How to Prep Your Home for Vacation

Double-checking that your doors are locked is an obvious step in your pre-trip routine. To truly secure your home, you need to go beyond the basics. Walk through each room and check that all windows are closed and latched, especially those on the ground floor or hidden from view. Don't forget basement doors, attic windows, and interior garage access doors—these are often overlooked and can be easy entry points.

A dark, silent house sends a clear signal that no one is home. Invest in smart timers for your lights, so you can make your home look occupied even when you're hundreds or thousands of miles away. Set timers to turn on lights in different rooms at varied intervals during the evening, just like you might if you were home watching TV, cooking dinner, or reading in bed.

For best results, avoid having all lights switch on or off at the same time. Use smart plugs or home automation systems that let you randomize lighting patterns or control lights remotely from your phone. If you have smart blinds, you can also automate them for an added touch of realism.

A doorstep littered with packages is not only an invitation for porch pirates but a clear signal to thieves that the house is unoccupied. Before you leave, put a temporary hold on your mail through the USPS website — it's fast, free, and can be scheduled in advance. Many shipping carriers also allow you to pause or reschedule deliveries.

If you're expecting any must-arrive packages while you're away, reroute them to a secure pickup location or ask a trusted neighbor to collect them on your behalf.

After a long trip, the last thing you want is to walk into a house that smells musty or looks dusty. A clean home can make all the difference in how relaxed you feel when you return. We recently tested out the Eufy e25 robot vacuum before a long trip, and this tiny household gadget made our pre-trip cleaning easy. It vacuums and mops with surprising efficiency, featuring powerful cleaning capabilities such as 20,000Pa suction, self-cleaning mop technology, and brushes designed to reach corners and prevent hair or dustball tangles.

You can schedule a vacuum and mop the night before you leave, so you’re not scrambling to clean while packing. The app-based controls make it easy to adjust your cleaning schedule from anywhere—whether you're setting it to run a few times a week while you’re away, or triggering a quick clean before you walk through the door. It’s a simple way to prevent dust, pet hair, and grime from accumulating while your home is empty.

Our favorite part of the E25 is how little it asks of you. Its omni docking station doesn’t just recharge the vacuum—it also empties the dustbin, refills the mop tank, washes the mop pads, and dries them with hot air to prevent mildew. You don’t need to think about maintenance while you’re on the road, and you won’t return to a soggy mop or a full bin.

It may not be a full-time housekeeper, but it’s about as close as you can get without hiring one. Coming home to clean, polished floors adds a subtle sense of order and calm — a nice contrast to the chaos of unpacking and reentering daily life.

Before leaving, take a thorough inventory of your refrigerator and pantry. Any items with an upcoming expiration date—dairy, produce, leftovers—should be tossed or frozen. Not only does this prevent foul odors, but it also eliminates the risk of returning to moldy surprises or fruit fly infestations.

Go a step further and wipe down fridge shelves and drawers with a mild cleaner or vinegar solution. This quick task can prevent spills from becoming permanent stains and make future restocking more pleasant. To help maintain freshness, leave an open box of baking soda inside to absorb lingering smells while you're away.

It's easy to forget to put out the trash in the rush to get out the door, but neglecting it can result in an unpleasant welcome home. Empty every trash can in your house, including in bathrooms, bedrooms, and your office, before you leave.

Give your main kitchen bin a quick rinse or wipe down, especially if it tends to develop unpleasant odors. If you'll be away for more than a few days, consider placing a dryer sheet or sprinkling a small amount of baking soda at the bottom of each can to help neutralize odors. These small steps can spare you from returning to a home that smells like a science experiment gone wrong.

Nothing beats sleeping in your own bed again after a big trip, and it’s even better if the sheets are freshly washed. Make your bed with freshly laundered linens before you leave—it’s a small effort that brings a big payoff when you get home. A fresh set of towels in the bathroom can also help you reenter your routine without scrambling for laundry.

Leaving dirty dishes behind can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria and unpleasant odors. Before heading out, run the dishwasher (even if it’s not full) and take the time to empty it. This ensures you’re not greeted by musty odors or stubborn dried-on grime when you return.

Similarly, clear and wipe down your kitchen sink. Bits of food left in the drain or disposal can start to rot, and any standing water can lead to the growth of mildew. As an added step, run a lemon slice through the garbage disposal to freshen it.

After indulging in rich meals and treats on vacation, coming home to a bare refrigerator can feel like a harsh landing. Instead of dragging yourself to the store while tired and jet-lagged, schedule a grocery delivery for shortly after you arrive home.) Just be sure to build in a buffer in case of flight delays.) Your future self will thank you for the fresh produce and snacks waiting at the door.