You’ve booked the flights, set the out-of-office, and packed the chargers. Before you lock the door, a few smart fixes at home can make the difference between a smooth return and a costly surprise. Think of this as your pre-trip home tune-up.
The goal is simple. Prevent leaks, deter break-ins, and keep systems healthy while you’re away. A short checklist now saves money and stress later, if you’ll be gone more than a week.
Inspect Your Roof And Exterior
Walk your property and scan the roof, gutters, and eaves for loose shingles, lifted flashing, or clogged downspouts. If anything looks off, call local roofing specialists to handle quick fixes before the weather can exploit a weak spot. Finish the loop by checking fascia boards, soffits, and vents for gaps that invite pests or wind-driven rain.
Look closely around skylights and chimneys for cracked sealant or missing caps. These small openings let water creep in, and slow leaks can run for weeks while you’re gone. Replace worn gaskets and re-caulk edges where you see daylight.
Clear gutters and confirm downspouts extend several feet from the foundation. Backed-up gutters push water under shingles and against siding, which can cause staining or rot. Add splash blocks or extensions to steer runoff away from the house.
Turn Off Water And Prevent Leaks
Water damage is the most expensive surprise to come home to, so make this step non-negotiable. Shut off the main valve if you’ll be away for more than 2 or 3 days, and it’s wise to test the valve beforehand, so it turns smoothly. After closing it, open a faucet to relieve pressure and watch the meter to confirm there’s no flow.
If you can’t shut down the whole house, at least close supply valves to the most leak-prone fixtures. Toilets, washing machines, ice makers, and dishwashers are common culprits. Replace any brittle supply lines with braided stainless versions and label valves so a helper can find them.
Consider a smart leak detector in the lowest part of the home. Many models sense moisture and temperature, and they can alert you if something drips. Place them near the water heater, under sinks, and by the washing machine.
Set Smart Thermostat For Safe Temperatures
Your HVAC doesn’t need to work hard while you’re away, but it should protect the house. Lifestyle guidance from Real Simple advises keeping the indoor temperature at least 55°F during winter absences to reduce the risk of frozen pipes. In hot climates, set cooling just high enough to control humidity and protect finishes.
Use a smart thermostat’s away mode to hold a steady set point. Program gentle temperature ramps a few hours before you return so the home is comfortable when you arrive. Avoid wide swings that can stress wood floors or cabinet doors.
Close curtains on sun-exposed windows to moderate indoor heat. Light-filtering shades still allow some daylight while reducing solar gain. In winter, leave interior doors open so warmed air circulates to sinks and pipes in colder rooms.
Prep Appliances And Utilities For Idle Time
Unplug small electronics that don’t need to run. Chargers, countertop appliances, and entertainment gear draw standby power and add unnecessary risk. Surge protectors with master switches make it easy to power down a whole cluster.
Empty the fridge of perishables and wipe spills so odors don’t take hold. If you’ll be gone for an extended stretch, consider raising the fridge setting slightly to save energy while keeping food safe. Leave a small box of baking soda to absorb smells.
Set the water heater to vacation mode if available. That setting keeps the tank from constantly while maintaining basic protection. For tankless models, follow the manual’s away recommendations.
Safeguard Doors, Windows, And Security Tech
Check every latch, strike plate, and deadbolt for smooth operation. Tighten loose screws and upgrade to longer strike plate screws where needed. A well-fitted door resists forced entry better than an alarm alone.
Test your alarm system and replace low batteries in sensors and sirens. Ensure exterior cameras have clear views and clean lenses. Turn on motion-activated lights along paths and near entry points.
Use smart plugs or lights to create simple schedules. Randomized scenes look more natural than a single lamp on a timer. Avoid posting exact travel dates on public social media until you’re home.
Hide valuables and sensitive papers out of sight. A small safe or concealed drawer reduces temptation if anyone does get in. Leave basic items like a couple of jackets on hooks so the place appears lived-in.
Drainage, Pests, And Odor Prevention
Run water in seldom-used sinks and showers to fill traps. Full traps block sewer gases from seeping into your home while you’re away. If you’ll be gone a long time, add a few drops of mineral oil to slow evaporation.
Empty trash and recycling, then wipe bins with a mild cleaner. Food residue attracts pests quickly when a house is quiet. Seal opened dry goods in airtight containers or store them in the freezer.
Close the flue on any unused fireplaces and screen vent openings. Birds, squirrels, and insects look for easy entry points when a space is still. Trim branches that touch siding or the roof to reduce bridges for critters.
A regional insurer’s checklist notes that if you’ll be away for longer than a week, turning off the main water supply is a smart move to prevent damage while no one is home. Combine that step with labeled valves and a quick orientation for a neighbor or caretaker who can spot early signs of trouble.
You don’t need to renovate before every trip. You just need to remove easy failure points and give helpers the info they need. A short routine keeps water where it belongs, temperatures stable, and the place looking lived-in.
Make this checklist your standard pre-flight ritual. The same steps work for weekend getaways and multi-week adventures, and they scale with the season. You’ll come home to a house that’s ready for you, not the other way around.