How to Prepare Your Home Before a Long Trip

Lock down your home 2 weeks before departure: stop mail delivery, set timers on lights, adjust your thermostat, ask a trusted neighbor to check in, and secure valuables. The goal is to make your house look occupied and prevent damage while you're away.

Handle mail and packages. Contact your postal service 1-2 weeks before departure to hold mail. For USPS, use the Informed Delivery service online or request a hold at your local branch. Arrange for a trusted friend or neighbor to collect any deliveries. If you're gone more than 2 weeks, pause subscriptions or ask someone to sign for packages.
Set up lighting. Install smart bulbs or timers in 2-3 rooms (usually living room and bedroom). Set them to turn on at 7 PM and off at 10 PM on weekdays, 9 PM to 11 PM on weekends. This makes your home look occupied. Test the timers one week before you leave.
Adjust your thermostat. Set your thermostat to a minimal temperature if heating (55°F in winter) to save energy but prevent pipe freezing. In summer, set it to 78-80°F. A programmable or smart thermostat lets you adjust remotely if needed. Don't turn it off completely.
Stop water and gas hazards. Shut off the main water supply if you're gone longer than 3 weeks or in a freezing climate. If you have outdoor taps, drain hoses and close shut-off valves. Leave the gas on (many older homes need a pilot light), but check that all appliances are off and burners are cold.
Secure valuables. Lock expensive items (jewelry, cameras, electronics, important documents) in a safe or safety deposit box. Don't leave them visible from windows. Leave expensive art or collectibles in a climate-controlled storage unit for trips longer than 4 weeks.
Ask someone to check in. Give a spare key to a trusted neighbor, friend, or family member. Ask them to check on your home weekly—look for broken windows, water leaks, or anything unusual. Leave your contact information and a list of emergency contacts (plumber, electrician, landlord).
Empty and clean the fridge. Two days before departure, remove perishables, dairy, and anything that will spoil. Leave condiments and non-perishables. Do a quick clean so your home doesn't smell when you return. Leave baking soda inside to absorb odors.
Lock doors and windows. Walk through your home the night before departure. Lock all windows. Lock doors twice—check twice. Don't leave sliding glass doors partially open for 'air circulation'; it's a liability. If you have a garage, close it.
Arrange for pet and plant care. Hire a pet sitter to visit daily or board your pet. For plants, water them thoroughly, move them away from direct sunlight, and ask a friend to water them mid-trip if you're gone longer than 2 weeks. Drought-resistant plants need less attention.
Test your security system. If you have a security system, arm it and make sure remote monitoring is active. Test the app on your phone one week before departure. Leave a contact card with your security company details on your front door (hidden, not visible from street).

Should I leave a light on all the time while I'm away?: No. A light that never turns off looks fake and wastes energy. Use timers instead—they simulate normal behavior (lights on in evening, off at night) and look far more convincing to potential intruders.
What if I don't have a trusted neighbor to check in?: Hire a pet sitter or house-sitting service even if you don't have pets. They typically charge 20-40 dollars per visit and will check for leaks, broken windows, and anything unusual. Alternatively, ask family to check in remotely using a smart home camera if you have one installed.
Should I unplug everything before I leave?: Unplug high-risk items: coffee makers, toasters, hair dryers, and chargers. Leave your fridge, freezer, and security system plugged in. Smart lights and thermostats need power to function, so don't unplug those either.
How long can I leave my home unattended safely?: Up to 3 weeks with the precautions in this guide (lights, thermostat, water shut-off, weekly check-ins). Beyond 4 weeks, hire professional house-sitting or ask someone to stay in your home part-time. Extended vacancy increases risk of water damage, pest infestation, and break-ins.
Do I need to leave my address with anyone for security reasons?: Yes. Leave your check-in person's contact info with a trusted family member and your workplace (if applicable). Don't post on social media that your home is empty. Your check-in person should have your destination address and phone number in case of emergency.
Should I cancel my internet and utilities?: No. Keep utilities active (they help deter burglars and prevent damage). Canceling and restarting service is expensive and inconvenient. Keep internet on so you can access smart home features remotely if needed.
What if something breaks while I'm away?: Your check-in person should know how to shut off the main water valve in case of a pipe burst. Leave their number with a plumber or water emergency service in your area so they can call for repairs immediately. Document damage with photos for your insurance claim.