How do I get my house ready for my vacation?
BY Scott Moore, Realtor | December 5, 2025It’s vacation time, and in the frantic prep, I always seem to forget a few key things I need to do to make sure my house is ready before I leave. So, I finally decided it was time to put together a list:
Have someone check in: Ask a neighbour, friend, or family member to stop by every few days. They can water the plants, make sure everything inside and out looks good, and help prevent small issues from turning into big ones.
Set your thermostat: Don’t turn it off. If you’re heading out of town in the winter, it’s fine to turn it down a few degrees, but turning it off completely can cause pipes to freeze. In the summer, turn it up a bit but keep it running. Air circulation helps prevent mold and keeps your home safe.
Check the sump pump: A quick test before you go is worth it. You definitely don’t want to come home to a flooded basement after a thaw or heavy rain.
Unplug what you can: Small appliances, electronics, and chargers can all be unplugged to save energy and reduce fire risk.
Test smoke and CO detectors: Make sure they’re working and have fresh batteries. It’s a small step that can make a big difference.
Lock up and close blinds: Lock every window and door and close curtains just enough to block the view inside without making it obvious that no one’s home.
Arrange snow removal: If you’re away in the winter, make sure someone is scheduled to shovel your sidewalks and driveway.
Handle mail and deliveries: If you have meal deliveries, newspaper subscriptions, or regular packages, pause them while you’re away. If you’re expecting something, arrange for it to be held at the post office or delivered to a family member’s house.
Check the fridge: It’s time to toss anything that is perishable or about to expire, the last thing you want is to come home to moldy food or a smelly house.
Leave a clean house: Ok, this one isn’t required, but if you’re like me and love the feeling of coming home to a clean space, nothing beats this. You’ll thank yourself later.
A few things to keep in mind:
Check with your insurance company before turning the water off. Some insurance providers require the water to stay on to maintain coverage.
Smart tech goes a long way. Water sensors, smart thermostats, automatic lights cameras, and alarm systems can all help give you peace of mind while you’re away. Many can send alerts directly to your phone if something goes wrong.
A little prep can go a long way. I hope this list helps make your travels as enjoyable as possible knowing your house is taken care of. Now, it’s time to sit back and relax.