Checklist · 42 items
Before vacation checklist
Updated November 3, 2026
Leaving for a week or two is different from leaving for the day. Things that don't matter over eight hours start to matter over ten days: food in the fridge, a dripping tap, a dark house with mail piling up on the step. And you can't nip back to check once you're at the airport.
This list is split by timing. Some jobs need a few days' notice, some belong on the last evening, and a handful happen in the final ten minutes before you lock the door. That last group is the one people doubt on the plane, so slow down for it.
Tips
Don't post your trip on social media until you're home. An empty house plus a public date range is an easy target.
Print or screenshot this list and tick it off on the last evening, instead of doing it all in the morning rush.
For the final ten minutes, go room by room in the same order as you would on a normal day. Your routine already knows the route.
If you tend to doubt things on the plane, take a photo of the main water valve, the stove and the locked front door as you go. One look at the airport is enough.
Leave a note with your sitter or neighbor saying where the water shutoff and breaker box are, in case something goes wrong while you're away.
Questions people ask
Should I turn off the water when going on vacation?
For trips longer than a few days, closing the main shutoff is a good idea, since a burst pipe in an empty house can run for days. Leave it on if you have a fire sprinkler system or someone visiting who needs it.
What should I unplug before going on vacation?
Anything that heats up, plus electronics you won't use: coffee makers, toasters, irons, straighteners, TVs, computers and game consoles. Leave the fridge, freezer and any security system plugged in.
What temperature should I leave my house at on vacation?
Set it a few degrees above or below your usual setting to save energy. In cold climates, keep it warm enough to stop pipes from freezing; around 55°F (13°C) is a common minimum.
How do I stop worrying that I left something on after leaving for vacation?
Use a written list on the last day, check the risky items slowly, and take a photo of the ones you tend to doubt. If a neighbor has a key, ask them to look in once.
How far in advance should I prepare for a vacation?
Start a week or two ahead for passports, pet care, mail and medication. The house itself can wait until the last day or two.
The ones people doubt later
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