Checklist · 20 items
Leaving the house checklist
Updated November 3, 2026
Most people don't forget to lock up. They forget whether they locked up. You pull the door shut on autopilot, and ten minutes later at the bus stop the memory is gone, replaced by a vague picture of every other morning you've left the house.
This checklist is short on purpose. It covers the things that cause real damage or real worry if they're left on or open, in an order that follows a normal walk through a home: kitchen, bathroom, the rest of the house, then out the door.
Tips
Walk the same route through your home every time. A fixed order means a skipped step feels wrong, which is how you notice it.
Say each item out loud as you check it: "Stove off." Hearing your own voice gives the memory something to hold on to.
Keep keys, wallet and phone in one spot by the door so the last step doesn't turn into a search.
If you're someone who turns back halfway down the street, take one photo of the stove knobs and the locked door. Then trust it and don't go back.
Questions people ask
Is it normal to forget if I locked the door?
Yes, very. Locking a door is so automatic that your brain barely records it, and today's memory blends into every other day's. It says nothing bad about your memory.
What should I check before leaving the house?
The stove and oven, heat appliances like irons and straighteners, running water, candles, windows, and every door that leads outside. Those cover most of the real risks.
How do I stop going back to check the stove?
Check it once with full attention: look at each knob and say "off" out loud. A photo of the knobs helps too, as long as you look at it once and then stop.
Should I unplug appliances when I leave?
Unplug anything that heats up, like irons, straighteners and older coffee makers. Fridges, routers and other always-on devices are designed to stay plugged in.
The ones people doubt later
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