Why Home Preparation Matters Before an Extended Trip

A weekend away rarely demands more than locking the front door. But when you're leaving for a week or longer, an unoccupied home becomes vulnerable to slow leaks, power surges, pest intrusions, and security risks that compound quietly while you're thousands of miles away. A systematic pre-departure routine addresses each of these risks before they become expensive emergencies.

This checklist is organized by category so you can work through your home room by room and system by system. Pair it with the pre-trip safety preparation checklist to cover both your home and your personal travel readiness before you leave.

Plumbing & Water

Shut off the main water supply valve to prevent undetected leaks from flooding your home while it is unoccupied. Must
Drain exposed pipes if temperatures may drop near or below freezing during your absence. Must
Turn your water heater to its lowest or vacation setting to avoid heating water you won't use. Should
Check under sinks and around appliance connections for any existing drips or signs of moisture before you leave. Should

Electrical & Appliances

Unplug small appliances — toasters, coffee makers, phone chargers — that draw standby power and carry a small fire risk. Must
Set your thermostat to a stable economy setting: around 55–60°F in winter to protect pipes, or a moderate level in summer to prevent humidity damage. Must
Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms and replace any batteries that are low. Must
Install surge protectors on electronics left plugged in, such as refrigerators or entertainment systems. Should
Consider unplugging your garage door opener to prevent remote-access entry if a remote is lost or stolen. Nice to have

Security & Access

Lock all doors and windows, including basement and interior garage entry doors, and test each lock before departure. Must
Set interior lights on timers or smart plugs to simulate occupancy during evening hours. Should
Arrange for a trusted neighbor, friend, or house-sitter to check on the property every few days. Should
Pause mail and newspaper deliveries, or ask someone to collect them, so they do not accumulate and signal an empty home. Should
Avoid broadcasting your departure dates and location on social media until after you return. Must

Exterior & Grounds

Arrange for lawn care or snow removal depending on the season, so the property does not look neglected. Should
Store or secure outdoor furniture, planters, and decorations that could blow around or be stolen. Should
Check that gutters and downspouts are clear so seasonal rain or snowmelt drains properly. Nice to have

Food & Household Items

Clear perishable food from the refrigerator and pantry to avoid spoilage and pest attraction. Must
Empty all indoor bins and take rubbish to an outdoor collection point to eliminate odour and pests. Must
Set your refrigerator to a slightly warmer but still safe temperature (around 38°F) if it will hold minimal items. Nice to have

Tools and Resources You'll Need

Most of these tasks require only basic household items and a bit of planning time. A few tasks — particularly those involving your electrical panel, HVAC system, or any gas appliances — may warrant a professional inspection if you haven't had one recently. The table below outlines what to have on hand before you begin.

Required

Main water shut-off key or handle

Used to close the main water supply valve before departure.

Required

Smart plug or mechanical outlet timer

Programs interior lights to switch on and off on a schedule, simulating occupancy.

Required

Battery-powered smoke and CO detector

Provides fire and carbon monoxide alerts even if a circuit trips during your absence.

Optional

Surge protector power strips

Protects plugged-in appliances and electronics from power surges while you are away.

Optional

Smartphone with home monitoring app

Allows remote checking of a smart thermostat, security camera, or water sensor if installed.

Optional

Home inventory checklist or notebook

Used to document the condition of each room with written notes or photographs before leaving.

Gas Appliances Need Professional Attention

If you are considering turning off a gas supply line before a long absence, consult a licensed plumber or gas technician first. Improper shut-off or re-ignition of gas appliances — including water heaters, furnaces, and stoves — can create hazardous conditions. Never attempt to modify gas connections yourself.

Don't Lower Heat Too Aggressively in Winter

Setting your thermostat below 55°F to save energy during cold months risks freezing pipes, particularly in exterior walls and unheated spaces. Burst pipes can cause severe water damage in a very short time. Match your thermostat setting to your local climate and insulation level.

A Few Final Considerations

Once you've worked through the checklist, take a short walk through every room and check that windows are locked, valuables are stored securely, and any appliances left running — such as a refrigerator — are set appropriately. Photograph each room and any existing damage for your records. This documentation can be invaluable if you ever need to file a home insurance claim.

It's also worth noting that home systems interact. For example, if you lower your thermostat significantly in winter, be aware of the risk of pipes cooling in exterior walls. Balance energy savings against the realities of your climate and home construction. For a broader view of keeping your home in good shape year-round, explore your home's annual maintenance calendar.

Leave Emergency Contacts Accessible

Provide your trusted contact or house-sitter with your travel phone number, the number of a local plumber and electrician, and the location of your main water and electrical shut-offs. In the event of a sudden leak or power issue, seconds count. Consider also notifying your home insurer that the property will be unoccupied for an extended period — some policies have specific requirements for homes left vacant beyond a certain number of days.

This article is for general informational purposes only. Home systems vary widely; consult a licensed professional before undertaking any electrical, gas, structural, or plumbing work, and verify local code and permit requirements before making changes to your home.