8 Home Safety Tasks You Should Never Forget Before a Vacation

01 Secure All Windows and Doors

Double-check that all windows and doors are securely shut and locked. Remember any back or side entrances and any small windows that might be overlooked (or you think are too tiny to crawl through).

“If you have a vehicle being left behind while you travel, make sure the doors are locked and that any hidden keys or garage door openers have been removed,” says Lee. “This helps prevent easy access to the home.”

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve rushed out the door for a trip, only to realize I forgot to check the back door or that tiny bathroom window. It’s such a simple step, but it’s easy to miss when you’re focused on packing. To add an extra layer of protection, consider installing deadbolts if you don’t already have them—according to the FBI’s 2022 crime statistics, about 34% of burglaries involve entry through an unlocked door or window. Also, think about adding window sensors to your security system. They’re not too pricey (around $20-$50 each) and can alert you if something’s amiss. I’ve got a couple on my basement windows, and it’s reassuring to know they’re there.

02 Unplug Electronics and Appliances

For safety reasons, unplug any electronics or appliances that don’t need to be on, including toasters, TVs, chargers, and kitchen appliances. This reduces the risk of electrical fires and can save energy. Turning off the water to appliances like the washing machine or dishwasher helps prevent leaks.

Unplugging stuff before a trip is one of those things that feels like a hassle but can save you big time. The U.S. Fire Administration notes that electrical malfunctions cause about 6% of residential fires annually, so it’s worth the five minutes it takes to walk around and yank those cords. Plus, it’s a small way to cut down on your electric bill—standby power can account for 5-10% of household energy use, according to the Department of Energy. I always make a quick sweep of my kitchen and living room, unplugging everything from the coffee maker to my laptop charger. If you’re worried about leaks, shutting off the water to your washing machine is a game-changer; a friend of mine had a minor flood from a loose hose while on vacation, and it was a mess to come home to.

03 Notify a Trusted Neighbor or Friend

Let a neighbor or a trusted friend know you’ll be away and provide them with a spare key in case of an emergency. They can keep an eye on your home, collect your mail, or deal with any unexpected issues. This adds an extra layer of security and ensures your home doesn’t appear unoccupied.

Additionally, suggests Lee, “see if your local police department or sheriff’s office provides an ‘extra watch.'” According to Lee, “These are often free services where a patrol officer will be directed to check a specific area or address during the course of their regular patrol. The presence of law enforcement in the neighborhood can reduce the likelihood of burglaries [in the area].”

I’ve found that having a neighbor in the loop makes all the difference. Last summer, my neighbor noticed a package piling up on my porch and grabbed it before it got swiped. It’s such a simple thing, but it keeps your place from screaming “nobody’s home!” If your local police offer an extra watch service, it’s worth signing up—studies show that visible police presence can deter crime by up to 15% in residential areas. Just make sure to return the favor for your neighbor when they’re out of town. It’s a small gesture that builds trust and keeps your community tight.

04 Inspect and Clean Your HVAC System

Ensure that your HVAC system is in good working order before you leave. Change the air filters if necessary and set the thermostat to an energy-saving mode. This can help prevent any issues while you’re gone.

I learned this one the hard way when my AC unit clogged up during a week-long trip, leaving my house stuffy and humid when I got back. Regularly changing your HVAC filter (every 1-3 months, depending on usage) can prevent dust buildup and keep your system running smoothly. Setting your thermostat to 85°F in summer or 55°F in winter, as recommended by Energy Star, can save you 10-15% on your energy bill while you’re away. If you’ve got a smart thermostat, you can even monitor it remotely for peace of mind. It’s a small tweak that keeps your home comfy and your wallet happy.

05 Make Use of Timers, Devices, and Lights

Lee suggests setting timers on indoor and outdoor lights. “Smart devices like Alexa can be programmed for tasks like turning on music or other devices that generate noise and give the impression that someone is home,” he says. If a potential criminal sees signs of activity in a home, they may think twice.

Timers are a total lifesaver for making your house look lived-in. I’ve got a couple of smart plugs that I set to turn on my living room lamps at dusk, and it’s amazing how much more secure it feels. Smart plugs can cost as little as $10-$20, and you can program them to mimic your usual routine. A 2021 study by the University of Chicago found that homes with visible signs of occupancy, like lights or noise, are up to 30% less likely to be targeted by burglars. I also set my Alexa to play a podcast in the evening—it’s a small trick, but it makes my house feel alive even when I’m halfway across the country.

06 Don’t Forget About Plant and Lawn Care

Ensure that your indoor plants have all that they need, or arrange for their care in your absence. Similarly, set up an irrigation system on a timer for outdoor plants or ask a neighbor to water them.

Our security expert also encourages travelers to mow the lawn just before leaving to keep the yard neat. (An overgrown yard can be an indicator that the homeowner is away.)

I’ve lost a few houseplants to neglect during trips, and it’s always a bummer to come home to wilted leaves. For indoor plants, self-watering pots (around $5-$15) are a great investment if you don’t have a plant-sitter. Outdoors, a basic sprinkler timer can run you about $25 and ensure your garden stays happy. Mowing the lawn right before you leave is a must—overgrown grass can signal an empty house, and a 2019 neighborhood safety survey found that unkempt yards increase perceived burglary risk by 20%. Plus, a tidy yard just makes coming home feel that much better.

07 Take Care on Social Media

Lee also urges travelers to avoid posting information about their trips on social media before leaving and while still away. “Check-ins, announcements, and photos are fun to share, but can advertise your vulnerability while you’re away,” he says. “Make sure your profiles are set to private to avoid anyone who isn’t a friend from gathering these details.”

I get it—it’s tempting to post that beach selfie the second you land. But waiting until you’re back home is smarter. A 2020 study by the Insurance Information Institute found that 1 in 5 burglaries is linked to social media posts revealing a homeowner’s absence. Setting your profiles to private is a quick fix, and it’s worth double-checking your friend list to make sure it’s only people you trust. I usually save my vacation pics for a big post-trip album—it’s just as fun to share, and it keeps my house safer.

08 Clean Out the Fridge

Forget this essential, and you’ll likely have an unpleasant surprise when you return. Go through your fridge and remove any perishable items that could spoil while you’re away. This will prevent unpleasant odors and reduce the risk of attracting pests.

There’s nothing worse than coming home to a fridge that smells like a science experiment gone wrong. I always do a quick fridge purge before a trip, tossing out anything that won’t last (milk, yogurt, that half-eaten takeout). The USDA says most perishables like dairy or fresh produce only last a week or two, so it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you’ve got a compost bin, toss the scraps there to avoid a smelly trash can, too. It takes maybe 10 minutes, but it saves you from dealing with a gross cleanup when you’re already tired from traveling.