Start an extended vacation with a careful home check several days before you leave. A rushed walk-through on departure morning makes it easy to overlook an unlocked window, a dripping pipe, or a forgotten thermostat setting. A practical vacation home protection checklist can help you organise the job, while the steps below address four areas that deserve particular attention.
Secure Doors and Windows
Walk around the house and test every external door and accessible window, including those in the garage, basement and utility room. Confirm that each lock closes fully and repair loose handles or damaged frames before your trip. Sliding doors may benefit from a fitted security bar in the lower track.
Avoid leaving spare keys under pots, mats or outdoor ornaments. Give one directly to the person checking your home instead. Your home preparation guide should also include closing the garage door, locking internal access doors and removing any ladders or tools from the yard. Timed indoor lights can make the property appear occupied after dark.
Prevent Costly Water Damage
Inspect taps, visible pipes and appliance connections for damp patches or slow leaks. Check beneath sinks, around toilets and behind the washing machine. A small drip can cause considerable damage if it continues unnoticed for two weeks.
If you find corrosion, an unexplained drop in water pressure or a recurring leak, arrange for a plumber to assess it before departure. Travellers in cold climates should also protect exposed pipes according to local weather conditions. If your home and appliances allow it, consider shutting off the main water supply. Never switch it off if a heating system, sprinkler system, or other essential equipment depends on a steady supply, without first getting professional advice.
Adjust Smart Thermostats
Set your thermostat to an energy-saving temperature that still protects the home, its contents and any indoor plants. The correct setting depends on the season, local climate and how your heating or cooling system works. Extreme settings can encourage frozen pipes in winter or excess humidity during hot weather.
A smart thermostat lets you check indoor temperatures remotely and receive alerts when readings move outside your chosen range. Review the app before leaving, confirm that notifications are active and replace weak batteries in any connected sensors. Don’t turn the system off completely unless the manufacturer recommends it. If someone will visit your home, explain how to adjust the controls in case the internet connection or app stops working.
Arrange for Neighbour Check-Ins
Ask a trusted neighbour, friend or relative to visit every two or three days. Give them a key, your contact details and clear instructions about what to inspect. They should collect mail, remove delivered packages, and check for water around sinks, toilets, and appliances. If you have plants or pets receiving professional care, share those schedules too.
Explain where the main water shutoff and electrical panel are located, then leave contact details for relevant service providers. Keep the arrangement discreet and avoid posting public travel updates until you return. Send a quick message after each visit to confirm the doors remain secure, indoor temperatures are normal, and no maintenance problems have appeared.
Before locking the door for the final time, take dated photos of key rooms, appliance connections and thermostat settings. Those images provide a useful reference if your neighbour reports something unusual while you’re away.
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