15 Essential Things to Do Before Leaving Your Home for Vacation (2026 Home Security Checklist)
There's nothing quite like the excitement of heading off on vacation. Whether you're escaping to a sunny beach, visiting family, or taking a well-earned weekend away, the last thing you want is to spend your trip worrying about what's happening back home.
Unfortunately, many of the most expensive home emergencies don't happen all at once—they start small. A slow plumbing leak, a tripped breaker, a failed sump pump, or storm damage can go unnoticed for days or even weeks if nobody is checking on your property. By the time you return, what could have been a quick fix may have turned into a costly repair.
The good news is that a little preparation goes a long way. Before you lock the door and head to the airport, take a few minutes to work through this checklist to help protect one of your biggest investments.
1. Put Your Mail on Hold or Arrange for Collection
An overflowing mailbox is one of the easiest signs that a home is vacant.
If you're going away for more than a few days, ask a trusted friend or family member to collect your mail, or temporarily pause deliveries where possible. Newspapers, flyers, and packages left sitting outside also advertise that nobody is home.
2. Use Timers for Lights
A dark house every evening can draw unwanted attention.
Instead of leaving a light on 24 hours a day, use timers or smart lighting to create a more natural routine. Having lights turn on in different areas of the home during the evening makes it appear that someone is still there.
If you already use smart home devices, you can even adjust your lighting remotely while you're away.
3. Wait to Share Vacation Photos
It's tempting to post beach pictures the moment you arrive, but broadcasting that you're out of town tells everyone—including people you don't know—that your house is empty.
Consider waiting until you've returned home before sharing your vacation online. Your memories will still be just as enjoyable a few days later.
4. Reduce the Risk of Water Damage
Water damage is one of the most common and expensive insurance claims homeowners face.
Before leaving, take a few minutes to:
Check faucets and toilets for slow leaks.
Inspect washing machine and dishwasher hoses.
Make sure sinks are draining properly.
Shut off the main water supply if it's practical and appropriate for your home.
A five-minute inspection today could prevent thousands of dollars in repairs tomorrow.
5. Adjust Your Thermostat
You don't need to keep your home at the same temperature while you're away, but you also don't want to turn the system off completely.
In the summer, keep the home cool enough to help control humidity. During the winter, maintain enough heat to reduce the risk of frozen pipes.
Your home will be more energy efficient while still remaining protected.
6. Double-Check Every Entry Point
Before you leave, take one final walk around your property.
Make sure all doors and windows are locked, including basement windows, garage doors, and side entrances. Don't forget outdoor gates if they secure access to your yard.
If you have an alarm system or security cameras, verify they're working properly before you head out.
7. Tidy Up Your Yard
A neglected yard can quickly make it obvious that nobody has been home.
If you're leaving for an extended period, arrange for someone to mow the lawn, water plants if necessary, or clear snow during the winter months. Small details like these help your home continue looking lived in.
8. Unplug Unnecessary Electronics
Many electronics continue drawing power even when they're turned off.
Unplugging televisions, coffee makers, small kitchen appliances, and other non-essential devices can reduce energy use and provide an added layer of protection against electrical issues during storms.
Leave essential appliances, security systems, and anything required to keep your home operating safely connected.
9. Store Valuables Out of Sight
Take a few minutes to walk through your home from the outside.
Can expensive electronics be seen through a window? Are valuable tools sitting in the garage? Is a spare key hidden under the welcome mat?
Simple precautions like closing blinds where appropriate and securing valuables make your home a less attractive target.
10. Don't Forget the Little Things
Some of the smallest tasks are often the easiest to overlook.
Before you leave:
Empty garbage and recycling.
Remove perishable food from the refrigerator if necessary.
Confirm smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working.
Charge backup batteries for security devices.
Make sure emergency contact information is current.
These simple checks can prevent unpleasant surprises when you return.
11. Let Someone Know You'll Be Away
Even if you don't want someone entering your home, it's a good idea to let a trusted neighbour or family member know you'll be away.
They'll be more likely to notice unusual activity, unexpected deliveries, or storm damage and can contact you if something doesn't look right.
12. Have Someone Actually Check Inside Your Home
This is where many homeowners assume they've done enough.
A neighbour driving past once a week may notice an open garage door, but they probably won't see a leaking water heater, a tripped breaker, an unusual smell, or signs of pests inside the house.
Having someone physically walk through your home provides another level of protection that simply can't be achieved from the street.
A proper visit includes checking for:
Water leaks
Signs of forced entry
Storm damage
Heating and cooling issues
Plumbing concerns
Pest activity
Unusual odours
General condition of the property
Finding a problem early often means the difference between a minor inconvenience and a major repair.
Peace of Mind Is Worth Planning For
Your home is likely one of the biggest investments you'll ever make. Spending a little time preparing before you leave helps protect that investment and allows you to enjoy your vacation with greater peace of mind.
For longer trips, having someone regularly check your property adds an extra layer of confidence. Knowing that someone is looking for problems before they become emergencies means you can focus on making memories instead of wondering what's happening back home.
At Helping Hands Abbotsford, our Home Watch service is designed to give homeowners exactly that peace of mind. We perform scheduled property visits, carefully inspect your home for potential issues, and provide updates after every visit so you always know how things are going while you're away.
If you're planning a vacation or will be away from your home for an extended period, we'd be happy to discuss a Home Watch plan that fits your needs. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation and would love the opportunity to help you leave home with confidence.
