Whether you’re stepping out for a long weekend or boarding a plane for three months, a little front‑end planning prevents a lot of hassle (and unexpected bills) when you return. This guide lays out five practical, no‑nonsense actions to take before you lock the door—each one explained for short trips (around 3 days) and extended absences (around 3 months). Follow the checklist and you’ll spend more time enjoying your trip and less time worrying about what you left behind.
Before You Go: the 5 essentials at a glance
– Thermostat: reduce wasted energy but keep systems protected.
– Refrigerator: clear perishables; use mass or unplug depending on duration.
– Water: avoid floods by shutting or isolating water supplies correctly.
– Electronics: unplug or power‑strip devices that draw phantom power.
– Security and deliveries: pause mail, manage packages, and create signs of occupancy.
1 — Thermostat: save energy without creating problems
Why it matters
A large portion of home energy use goes to heating and cooling. Lowering or raising your thermostat a few degrees while you’re gone reduces energy waste, but the ideal setting depends on season and trip length.
What to do for 3 days
– Move the temperature setting toward economical: in summer, raise the cooling setpoint 4–6°F; in winter, lower the heat 4–6°F. That keeps the system from running as often but avoids moisture or freezing risks.
– If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, set a temporary schedule to return the home to comfortable temperatures a few hours before you expect to arrive.
What to do for 3 months
– Set the thermostat to a conservative, safe baseline: enough cooling to prevent mold and heat damage in hot climates; warm enough to avoid pipe freezing in cold regions.
– If freezing is a risk where you live, maintain a minimum temperature (often recommended around 55°F / 12–13°C, though check local guidance and your home systems).
– If you’re comfortable with it and local conditions allow, place the system in an energy‑saving vacation mode if available.
Quick tips
– Don’t turn heating or cooling completely off if there’s any risk of freezing pipes or humidity damage.
– Put ceiling fans on “Auto” rather than “On” so the fan only runs when the HVAC is actively conditioning the air.
2 — Refrigerator and freezer: decide what stays and what goes
Why it matters
Food left too long spoils and wastes money. Paradoxically, a partially full refrigerator can be less efficient than a full one; a full appliance holds temperature better.
What to do for 3 days
– Toss any fresh items that won’t keep (deli meats, milk). Keep sealed containers of water or ice packs to help the fridge stay cold if it’s not normally full.
– Set the fridge to its normal temperature; leaving it running avoids thawed food and moisture problems.
What to do for 3 months
– Remove all perishable foods. Clean and dry the interior thoroughly to prevent mold and odors.
– Prop the door open slightly (a folded towel or a purpose‑made fridge prop) to allow airflow if you unplug it.
– If you leave the appliance powered but empty, be aware it will still draw electricity—consider unplugging if you secure the door open and are certain there will be no smells or pests.
3 — Water: protect against floods and dry‑fire damage
Why it matters
A burst hose, leaking water heater, or overflowing fixture can cause catastrophic damage while you’re away. But shutting off water blindly can also create issues, so handle this step with care.
What to do for 3 days
– For short trips, you don’t usually need to shut off the main water, but locate the main shutoff valve in case you must turn it off remotely or instruct a neighbor to do so.
– Turn off the water supply to washing machines and dishwashers (many have easy‑access valves) if you won’t be using them; hoses are a common failure point.
What to do for 3 months
– Consider shutting off the main water supply if no one will be using the home and if other risk mitigation is in place (see below).
– If you shut off water and you have a tank water heater, switch the heater off at the breaker or consult the manufacturer’s instructions—electric heaters can be damaged by running when there is no water flow.
– For long absences in freezing climates, keep a minimum thermostat setting and consider draining certain lines or insulating pipes.
Practical sequence for shutting off water safely
– Turn off water at the main valve.
– Turn off or disconnect electric current to the tank water heater (if you have one) before or at the same time you shut water off.
– Drain fixtures as needed (open faucets) and consider having someone run the heat briefly to circulate if temperatures demand it.
– If unsure, ask a plumber to advise or perform the shutdown—this can avert costly mistakes.
4 — Electronics and energy “vampires”: unplug, power‑strip, or schedule
Why it matters
Many devices draw power even when “off”—set‑top boxes, chargers, game consoles, printers, coffee machines with clocks. Unplugging or using switched power strips cuts phantom load and reduces fire risk.
What to do for 3 days
– Unplug nonessential devices: kitchen gadgets, TVs, gaming systems, and extra chargers.
– Leave essential devices like routers and smart home hubs powered if you use remote access or monitoring.
What to do for 3 months
– Unplug more devices and consider labeling cords so it’s easy to restore power later.
