Did I unplug the iron? Did I leave the hair straightener plugged in? Did I turn off the stove? Did I close the garage door? Vacation is all about unwinding and escaping routine but nothing ruins your relaxation faster than worrying about what you forgot to do before you left home. Whether you’re heading out for a weekend getaway or a month-long adventure, taking a few simple steps can protect your home, save you money and give you peace of mind.
Here are 10 smart things to do before walking out the door. But the real key is actually remembering that you did these things. My advice? Create a pre-vacation checklist on your phone that you can reuse every time you travel and then check off each item as you complete the task. It will save you time and ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
1. Adjust Your Thermostat
Why pay to heat or cool an empty house? Set your thermostat to an energy-efficient temperature (around 85°F in the summer or 55°F in the winter). If you have a smart thermostat, use vacation mode or program a schedule to conserve energy while you’re away and return to comfort when you get back.
2. Unplug Electronics
Electronics like TVs, chargers, coffee makers and computers still draw power even when they’re off. Unplugging non-essential items reduces your energy bill and minimizes the risk of electrical fires. Bonus: It’s good for the environment, too.
3. Turn Off Lights or Use Timers
Turning all the lights off while you’re away can signal to strangers that you’re not home but leaving them on 24/7 runs up your energy bill. Instead, plug a few lamps into timers or use smart plugs to simulate your usual activity. This adds an extra layer of security without wasting electricity.
4. Clean Out Your Fridge
Take a few minutes to toss anything that might expire while you’re gone, like dairy, produce or leftovers. If you’re traveling for a long time, you might even consider emptying the fridge completely and turning it to a lower power setting to save energy.
5. Take Out the Trash
This one’s easy to overlook in the last-minute rush, but crucial. Empty all garbage bins in the house, including bathrooms and bedrooms. You don’t want to come home to bad smells or a new insect colony.
6. Stop Your Mail and Newspapers
An overflowing mailbox or a stack of newspapers is an open invitation for trouble. Put your mail on hold through the USPS website or ask a neighbor to collect it for you. The same goes for package deliveries; either pause subscriptions or reroute them to a pickup location.
7. Notify Your Credit Card Companies
If you’re traveling abroad or even across states, alert your credit card issuers. This helps prevent your card from being flagged for suspicious activity and getting declined when you need it most.
8. Prep Your Car (If Not Taking It)
If your car is staying behind and you’ll be gone for more than two weeks, consider disconnecting the battery or investing in a trickle charger. This helps prevent the battery from dying and ensures you’re not met with silence when you turn the key after your trip.
9. Lock All Doors and Windows
This might sound obvious, but it’s worth doing a final walk-through. Check every window, side door, garage, basement hatch and any entry point. If you have a smart lock, check it remotely for extra peace of mind. And don’t forget to lock the gate or fence if you have one.
10. Secure Your Home Network
Cybersecurity matters, even when you’re away. If you’re not using smart devices or remote cameras while you’re gone, consider turning off your router. Otherwise, make sure your Wi-Fi network has a strong password, your router firmware is up to date and remote access features are secure.
Taking the time to prepare your home before you leave can make the difference between a smooth, stress-free trip and an unfortunate surprise. A few small tasks now can save you from headaches (and expenses) later.
KEEP READING
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–Travel hack: How to use your wireless headphones to watch in-flight movies
Want more travel news, tips and deals? Sign up to Johnny Jet’s free newsletter and check out these popular posts: The Travel Gadget Flight Attendants Never Leave Home Without and 12 Ways to Save Money on Baggage Fees. Follow Johnny Jet on MSN, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube for all of my travel posts.
