Before You Leave: A Homeowner’s Checklist for Going on Vacation

If you’re like many of my clients, you’ve been counting down to a well-earned vacation. Before you lock the door and hit the road, there’s one thing I always remind homeowners: a little preparation goes a long way toward protecting the investment you’ve worked so hard for.

As your real estate agent, I see firsthand how much your home means to you — and I want to make sure it’s waiting for you exactly as you left it. Here’s my complete go-to checklist for keeping your home safe, secure, and worry-free while you’re away.

🏠 Create a “Lived-In” Look

The single most effective thing you can do is make your home appear occupied. A dark, quiet house with mail piled up is a clear sign that no one’s home. Here’s how to keep up appearances:

• Smart Lighting: Use smart plugs or automated timers to set your lamps on a natural, staggered schedule. Vary the on/off times so it doesn’t look robotic — a house in total darkness for days is a beacon for trouble.
• Hold Your Mail: Stop mail delivery through USPS online for 3-30 days or ask a trusted neighbor to collect packages and mail daily. A full mailbox is a dead giveaway that no one is home.
• Lawn Care: If you’ll be gone more than a week, arrange for lawn maintenance. Overgrown grass is one of the clearest signals that a home is empty.
• Trash Day: Ask a neighbor to put out your trash cans and bring them back in after collection. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference.
• Animal Care: If your pet isn’t going with you, hire a pet sitter or use a trusted local boarder to keep your pet in a familiar routine.
• Plant Care: Ask a trusted neighbor or friend to water your plants every few days.
• Social Media Pause: I know it’s tempting to post that beach sunset in real time,  but save the vacation photos for when you’re back. Broadcasting your travel dates tells the world your home is empty.
• Neighbors: There is no substitute for a human touch. Ask a trusted neighbor to occasionally park in your driveway or do a quick walk around the property. It sends a message that someone is watching.

🔒 Secure Your Entry Points

Walk the perimeter of your home with fresh eyes before you leave. Here’s what to look for:

• Lock Everything: Check every door and window, including second-floor windows, basement windows, and the door connecting your garage to your home. These are often overlooked and easy targets.
• Sliding Glass Doors: These are notorious weak points. Use a secondary rod or track lock to prevent them from being forced open.
• Garage Security: Unplug your garage door opener if you’ll be away for an extended period. This prevents digital code hacking and adds an extra layer of protection.
• Security Lights: Motion-activated exterior lights in dark corners and blind spots can be a powerful deterrent. Make sure they’re positioned where they can’t easily be covered or moved.
• Signage: Even a simple security system yard sign or sticker on the window can deter a would-be burglar. If you have a monitored system, make sure it’s armed before you leave.

📱 Use Technology to Your Advantage

Modern smart home technology makes it easier than ever to keep an eye on things from miles away:

• Video Doorbell and Security Cameras: Keep notifications active on your smartphone. Real-time alerts let you monitor your front door and driveway no matter where your travels take you.
• Smart Lighting Apps: Schedule lights to mimic your normal routine: living room in the evening, hallway later, off at bedtime. The variation is key.
• Home Security System: If you’ve been meaning to upgrade, this is the time. Many systems qualify you for a homeowner’s insurance discount, too.

🔌 Unplug, Turn Off, and Protect

Protecting your home includes preventing accidents. When you unplug, you’re also saving energy on things you are not using. Before you head out:

• Unplug Small Appliances: Toasters, coffee makers, countertop mixers, and blenders can be fire risks if they short circuit. Unplug them before you go.
• Electronics and Consoles: Computers, monitors, WiFi routers, TVs, gaming systems, and streaming boxes don’t need to be on when the house is empty. Unplug them to protect against power surges.
• Space Heaters, Fans, and Air Purifiers: These should always be unplugged when no one is home.
• Unplug the Washer and Dryer: This can mitigate fire hazards from power surges, eliminate phantom energy drain, and prevent devastating water damage or gas leaks if an internal failure occurs.
• Unplug Electric Toothbrush: If you’re not taking it with you, unplug the charger.
• Shut Off the Main Water: If you’re leaving for more than a few days, turn off your main water supply. A burst pipe or slow leak while you’re away can cause catastrophic damage. It takes seconds and offers serious peace of mind.
• Turn Temp Down on the Water Heater: While away, you won’t need hot water. Turn the dial to the vacation setting to lower the temperature. 
• Check Smoke Detectors: Make sure your smoke detector batteries are fresh before you leave.
• Secure Your Valuables: Move jewelry, small collectibles, and important documents out of plain sight. Store them in a fireproof safe or locked closet. Consider taking a quick inventory with photos and serial numbers.

✅ Quick-Scan Departure Checklist

Run through this list in the final 30–60 minutes before you leave:

• Mail hold or neighbor pickup arranged
• Lawn care scheduled (for longer trips)
• Trash day covered by a neighbor
• Pet sitter is arranged or pet is boarded
• Trusted neighbor has your contact info
• Lighting timers set
• Thermostat set for vacation mode
• Empty your garbage and take it to the trash bin (prevent odors)
• Leave dishwasher door slightly ajar (prevent odors)
• Small appliances and electronics unplugged
• Valuables secured
• Turn down thermostat on water heater
• Main water shut off
• Security system armed
• Camera and doorbell notifications active
• Garage door opener unplugged
• All doors and windows locked (including garage and basement)

🌟 Enjoy Every Moment Away

Most vacation home security is about deterrence. When you make your home look occupied, tighten your entry points, and lean on good neighbors and smart technology, you become a much harder target. These small, proactive steps let you stop worrying about your home and start focusing fully on your vacation.

Jen Ward | Samson Properties  |  Greater Baltimore Metro Area

Sources: Today’s Woman (2026) • Nationwide Insurance Home Security Guide BHG (2026)