Here’s a vacation home checklist to help you protect your house, save money, and avoid unpleasant surprises while you’re away:
🏡 Before You Leave on Vacation: What to Do With Your House
🔐 1. Secure the Property
- Lock all doors and windows (double-check back/side entries and basement).
- Set deadbolts and secure sliding doors with a rod or bar.
- Close curtains/blinds partially (don’t make it obvious no one’s home).
- Notify a trusted neighbor or friend—ask them to check in or collect mail.
💡 2. Make the Home Look Lived-In
- Set timers on lights in a few rooms.
- Leave a car in the driveway if possible.
- Arrange for someone to mow the lawn, shovel snow, or water plants.
📬 3. Pause or Redirect Deliveries
- Hold your mail through the post office: Canada Post or USPS Hold Mail
- Pause newspaper delivery
- Ask a neighbor to pick up flyers, packages, or door hangers
⚡ 4. Adjust Utilities
- Turn off unnecessary lights
- Set thermostat:
- Winter: ~12°C (54°F) to prevent freezing
- Summer: ~27°C (80°F) to reduce A/C use
- Unplug electronics or use surge protectors
- Turn off the water main if gone for more than a few days (to prevent leaks or burst pipes)
🧯 5. Safety Checks
- Check smoke and CO detectors
- Make sure sump pumps and dehumidifiers (if applicable) are working
- Empty trash to prevent odors or pests
🐾 6. Pets & Plants
- Arrange for pet care, or boarding if needed
- Set up a watering schedule or use self-watering systems for plants
💼 7. Financial & Emergency Prep
- Alert your bank if you’ll be using cards out-of-town
- Leave emergency contact info with a neighbor or family member
- Make sure home insurance covers vacation absences (some policies require check-ins every few days)