Prep Your Home for Vacation: Ultimate Checklist for Solo Travelers

When you're preparing for a vacation, particularly as a solo traveler, ensuring your home is safe and ready for your absence is essential. A well-prepared home not only saves money but also offers peace of mind while you're away. Here's your ultimate checklist for prepping your home for vacation.

Tips for the Safety and Security of Your Home

Leaving your home unattended can be stressful, especially for solo travelers. Taking the time to secure your property not only protects your belongings but also ensures you can enjoy your trip with peace of mind. Here’s how to safeguard your home before heading out.

Invest in a Home Security System

• A modern home security system can deter potential intruders and provide real-time monitoring of your property. Look for systems with features like motion detectors, cameras, and remote access via smartphone apps.
• If a security system isn't an option, install motion-activated outdoor lights and consider a video doorbell for added safety.

Inform a Trusted Neighbor or Friend

• Share your travel plans with someone you trust who lives nearby. They can keep an eye on your property, collect your mail, and alert you to anything unusual.
• Provide them with a spare key in case of emergencies.

Stop Mail and Deliveries

• A pile of mail or packages is a clear sign that no one is home. Place a hold on your mail with your local postal service or ask a neighbor to collect it for you.
• Pause any recurring deliveries, such as subscription boxes or newspapers.

Secure Doors and Windows

• Double-check that all doors and windows are locked, including basement and garage entrances.
• Install deadbolts or additional locks for extra protection.

Unplug Non-Essential Electronics

• Unplug devices like TVs, coffee makers, and toasters to prevent potential electrical issues and save energy.
• For essential appliances, like refrigerators, ensure they're in good working condition before you leave.

Set Timers for Lights

• Use timers to turn lights on and off at different times to give the appearance of someone being home.
• Smart plugs or bulbs controlled via an app can also help you manage lights remotely.

Keep Valuables Out of Sight

• Store important documents, jewelry, and other valuables in a safe or hidden location.
• Avoid leaving items like laptops or expensive gadgets visible through windows.

Update Your Emergency Contacts

• Ensure your emergency contacts are aware of your travel plans and know how to reach you.
• Leave detailed instructions on what to do in case of an emergency at your home.

Money-Saving Tips

Traveling doesn’t have to mean wasting money at home while you’re away. With some simple adjustments, you can reduce expenses and avoid unnecessary bills during your vacation. These tips will help you save money and make your time away more stress-free.

Adjust Your Thermostat

• Set your thermostat to an energy-saving mode while you're away. During winter, keep it warm enough to prevent pipes from freezing, and in summer, avoid excessive cooling.
• Smart thermostats can help you monitor and adjust settings remotely.

Turn Off Water Supply

• Shut off the main water valve to prevent potential leaks or water damage. If you’re leaving during winter, drain the pipes to avoid freezing.
• If turning off the water isn't practical, ensure all faucets and toilets are in good condition.

Empty the Fridge

• Use up perishable items or donate them to a local food bank before leaving.
• Clean your refrigerator to avoid unpleasant odors and reduce energy consumption.

Suspend Services

• Pause subscriptions or services you won't need while away, such as cable, internet, or gym memberships.
• If you subscribe to meal delivery services, ensure they’re paused to avoid wasted deliveries.

Switch Off Lights and Fans

• Ensure all lights and ceiling fans are turned off before leaving.
• For outdoor lights, use motion sensors or solar-powered options to save electricity.

Lower Water Heater Settings

• Switch your water heater to vacation mode or lower the temperature to save on energy costs.

Clean Before You Leave

• A clean home not only feels great to return to but also helps prevent pests.
• Empty trash bins, especially in the kitchen, and vacuum to remove crumbs and debris.

Prep Your Home for Your Return from Vacation

Returning from a vacation is always smoother when your home is ready to welcome you back. Taking a few proactive steps before you leave can save time, reduce stress, and ensure you can ease back into your routine effortlessly.

Leave Essentials Ready

• Stock up on non-perishable essentials like coffee, tea, and breakfast items so you won’t need to rush to the store upon return.
• Keep your house keys and car keys in a designated spot to avoid last-minute scrambling.

Set Up a Return Plan

• Arrange for your trusted neighbor or friend to return any collected mail or packages.
• Schedule utility services like internet or cable to resume the day you return.

Clean Bedding and Towels

• Before leaving, wash and change your bed linens and towels so you can enjoy a fresh start upon returning.
• Consider making your bed with clean sheets as a welcome-home gesture to yourself.

Prepare for Seasonal Needs

• If traveling during winter, ensure sidewalks and driveways will be cleared of snow before you return.
• For summer, arrange for someone to water your plants or mow the lawn.

Check Appliances

• Ensure your refrigerator and freezer are at the correct settings and fully functional before restocking with food.
• Run a quick check of your heating or cooling systems to ensure they’re ready to use upon return.

Review Security Footage

• If you have a home security system, review any footage for unusual activity while you were away.
• Reset your alarm codes or passwords if you shared them temporarily with someone.

Ease Back Into Your Routine

• Plan your first day back with minimal commitments to allow yourself time to settle in.
• Unpack and organize luggage promptly to avoid post-trip clutter.

By following this ultimate checklist, you can ensure your home stays safe, energy-efficient, and ready for your return. As a solo traveler, the peace of mind this preparation provides will let you focus on enjoying your journey to the fullest.