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The holidays are one of the busiest times of the year to travel. Airports are packed and highways are congested. Whether you’re flying across the country to visit family, heading somewhere warm to escape the cold or taking a road trip, the last thing you want is to arrive at your destination and realize you forgot to do something important at home.
I’ve been fortunate to travel all over the world, both for work and with my family, and one thing I’ve learned is that a little preparation before leaving home can save you a lot of headaches later. I’m not just talking about packing your passport or remembering your phone charger. There are plenty of small things you should do around the house before locking the door.
Here are 10 things I recommend checking before heading out for your holiday travels.
1. Unplug unnecessary electronics
Before leaving for a trip, walk through your home and unplug electronics you won’t need while you’re away. Think coffee makers, toasters, countertop appliances and other devices that don’t need to remain connected to power.
Not only can this help reduce unnecessary electricity consumption but it’s also one less thing to worry about while you’re gone. Of course, leave essential devices like your refrigerator, security system and anything else that needs continuous power plugged in.
One way to make this process easier is to organize your electronics using a power strip. We have TESSAN power strips with flat plugs, multiple outlets and USB charging ports all around our house. They’re especially handy for keeping our electronics organized and avoiding a tangled mess of cords. The flat plug design is also great for tight spaces, like behind furniture. Just remember to unplug the power strip itself before leaving if none of the connected devices need power. And never plug high-wattage appliances like space heaters into a power strip.
2. Double-check that all doors and windows are locked
This might sound obvious but when you’re rushing to get to the airport, it’s easy to overlook things. Before leaving, check every exterior door, window, sliding glass door and garage entrance. If you have a home security system, make sure it’s armed and working properly. If you use smart locks or cameras, confirm that they’re connected and that you can access them remotely.
I also recommend avoiding posting your exact travel dates publicly on social media. It’s tempting to share that you’re heading to Hawaii for two weeks but there’s no reason to advertise that your house will be empty. You can always share your photos after returning home.
3. Adjust your thermostat
There’s no reason to heat or cool an empty house to the same temperature you would when you’re home. Before leaving, adjust your thermostat to an energy-saving setting appropriate for your climate. We have a Google Nest smart thermostat, which I love because I can control it right from my phone, no matter where we are.
It’s especially convenient if you forget to adjust the temperature before leaving or want to make the house comfortable before you return. After a long day of traveling, it’s nice to walk into a home that’s already at the perfect temperature.
Just be careful if you’re traveling during the winter and live somewhere that experiences freezing temperatures. You don’t want to turn the heat off completely and risk frozen pipes. The appropriate temperature depends on your home’s insulation, plumbing and local weather conditions.
4. Take out the trash and clean out the refrigerator
Returning home from a wonderful vacation and opening the front door to a terrible smell really stinks (pun intended!) Before leaving, empty all your trash cans, especially the kitchen garbage. Check your refrigerator for milk, produce, leftovers and anything else that might spoil while you’re away.
If you’re going to be gone for more than a few days, consider freezing food that won’t last until you return. It’s a simple way to reduce waste and save money. I also like coming home to a clean house. After a long flight, especially with kids, the last thing I want to deal with is a messy kitchen so try to clean up and get organized before leaving home. Your future self will thank you.
5. Make sure you have all your chargers and travel adapters
These days, traveling without your phone charger can be almost as frustrating as forgetting your wallet. We rely on our phones for boarding passes, hotel reservations, navigation, rideshares and keeping in touch with family.
Before leaving, double-check that you’ve packed all your charging cables and adapters. If you’re traveling internationally, consider bringing a TESSAN universal travel adapter, which is especially useful when hotel rooms have limited outlets. I also recommend a TESSAN portable charger with built-in cables to keep your devices powered up during long travel days.
Just remember that travel adapters don’t necessarily convert voltage, so check your devices before plugging them in overseas. And always pack power banks in your carry-on, not your checked luggage.
6. Put lights on timers
An entirely dark house for several nights can make it obvious that nobody is home. Consider using timers or smart plugs to turn a few lights on and off at different times. You don’t need to light up the entire house. A couple of strategically placed lamps can help make your home look occupied.
If you already have smart-home devices, you may be able to program a schedule before leaving. Just make sure everything is working properly and that your set-up is safe for unattended use.
7. Arrange for someone to collect your mail and packages
During the holidays, package deliveries can pile up quickly. An overflowing mailbox or several boxes sitting on your porch can signal that nobody is home. If you’re traveling for an extended period, consider requesting a USPS Hold Mail service or asking a trusted neighbor to collect your mail. You can also pause deliveries or schedule them for after your return whenever possible.
If you have a neighbor you trust, give them your contact information and let them know when you’ll be back. It’s always helpful to have someone nearby who can check on your house if something unexpected happens.
8. Check your plumbing and water supply
Water damage is one something nobody wants to come home to. Before leaving, check under sinks, around toilets and near appliances for any signs of leaks. If you’re going away for an extended period, consider shutting off the main water supply if it’s appropriate for your home’s plumbing, heating and fire protection systems. You can also shut off individual supply valves to appliances such as washing machines when appropriate.
If you live somewhere with freezing temperatures, take additional precautions to protect your pipes. And make sure all faucets are completely turned off before you leave.
9. Confirm your travel documents and reservations
This is something I always recommend doing before travel, especially during the holidays when flights are full and rebooking options can be limited. Double-check your flight times, seat assignments, hotel reservations, rental car bookings and transportation arrangements.
If you’re traveling internationally, verify your passport’s expiration date and your destination’s entry requirements well in advance. Some countries require passports to remain valid for several months beyond your travel dates.
I also recommend downloading your airline’s app and saving important confirmation numbers somewhere you can access them without an internet connection. And if you’re traveling with children, make sure you have everything they need, including medications, snacks, entertainment and a change of clothes in your carry-on.
10. Do one final walk-through before locking the door
This is probably my most important tip. Before heading to the airport, give yourself an extra five or 10 minutes to walk through the house one last time. Check that the stove and oven are off, faucets aren’t running, unnecessary lights and appliances are turned off and all doors and windows are secure.
Make sure you have your wallet, phone, keys, travel documents and any medications you need. I also recommend checking that you’ve packed all your chargers and that no essential device is still sitting on the kitchen counter (been there, done that!)
If you’re traveling with family, divide the responsibilities. One person can check the doors and windows while another handles the kitchen and electronics.
Bonus tip: Take a quick photo of your locked front door and/or turned-off stove if you’re the type of person who gets halfway to the airport and starts wondering whether you remembered to check it. Having that photo can provide some peace of mind.
Holiday travel can be stressful enough without worrying about what’s happening back home. Taking just 15 or 20 minutes to go through a checklist before leaving can help you avoid unnecessary problems and start your trip on a much more relaxed note.
