Summary

22 items · 1.5–3 hours

Why an Extended Absence Demands More Than a Quick Walkthrough

A weekend away rarely requires more than locking the door and lowering the thermostat. But when you're leaving for a month or longer — whether for work, travel, or a seasonal stay elsewhere — your home's systems continue to operate, age, and occasionally fail without anyone present to notice. A slow pipe leak, a tripped circuit breaker, or a delivery pile-up at the front door can each escalate from a nuisance into a significant and expensive problem.

This checklist is organized by home system so you can move room to room efficiently. Pair it with your annual maintenance calendar to catch any deferred tasks before you go — some items on that list become urgent when no one is home to catch early warning signs.

Required

Main Water Shut-Off Wrench

Allows you to close the main supply valve quickly, especially if the valve has not been turned in years and is stiff.

Required

Smart Thermostat or Programmable Thermostat

Maintains a set hold temperature and, with a Wi-Fi model, lets you monitor and adjust climate remotely.

Optional

Smart Plugs or Outlet Timers

Automates interior lighting schedules to vary on/off times and simulate occupancy.

Optional

Home Security App or Monitoring Service

Provides remote visibility into motion alerts, door sensors, and camera feeds while you are away.

Required

USPS Mail Hold Request

Pauses mail delivery for up to 30 days, preventing visible accumulation in the mailbox.

Optional

Dehumidifier with Continuous Drain Hose

Controls interior humidity during summer absences without requiring the reservoir to be emptied manually.

The Full Pre-Departure Checklist

Work through each category below at least 48 hours before departure. That buffer gives you time to schedule a plumber, electrician, or locksmith if something unexpected turns up.

Plumbing & Water

Shut off the main water supply valve to prevent flooding from any pipe failure while you're away. Must
Drain exposed pipes if you're leaving during freezing weather to avoid burst pipes. Must
Turn off the water heater or set it to vacation mode to save energy and reduce risk. Should
Check under sinks and around appliances for any drips or slow leaks before leaving. Must

HVAC & Climate

Set your thermostat to a hold temperature — no lower than 55°F in winter, no higher than 82°F in summer — to protect the structure and prevent mold. Must
Replace the HVAC filter if it's overdue, since a clogged filter strains the system during unattended operation. Should
Close fireplace dampers fully to block drafts and prevent animals from entering. Must
If leaving during humid summer months, consider running a dehumidifier on a continuous drain cycle to control moisture. Nice to have

Electrical & Appliances

Unplug non-essential appliances — including televisions, small kitchen appliances, and desktop computers — to eliminate phantom load and reduce fire risk. Must
Set interior lights on smart plugs or timers to vary on/off times and simulate occupancy. Should
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace any low batteries before departure. Must
Empty and clean the refrigerator if your absence exceeds three weeks, and leave doors propped slightly open. Should

Security & Access

Confirm all exterior doors, windows, and garage doors are locked and latched before leaving. Must
Pause mail and package delivery through USPS and any regular subscription services to avoid visible accumulation. Must
Notify your home insurance carrier of the extended vacancy, as many policies have clauses that affect coverage after 30 or 60 days unoccupied. Must
Verify that any outdoor lighting with motion sensors is functioning and positioned correctly. Should

Exterior & Grounds

Arrange for lawn care or snow removal to maintain a lived-in appearance throughout your absence. Should
Secure or store patio furniture, planters, and other loose outdoor items that could become projectiles in high winds. Should
Clear gutters and downspouts of debris to prevent water backup against the foundation or roof during heavy rain. Should
Trim or tie back any overgrown shrubs or branches that could damage siding or windows in a storm. Nice to have

Documentation & Admin

Photograph each room and all exterior areas to document the home's condition at departure. Should
Leave a written contact list for utilities, a local plumber, electrician, and your insurance carrier in an accessible location for your designated point of contact. Must

Check Your Homeowners Insurance Policy

Many standard homeowners insurance policies contain a vacancy clause that limits or voids certain coverages — particularly for water damage and vandalism — once a property has been unoccupied for 30 to 60 consecutive days. Contact your insurer before you leave to understand your policy's terms. In some cases, a vacancy endorsement or separate rider can maintain full coverage during extended absences.

Setting Up Your Home's Support Network

Even the most thoroughly prepared home benefits from a human backup. Designate a trusted neighbor, friend, or professional property manager as your point of contact. Give them a spare key, your itinerary, and contact numbers for your utility providers and a local plumber or HVAC technician.

Ask your point of contact to vary their visit times slightly — predictable patterns can be noticed by would-be intruders. If you use a home security monitoring service, verify that their emergency dispatch contact information is current before you leave.

Avoid Announcing Your Absence Publicly

Posting travel plans or departure dates on social media before or during your absence can inadvertently signal that your home is vacant. Even private posts can be shared or seen by unintended audiences. Save the travel photos for after you're back.

If you're also preparing for a flight, the pre-trip flight checklist is a useful companion to ensure your travel-side logistics are equally buttoned up.

This article provides general home maintenance information for educational purposes only. Costs, timelines, and local code requirements vary. Always verify permit and inspection requirements with your local authority and consult licensed professionals for electrical, gas, structural, or plumbing work.

Share

Home & Real Estate Editorial Team · Contributor

Home & Real Estate Editorial Team is the collective byline for our editorial team and contributor network. Articles published under this byline or an editorial pen name are researched, written, and reviewed according to our editorial standards for clarity, consistency, and independence before publication.

The content on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.