# Leaving home for vacation checklist

Prepare your home before a vacation: arrange care, deal with food and deliveries, check appliances and finish with a final walk-through.

## Arrange care and access

- [ ] Arrange suitable care for pets and leave their usual supplies and instructions
- [ ] Ask someone to water plants if they will need attention
- [ ] Agree who can check the property if a problem arises
- [ ] Share a contact number and your return date privately with that person
- [ ] Arrange spare-key access securely with someone you trust
- [ ] Explain any locks, alarms or household controls they need to use
- [ ] Check any insurer or building requirements that apply while the home is empty

## Sort food and waste

- [ ] Plan meals to use up food that will spoil while you are away
- [ ] Give away or freeze suitable food you will not use in time
- [ ] Empty household rubbish and food-waste bins
- [ ] Wash dishes and remove food scraps from the sink
- [ ] Run or empty the dishwasher before leaving
- [ ] Leave the fridge and freezer operating unless you have emptied and prepared them for switching off

## Handle routine tasks

- [ ] Pause deliveries or arrange for someone to collect them
- [ ] Make a plan for post and parcels
- [ ] Finish laundry that would otherwise remain wet in a machine
- [ ] Check that important bills or regular payments are covered while you are away
- [ ] Leave a simple note with agreed instructions for anyone looking after the home

## Check appliances and systems

- [ ] Switch off cooking appliances and check that they are cool
- [ ] Unplug nonessential appliances that can safely be disconnected
- [ ] Keep power to anything that must stay running, such as alarms and the fridge
- [ ] Set heating or cooling appropriately for the property, weather and occupants remaining
- [ ] Check taps and visible plumbing for drips or leaks
- [ ] Check that smoke alarms are working
- [ ] Check timers or other security arrangements you normally use

## Final walk-through

- [ ] Close and secure accessible windows and external doors
- [ ] Check balcony, garage and garden access where applicable
- [ ] Bring in outdoor items that could blow away or obstruct access
- [ ] Check that no pets are accidentally shut in an unattended room
- [ ] Put keys, travel documents and essential bags where you can take them with you
- [ ] Set the alarm if you have one
- [ ] Lock the final door and check it is secure
- [ ] Confirm that the person checking the home has the agreed access details

- Items: 33
- Live page: https://listomancy.com/leaving-home-for-vacation-checklist
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