Before leaving home for vacation checklist
Close up the house and arrange care before a trip.
What to get
Take out trash
Clear perishable food
Wash dishes
Arrange pet care
Arrange plant watering
Arrange mail collection
Set thermostat
Unplug unused small appliances
Check doors and windows
Set alarm if used
Leave emergency contact details
Who this list is for
This checklist is for anyone preparing to leave their house vacant during a vacation or trip. Whether you live alone or with family, it helps you secure your home, take care of responsibilities, and avoid coming back to problems.
How to use this list
Go through the list a day or two before you leave. Work room by room and check off each item as you finish. If someone else will help, assign tasks like pet care or plant watering ahead of time. Make sure you have time to arrange for neighbors or services if needed.
Common mistakes
People often forget to clear perishable food, leading to bad odors. Unplugging unused small appliances is skipped, which can waste energy or risk electrical issues. Mail piling up is a giveaway that the house is empty, so arrange collection early. Don’t forget to set the thermostat to save energy but still protect pipes or plants.
What is on this list
You’ll take out trash, wash dishes, and clear perishable food to avoid pests. Arrange pet care and plant watering if you’ll be gone more than a day or two. Mail collection is important for security. Set the thermostat and unplug unused small appliances. Check that all doors and windows are locked, set your alarm if you use one, and leave emergency contact details with someone you trust.
Before you go
The last walkthrough is key. Check each door and window. Take out the trash last. Leave emergency contact info with a neighbor or friend. Double-check that all arrangements (mail, pets, plants) are confirmed. Once everything is done, you can leave home knowing it’s secure.
FAQ
Who is "Before leaving home for vacation checklist" for?
This checklist is for anyone preparing to leave their house vacant during a vacation or trip. Whether you live alone or with family, it helps you secure your home, take care of responsibilities, and avoid coming back to problems.
How should I use "Before leaving home for vacation checklist"?
Go through the list a day or two before you leave. Work room by room and check off each item as you finish. If someone else will help, assign tasks like pet care or plant watering ahead of time. Make sure you have time to arrange for neighbors or services if needed.
What should I skip or avoid with "Before leaving home for vacation checklist"?
People often forget to clear perishable food, leading to bad odors. Unplugging unused small appliances is skipped, which can waste energy or risk electrical issues. Mail piling up is a giveaway that the house is empty, so arrange collection early. Don’t forget to set the thermostat to save energy but still protect pipes or plants.
What is on the "Before leaving home for vacation checklist" list?
You’ll take out trash, wash dishes, and clear perishable food to avoid pests. Arrange pet care and plant watering if you’ll be gone more than a day or two. Mail collection is important for security. Set the thermostat and unplug unused small appliances. Check that all doors and windows are locked, set your alarm if you use one, and leave emergency contact d…
What should I do before I go?
The last walkthrough is key. Check each door and window. Take out the trash last. Leave emergency contact info with a neighbor or friend. Double-check that all arrangements (mail, pets, plants) are confirmed. Once everything is done, you can leave home knowing it’s secure.
Related lists
For general planning only. Valedo does not guarantee this list’s accuracy, completeness, or suitability. Verify information before relying on it. Not a substitute for professional advice or safety training.