10 Things to Do Before You Leave for Vacation

There’s nothing quite like that sinking feeling at the airport when you realize you forgot to do something at home. Trust me, I’ve been there. Making sure you handle all the important things to do before vacation isn’t about being anxious—it’s about setting yourself free to actually relax once you’re on that beach or at that theme park. Here’s the complete pre-trip checklist our family runs through every single time.

1. Hold Your Mail and Pause Deliveries

A pile of packages on your front porch is an advertisement that nobody’s home. Head to USPS.com to set up a free mail hold for the duration of your trip. Also pause any subscription boxes or scheduled deliveries, and ask Amazon or other retailers to hold orders until you’re back.

2. Arrange Pet Care

This one should happen well before the week of your trip, but make sure it’s confirmed before you leave. Whether you’re boarding your pet, using a pet sitter, or having a neighbor check in, confirm the logistics, leave written care instructions, and make sure your pet’s food, medications, and emergency vet info are accessible.

3. Clean Out the Fridge

You’ll thank yourself when you return. Go through the fridge a day or two before you leave and toss anything that will expire while you’re gone. There’s nothing like coming home from a beautiful vacation to a refrigerator situation. Use up what you can in pre-trip meals—it’s also a great way to clean out the pantry a bit.

4. Set Your Thermostat

Don’t heat or cool an empty house to your normal comfort level. Adjust your thermostat to a reasonable “away” setting—typically a little warmer in summer and cooler in winter. Smart thermostats make this especially easy, since you can control them remotely if you want to cool the house down before you return.

5. Secure Your Home

One of the most important things to do before vacation is making sure your home is properly secured.

Home Security Checklist

• Lock all windows and doors (check the ones you forget, like the garage side door)
• Set your alarm system if you have one
• Put interior lights on timers so the house looks occupied
• Don’t announce your vacation on social media until after you’re home
• Tell a trusted neighbor you’ll be away and give them a key or way to reach you

6. Confirm All Reservations

Do this 24-48 hours before you leave, not the morning of. Confirm:

• Flights (and check in online to get your boarding passes)
• Hotel or rental property
• Any activity or restaurant bookings
• Car rental pickup
• Airport parking

Screenshot or print everything. Apps go down; screenshots don’t.

7. Handle Your Finances

Few things derail a trip faster than a frozen card or a missed bill.

• Notify your bank and credit card companies if you’re traveling internationally (some institutions still flag foreign charges)
• Set up autopay for any bills due while you’re away
• Make sure you have some cash on hand, especially if you’re going somewhere that still relies on it
• Know your card’s international transaction fees so you’re not surprised

8. Prepare Your Home for an Extended Absence

These are the details that protect your home while you’re gone:

• Turn off the main water supply if you’ll be gone more than a few days (this prevents any slow leak from becoming a real disaster)
• Unplug small appliances and electronics that don’t need to stay on
• Take out the trash—all of it
• Water plants or arrange for someone to do it
• Double-check that your smoke and CO detectors are working

9. Pack Your Carry-On Like It’s Your Only Bag

Even if you’re checking luggage, your carry-on should have everything you’d need if your checked bag went missing. That means:

• A change of clothes for each person (at minimum, for kids)
• All medications and critical health items
• Chargers and devices
• Travel documents (in a waterproof pouch or folder)
• Kids’ comfort items, snacks, and entertainment
• Your confirmation numbers, accommodation address, and emergency contacts in a printed or easily accessible format

10. Do a Final Walkthrough

Ten minutes before you leave, walk through every room.

Room-by-Room Quick Check

• Kitchen: Oven off, coffee maker unplugged, fridge closed
• Bedrooms: Windows locked, curtains drawn
• Bathrooms: Curling irons and straighteners unplugged
• Living room: TV and electronics unplugged, lights off
• Garage/exterior: Door down, cars locked, outdoor water off

It sounds simple, but doing it systematically means you actually remember it instead of spending hour two of your drive debating whether the oven is on.

Final Thoughts

Knocking out these things to do before vacation takes a couple of hours at most, and it pays off in pure peace of mind the moment you walk out the door. Put this checklist in your phone, print it out, pin it to your fridge—whatever you’ll actually use. Then go enjoy your trip, because your home is handled.