Checklist: What to Do at Home Before Going on Vacation

Take a look at this list a few days before your vacation and then once more right before you leave. That way, you'll definitely not forget anything.

Organize and Clean Up

Don't leave cleaning for later: when you return home, you'll want to rest after a long journey. Do a damp clean, take out the trash, change the bedding, and wash all your clothes so the basket is empty.

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

Secure Documents and Valuables

It's better to store them in a bank safety deposit box – that way, nothing will happen to them. You won't have to worry about being robbed either. Also, remember if you've insured your apartment.

Take Care of Living Plants

If no one will be able to water your flowers during your absence, move them away from the window. In the shade, plants will lose less moisture.

You can buy pots 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 energy even when turned off, operating in standby mode (waiting for the next activation). So they use some electricity even when switched off.

Here’s what you must unplug for sure:

• computers and printers;
• televisions;
• microwave ovens (yes, even models with a timer work in this mode);
• refrigerators: clean them out completely, wash them inside, and leave the door slightly open (but do not use foreign objects to keep it open – you might damage the seal). Or activate the vacation mode.

Find Out What Else You Can Turn Off

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

Shut Off Water and Gas

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

With gas, be extra careful: only turn off the valves on gas appliances and don’t touch the valve on the riser. Otherwise, you might cut off gas supply to the entire entrance.

Check All Windows and Doors

This should be done just before you leave. It’s better not to leave windows slightly open, even if you live on a high floor. If a fire starts in the building, a draft could only worsen the situation.

You can also install an alarm system, preferably one with remote lighting control via a mobile app. It will seem to outsiders that you haven’t left and someone is watching over your apartment.