8 things for double checking in your house before going on vacation

Key points

  • Make a checklist in front of your trip so that you can easily do one final look before your trip starts.
  • Use this list for any night, so it becomes a habit and allows peace of mind.
  • Mark urgent contact that can check your home in the worst scenario.

Whether you leave for a few nights nearby or longer to reduce the airplane, you will probably need to prepare your home. But what to do?

We have signed up with the master expert for its top tips on the assessment and double checking before traveling.

Meet the expert

Meg Hilllock Is the overall home care expert on home solutions for Oncourse.

Check your water systems

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Photoduets / Getty Images


If you bend for night or two, you may not think to evaluate your plumbing system, but Meg Hillock master expert recommends that it works quickly. It specifically suggests scan for any potential leaks.

“Even small, slow leaks can lead to major damage if it doesn’t show up,” Hillock says.

This should also include cleaning your drains and plumbing traps in your kitchens and bathrooms, because any clogs or accumulation can lead to smells and backups if no one is around for tracking things.

On a similar leg, if you leave in winter, Hillock says you could think about turning off the main water supply to prevent frozen or empty pipes, and you should also give your drain pump. This is especially important if it is raining in the forecast until you are.

“Failed separation pump During the storm can result in a flooded basement,” Hilllock says.

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Adjust your thermostat

No matter what time of year you travel, Hillock says it is important to set up your thermostat to a safe internal temperature before you go out.

“This prevents the pipes of freezing in winter and molds in wet summer conditions,” she says.

You could also want to review your HVAC system as a whole before you go, depending on the time of year and the length of your trip.

Turn off small devices

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John Keeble / Getty Images


Obviously, turn off your refrigerator or even your washing machine, and the dryer probably doesn’t make much sense, but Hillock suggests turning off the excavation of any device that really don’t need to be included until you have.

“(This) reduce the risk of overheating or unnecessary use of energy,” she says.

Complete your generator

This one could depend on both of you live and a time of year, but if you have a generator, Hillock suggests that it ensures that it is in the working condition in front of your trip.

“Make sure it is encouraged, functional and ready in case of interruptions,” she says.

Clean your gutters

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As Hillock points out, people often don’t think they clean their gutters and external drains before traveling, but it’s actually a critical shore worthwhile. This is especially true if you travel during the storm season.

“If she stays unattended, they can overflow and cause water damage around your home,” she says. “Checking these areas before you go, helps prevent great questions.”

Prepare a reliable neighbor or friend for an emergency

Unless you have plants or a pet that needs some love until you have probably don’t need anyone who pops up until you have. But Hillock says that it is still a good idea to ask someone you trust to be in emergencies.

“Let them know where your water shutdown valve in case of emergency help and ask them to sign up during extreme time to ensure that your heating or cooling systems are functioning correctly,” she says.

At the very least, make sure that your nearest neighbor has your phone number in case of any urgent appearance.

Stop all deliveries

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Epoxydude / getty images


If you are subscribed to any regular services, you might want to turn off you during your trip. You can also ask a postal service to keep your mail to your return. Or, if you would rather, you could ask a friend or family member to swing throughout the week.

“Ask them to collect your mail or packages to make your home look unoccupied,” Hilllock says.

Create the final list

Before you go out through the door, it’s a good idea to create one finishing list of main things you should do no matter what, even if you just go just a night or two. Hilllock gave us several final reminders in the value of which given in mind:

  • Remove the trash and recycling. Like Hillock Note, this helps to avoid smells or pests that accumulate in your absence.
  • Plants indoors or arrange for someone else to do so if necessary.
  • Ensure that all doors and windows are locked, and the safety systems are activated.

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