Leaving Your House for Vacation: The Ultimate Pre-Trip Checklist

Here at Rentor, we live and breathe property management. We’ve seen firsthand what happens when a beautiful home is left to fend for itself while its owners are sipping margaritas on a beach.

You see, most people pack their bags, lock the front door, and think they’re good to go. But leaving your property unoccupied—even for just a week or two—exposes it to risks you might not expect. While everyone worries about break-ins, insurance data shows that water causes 45% of all interior property damage in US homes, which is more than fire and burglary combined. In fact, an undetected pipe burst or appliance leak while you're away can result in an average insurance payout of $13,954 and potentially months of structural remediation.

To ensure your vacation is actually relaxing, we’ve put together the ultimate pre-vacation property checklist, tailored to how long you'll be away.

1. For Short Trips (Weekend to 1 Week)

You don’t need to go into full lockdown mode for a short getaway. Focus on security, basic energy savings, and preventing odors.

• Appliances & Electronics: Unplug small appliances (coffee makers, toasters) and electronics (TVs, computers) to prevent "vampire" energy draw and protect them from power surges.
• Thermostat: Adjust to an eco-friendly baseline. In the summer, set it to 78°F (25°C); in the winter, set it to 55°F (13°C) to keep pipes from freezing without wasting heat.
• Trash & Perishables: Empty all trash cans and clear out the fridge of anything that will expire before you return.
• Garbage Disposal: Run the disposal with a little dish soap or citrus peel to prevent standing food from rotting and smelling up the kitchen.
• Security: Double-check all window and door locks. Leave one or two interior lights on a smart timer to make the home look occupied.

2. Add-Ons for Long Trips (1+ Weeks or Extended Vacations)

If you’re going to be gone for a while, you need to take extra precautions against the plumbing disasters and security vulnerabilities mentioned above.

• Turn Off the Main Water Valve: This is the single most important step for longer trips. Shutting off the main water supply prevents catastrophic flooding if a pipe bursts or an appliance hose fails while you're away.
• Drain the Lines: After shutting off the main valve, open the lowest faucet in the house to drain the remaining water from the plumbing system.
• Manage the Mail: Put a hold on your mail and newspaper deliveries through the postal service, or ask a neighbor to grab them so your house doesn't advertise that it's empty.
• Toilet Care: Pour a tablespoon of vegetable oil or place plastic wrap over the toilet bowls to prevent the water from evaporating, which can allow sewer gases to enter the home.

💡 Pro-Tip

Before leaving for any trip, snap a quick photo of your stove and oven on your phone. If you get anxiety 20 miles down the road wondering if you left a burner on, you can just check your camera roll!

Sources & Industry Benchmarks



• Insurance Information Institute (III): Data regarding interior property damage causes and water claim statistics.
• State Farm Insurance: How to Prepare Your House for Vacation (Guidelines on thermostat settings and surge protection).
• The Family Handyman: Why You Should Turn Off Your Water Before Vacation (Expert plumbing protocols for extended absences).
• U.S. Department of Energy (Energy.gov): Thermostat Settings for Saving Energy (Optimal energy-saving setback temperatures).