Checklist: What to Do at Home Before Going on Vacation

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

Put things in order

Don't leave cleaning for later: when you return home, you'll want to rest after a long journey. Do a light cleaning, take out the trash, change the bedding, and wash all your clothes so that the laundry 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 protect your belongings from fading in sunlight and create an impression of occupancy.

Hide documents and valuable items

It's better to take them to a bank safe deposit box – that way, nothing will happen to them. You won’t need to worry about being robbed either. Also, remember whether you've taken out insurance for your apartment.

Take care of living plants

If no one will be able to water your flowers while you're away, 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 draw a small amount of electricity even when turned off, operating in standby mode (awaiting the next activation).

So here’s what you must unplug:

• 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 switch off

And stop paying for it. For example, some providers allow you to disable phone service, internet, or TV during your vacation.

Turn off water and gas

First, deal with the water: turn off all taps and ensure nothing is leaking. If something breaks, it’s better to fix it before you leave.

With gas, be more careful: only shut off the valves on individual gas appliances and don’t touch the main valve on the riser. Otherwise, you might 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 there is a fire in the building, a draft could worsen the situation.

You can also install an alarm system, preferably one that allows you to turn lights on remotely via a mobile app. From the outside, it will seem like you haven’t left and someone is watching over your apartment.