Checklist: What to Do at Home Before Going on Vacation

Take a look at this checklist a few days before your vacation and once more right before you leave. That way, you won't forget anything.

Organize Your Space

Don't put cleaning off for later: when you return home, you'll want to rest after a long trip. Do a light cleaning, take out the trash, change your bedding, and wash all your clothes so that the laundry basket is empty.

If you have carpets at home, clean and roll them up: when unfolded, they will collect dust. Cover the windows with light curtains: this way you protect your belongings from fading in the sun and create an illusion of presence.

Hide Important Documents and Valuables

Even better, store them in a bank safety deposit box — that way, nothing will happen to them. You won't need to worry about being robbed either. Also, remember whether you’ve insured your apartment.

Take Care of Plants

If no one will be able to water your plants while you're away, move them away from the window. In the shade, plants will lose less moisture.

You can buy planters with automatic watering or make one yourself: drill small holes in the lids of plastic bottles, turn them upside down, and stick them into the soil in the pots.

Unplug All Electrical Appliances

For safety reasons and to save money: most devices continue to consume electricity even when switched off, operating in standby mode (awaiting the next activation). So they still use some power.

Here's what you must definitely unplug:

• Computers and printers;
• Televisions;
• Microwave ovens (yes, even models with timers work in this mode);
• Refrigerators: clear all food, wash inside, and leave the door slightly open (but don’t use foreign objects to keep it open — you might damage the seal). Or switch to vacation mode.

Find Out What Else You Can Turn Off

So you don’t pay for it. For example, some providers let you disable phone service, internet, or TV during your vacation.

Shut Off Water and Gas

Start with water: turn off all taps and make sure nothing is leaking. If anything breaks, it’s better to fix it before leaving.

With gas, exercise caution: shut off only the valves on gas appliances and don’t touch the valve on the main pipe. Otherwise, you may cut off gas supply to the entire entrance.

Check All Windows and Doors

This should be done right before you leave. It’s better not to leave windows slightly open, even if you live on a high floor. If a fire breaks out in the building, a draft can only make things worse.

You can also install an alarm system with the ability to turn lights on remotely via a mobile app. From the outside, it will look like you’re still at home and taking care of your apartment.