Things to Do at Home Before Leaving on Vacation

There are a number of things that are important to check around your house before you leave on vacation. We have forgotten at times to check certain things and fortunately, our house was still standing when we got home. Sometimes I need to make a list so I do not forget anything.

I would say that the most important thing is to check the stove. Make sure that all gas knobs are turned completely off and are straight up. For safety reasons, I always like to remove all pots and pans from burners. Even though the knobs are in an off position, I do not like to take that chance of anything being right on top of the burners.

I like to check the freezer and refrigerator doors. A number of times we have left them opened and food thawed in the freezer and food got ruined in the refrigerator.

I also check the heating or airconditioning thermostat. Depending on what season it is, I either lower or raise the thermostat, or completely shut it off. There is no need for heat to be running constantly when you are not home. The same goes with the air conditioner. It is best to set the thermostat higher in the summer time. Just last month, when we went on vacation, we shut the ac all together and unfortunately, there was a heat wave for a few days. When we got home, the temperature in the house was 94 degrees. That is not good for furniture or anything really in the house.

I check to make sure that all windows and doors are locked. Even if you have an alarm system, certain windows can stay opened if they are not wired. I like to leave a little crack in the windows in some of the rooms but then if it rains heavy, it could come in. You have to be careful about electrical outlets around windows.

I check all faucets to make sure they are shut tightly and that nothing is leaking.

I also unplug certain appliances like toasters and toaster ovens. Sometimes I unplug the television or any radios in the house. I usually do not unplug major appliances. I make sure that unneccesary things are not plugged in like a curling iron or blow dryer.

I make sure that there is no garbage in the kitchen. I bring that bag down and secure it in the garage in the trash can. The last thing you want to find when you come home are animal or insect visitors.

Lastly, I make sure that the alarm goes on every time I go out. Houses have been robbed in a matter of just 15-20 minutes because people watch when everyone in the household leaves. All they need to see is you leaving with luggage and they will know that you are away for more than a day.

It may also be worthwhile to check these things on a daily basis, like in the morning before leaving for work or going to bed. I had a family member who left the stove knobs in a position where gas was escaping for eight hours. By morning they all ended up in the emergency room. It does not take long for certain things to go wrong and for you to lose your home.