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It is vacation season and we all need to prepare our homes before going fa away to prevents any unexpected mess. Vacations are meant to be relaxing—but there’s nothing relaxing about returning to a musty-smelling kitchen, dying plants, and a pile of who-knows-what on the floor. If you’ve ever come back from a trip and immediately felt overwhelmed, you’re not alone.
That’s why it’s worth taking a little time to prepare your house before vacation—not just to tidy up, but to keep things running smoothly while you’re away. Here’s how to do it right, without overthinking it.
1. Set Your Home on Autopilot with Smart Gadgets
Smart plugs are a game-changer. Use one like this top-rated Kasa plug to schedule lamps to turn on at night, making your house look lived-in and preventing that closed-up, lifeless feeling.
If you use a smart thermostat like Google Nest or Ecobee, switch it to vacation mode. It’ll keep things energy-efficient without letting the place get too warm, cold, or humid.
2. Don’t Let Mold and Odors Settle In
Still air equals stale air. Leave some interior doors cracked for circulation and drop a few activated charcoal air purifiers your bathroom, closet, or under the sink.
If you live in a humid climate, consider setting up a small dehumidifier on a timer. Trust me—there’s nothing worse than walking into that damp smell after a great trip.
3. Bug-Proof Your Kitchen
Fruit flies and ants love a quiet kitchen. Seal up all opened dry food, run your garbage disposal, and empty trash bins (yes, even the one in your bathroom).
Bonus move? Plug in ultrasonic pest repellents in your kitchen or pantry. No chemicals, no surprises when you return.
4. Manage Your Light the Smart Way
Instead of closing blinds completely, leave them slightly open to let natural light in and make the house feel less “abandoned.”
If you have automated blinds or smart lights, program them to simulate daily activity. It helps prevent the space from feeling stale and can even boost your security.
5. Don’t Let Your Mail or Packages Pile Up
A stuffed mailbox or a stack of Amazon boxes screams, “We’re not home.” Use USPS Hold Mail if you’ll be gone a week or more. Or ask a neighbor to keep an eye out.
If deliveries are coming, consider a lockable package drop box to avoid soggy boxes or missing packages.
6. Keep Your Plants Alive (Even Without a Sitter)
Do not forget your greenery while you prepare your house before vacation and go with smart solutions. Water your indoor plants well before you leave, and stick in a few self-watering glass spikes to keep them hydrated while you’re gone.
For outdoor gardens, set your sprinkler system on a timer or use a smart irrigation controller like Rachio to adjust based on the weather.
7. Prep for a Stress-Free Return
Here’s a trick I’ve started doing every time I leave town: I prep for “future me.”
- I put clean sheets on the bed
- Fold a set of towels
- Freeze one easy meal
- Clear the entryway so it’s not the first thing to stress me out when I walk in
It’s the kind of reset that makes coming home feel almost as good as going away.
8. Don’t Skip These Two Things: Security and Pets
Even if everything inside your home is in order, two things can still throw everything off: unexpected visitors (the two-legged or four-legged kind).
For security, don’t just rely on leaving a light on. If you don’t already have a smart doorbell or motion-sensor camera, this might be the time to consider one. We’ll dive deeper into low-tech and smart home options soon, but even a timed light and visible camera sign can be a good start.
And if you have pets staying behind, make sure you’ve got a solid plan. Whether it’s a friend, sitter, or tech like an automatic feeder and pet cam, don’t leave it to chance. We’ve got a full guide coming soon with real-life advice for pet parents who travel.
Prepare your House before Vacation top Hack: Leave a Sticky Note
I once came home to a kitchen that smelled like garbage soup (forgot to take the trash out). Since then, I leave a sticky note on the front door with a checklist:
☑️ Trash out
☑️ Fridge cleared
☑️ Laundry done
☑️ Mail held
☑️ Lights on timer
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