– For items that need occasional power (smart thermostats, security cameras), leave them connected but check battery backup and remote access functionality.
– Remove batteries from battery‑powered devices that may leak over time (toys, remotes).
5 — Home safety, packages, and the appearance of occupancy
Why it matters
A build‑up of mail or deliveries, dark nights, and visible absence clues attract theft. Conversely, a few simple measures greatly reduce risk.
What to do for 3 days
– Ask a trusted neighbor to collect mail, bring in packages, and occasionally walk around the property.
– Use light timers or your smart home app to turn lights on in evening hours.
What to do for 3 months
– Put in a formal mail hold with the postal service or arrange with your post office for special delivery instructions; this prevents piles of mail that advertise an empty home 1.
– Suspend recurring deliveries (meal kits, subscription boxes) or redirect them.
– Arrange for lawn care or snow removal so the exterior shows activity.
– Leave a vehicle in the driveway if you have someone who can move it occasionally, or ask a neighbor to park there sometimes to create the appearance of occupancy.
– Consider temporary security upgrades: window sensors, a doorbell camera, or a monitored system temporarily enabled for the duration. Test remote access before you leave.
How long matters: a quick decisions table
Use the table below to choose the right action depending on trip length.
| Area | ~3 days | ~2–4 weeks | ~3 months |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thermostat | Slight adjustment + return‑home schedule | Vacation mode or energy setpoint | Energy baseline; protect against freeze/mold |
| Refrigerator | Toss perishables; leave running | Remove perishables; consider packing with ice | Empty, clean, unplug; prop door open |
| Water | Leave on; know main valve | Shut off appliance valves (washer) | Consider main shutoff + water heater off |
| Electronics | Unplug nonessentials | Unplug many devices; leave essential network gear | Unplug most; keep monitoring devices powered |
| Mail & Deliveries | Ask neighbor to collect | Hold mail / pause subscriptions | Official mail hold; suspend deliveries; lawn/snow care |
| Security | Timers on lights | Timers + neighbor checks | Full security plan; cameras and monitored alarm |
Extra money and scheduling tips before you leave
– Pause or move automatic bill payments only if needed—missing payments can cause fees or credit problems.
– Place travel holds or travel alerts on credit cards wisely if traveling internationally, rather than canceling cards.
– If you need quick extra cash to cover trip costs, consider short online gigs like freelancing platforms such as Upwork or project work on Fiverr for quick, short assignments. Doing short online tasks or responding to market research opportunities such as paid online surveys can also generate modest, immediate funds—consider reputable survey platforms if that’s part of your plan (search for reputable reviews before sharing personal data).
– If you manage business accounts or social feeds, set up posts ahead of time with a tool for social media scheduling so your channels don’t go silent while you’re gone [linking only if you use that exact phrase] (automated scheduling also reduces the temptation to work while you’re supposed to be resting).
– For longer‑term income building, you might use travel time to explore a new project—many people research launching a side hustle or starting a blog; these take planning but can be progressed in small, focused steps before and after travel.
A short, practical pre‑trip checklist
– [ ] Create a “contact list” with neighbor, local emergency plumber, and a friend able to check the house.
– [ ] Shut off or isolate water as appropriate; turn off water heater power if main supply is off.
– [ ] Adjust thermostat and program return time.
– [ ] Defrost and clean fridge if unplugging; secure perishables otherwise.
– [ ] Unplug electronics or switch them to smart power strips.
– [ ] Hold mail or ask neighbor to collect; pause subscriptions and deliveries.
– [ ] Set light timers or schedule smart‑bulb routines.
– [ ] Secure valuables and leave a copy of your itinerary with a trusted person.
– [ ] Check smoke alarms, CO detectors, and replace batteries if needed.
– [ ] Confirm insurance coverage for extended absences if you own the home.
When to call a pro
– If you’re unsure how to safely shut off the water or to manage your water heater, call a licensed plumber.
– If your HVAC system is complex or you have concerns about humidity control, an HVAC technician can recommend safe vacation settings.
– For security system installation or monitored cameras, consult a reputable installer.
Parting notes
Small, routine steps minimize the odds of returning to damaged property, surprise bills, or stolen packages. The difference between a relaxing trip and a frantic return often comes down to whether you took 30–90 minutes to prepare your home properly. Use the checklist above the next time you’re packing—it’s an easy insurance policy for your peace of mind.
References
1. U.S. Postal Service — Hold Mail Service. https://www.usps.com/manage/hold-mail.htm
2. U.S. Department of Energy — Thermostats and HVAC tips. https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/thermostats
(Additional homeowner tips referenced general industry guidance and practical experience; if in doubt about mechanical or plumbing steps, consult a licensed professional.)
