leaving your home empty for several days (or weeks) calls for some thoughtful preparation. Taking the right steps before you leave helps protect your property, lower your energy bills, and give you peace of mind so you can fully enjoy your time away. Here’s a complete guide to getting your home ready before you travel.

1. Secure the Exterior

Lock and reinforce entry points

Double-check that all doors and windows are locked—including back doors, garage doors, basement windows, and side gates.
Reinforce sliding doors by placing a bar or dowel in the track.
If you have smart locks, test them before you leave.

Inspect outdoor lighting

Motion-sensor lights can deter unwanted activity.
Consider smart bulbs or timers so lights come on at night automatically.

Prepare the yard

Trim any shrubs or branches that could provide cover near windows.
If it’s winter, arrange for snow removal so your home doesn’t appear vacant.
Store outdoor furniture, tools, or packages that could attract attention.

2. Manage Deliveries and Mail

A full mailbox or packages piled at the door is a clear sign that no one’s home.

Place your mail on USPS Hold Mail.
Pause newspaper deliveries.
Redirect or delay online shipments.
Ask a trusted neighbor or friend to quickly collect anything unexpected that arrives.

3. Adjust Indoor Lighting and Electronics

Use timers or smart plugs

Set a few lights to turn on in the evening to mimic your normal routine. Randomized schedules can help make the house look lived-in.

Unplug unnecessary electronics

TVs, microwaves, computers, and small appliances still draw electricity when off. Unplugging them reduces the risk of electrical issues and saves energy.

Check smoke detectors

Make sure batteries are fresh so detectors remain functional while you’re away.

4. Prepare Plumbing and Utilities

Prevent leaks

Turn off the main water valve if you’ll be gone for an extended time.
Alternatively, shut off water to individual fixtures (sinks, toilets, washing machines).

Guard against frozen pipes

If temperatures drop:

Keep the heat set to at least 55°F (13°C).
Leave cabinet doors under sinks open to circulate warm air.
Disconnect garden hoses and drain outdoor faucets.

Adjust your thermostat

For winter travel: 55–62°F is ideal.
For summer travel: 80–85°F cools the home enough to prevent humidity damage.

If you have a smart thermostat, set it to “away mode” and monitor it from your phone.

5. Protect Against Fire Hazards

Fire safety is especially important while you’re gone.

Unplug space heaters and kitchen appliances.
Clean out the lint trap of your dryer.
Ensure holiday decorations, candles, or lights are completely turned off.
Don’t leave anything charging (e-bikes, scooters, laptops) while you’re away.

6. Tidy and Sanitize Before You Go

Coming home to a clean space reduces stress—and helps prevent odors, mold, and pests.

Kitchen

Empty the dishwasher.
Remove all perishables from the fridge.
Take out the trash and recycling.
Run the garbage disposal with cold water and a bit of lemon.

General cleaning

Vacuum or sweep high-traffic areas.
Wipe down counters and bathroom surfaces.
Wash any laundry that may smell if left too long.

Pest prevention

Don’t leave open food, dirty dishes, or pet food sitting out.
Secure pantry items in airtight containers.

7. Safety and Security Measures

Alarm systems

Set your security alarm and test it before leaving.
Update emergency contacts with your security provider.
Use doorbell cameras or exterior cameras if available.

Notify someone you trust

Give a neighbor or friend:

Your travel dates.
A way to reach you.
Instructions for packages, plants, or pets.
Details on when to expect any service providers.

Avoid announcing travel publicly

Save your social media posts for after your trip to avoid signaling your absence.

8. Prepare for Weather or Power Issues

Depending on your climate, you may need to prepare for storms or outages.

Close blinds and curtains to insulate windows.
If you live in a storm-prone area, secure patio furniture and outdoor décor.
Install surge protectors for valuable electronics.
In winter climates, check that gutters are clear so melting snow drains properly.

9. Prepare for Pets and Plants

Pets

If pets are staying home with a sitter:

Stock up on food, medication, and cleaning supplies.
Provide written instructions.
Let your sitter know about quirks or routines.

If boarding your pet:

Confirm reservations.
Pack comfort items like blankets or toys.

Plants

Water indoor plants thoroughly but not excessively.
Move sensitive plants away from direct sunlight or heating vents.
Consider self-watering spikes or ask a neighbor to check on them.

10. Final Walkthrough Before You Leave

Give yourself 10–15 minutes to walk through the home room by room.

Are all windows locked?
Are all appliances off and unplugged?
Is the thermostat set correctly?
Is the garage locked?
Is the alarm armed?
Have you taken out all trash?
Are valuables stored safely?

A final check can prevent the most common “did I remember to…?” moments.

11. Optional: Create a Home Checklist

A written checklist can ensure nothing gets missed, especially before a hectic holiday trip. Useful categories include:

Security
Heating/cooling
Plumbing
Electronics
Kitchen/food
Pets/plants
Mail/deliveries
Last-minute errands

12. Enjoy Peace of Mind While You’re Away

A prepared home means fewer worries while you’re celebrating with family and friends. By securing your property, organizing your utilities, tidying up, and planning ahead, you’ll return to a home that’s exactly as you left it—safe, clean, and welcoming.