How to Prep Your House Before a Long Summer Vacation

Summer vacations are something to look forward to—whether you’re heading to the beach, going on a road trip, or visiting family. But before you leave, it’s worth taking a little time to get your home ready. Coming back to a clean, safe house makes the return easier, and a few small steps can help prevent unwanted surprises while you’re away.

It’s easy to focus on packing and forget the details at home. However, skipping prep can lead to problems like electrical issues, high utility bills, pest problems, or even break-ins. If no one’s going to be home for a week or longer, your house still needs a little attention before you walk out the door.

This guide walks you through simple ways to prepare your home so you can enjoy your time away without worrying about what might go wrong while you’re gone.

Check Your Cooling System

When prepping your home for vacation, the cooling system deserves attention. Summer heat can build up quickly inside a closed home, and too much humidity or trapped heat can damage items like electronics, wooden furniture, and even stored food. Running the AC while you’re away might sound unnecessary, but setting the thermostat a few degrees higher than normal can keep things stable and prevent problems.

Before you leave, check the vents and change the air filter. Blocked airflow or dirty filters can strain the system and make it work harder than it should. If your system is older or you’ve noticed uneven cooling, a quick service check could save you a lot of hassle.

To avoid coming home to a hot house or worse, an AC breakdown, it helps to schedule a quick inspection before you leave. Many people book early check-ups with air conditioning companies to catch any issues and keep things running smoothly during the trip. It’s a quick step that gives you one less thing to worry about while you’re away.

Taking care of your cooling system now helps avoid heat damage and cuts down on energy waste. It also means you’re not walking into a sweltering house when you get back from your trip.

Unplug and Power Down

Electronics and appliances draw power even when not in use. Unplugging them before leaving cuts down on energy waste and lowers the risk of electrical issues. Walk through each room and unplug items like TVs, computers, coffee makers, lamps, and chargers. This step only takes a few minutes, but can make a real difference in your electric bill.

If you use smart plugs or surge protectors, it’s even easier. Some models let you power devices on or off remotely, which can come in handy if you forget something. Also, leaving a few lights on timers can help make the house look lived in without using too much power. Pick lights near entryways or windows, and program them to turn on in the evening and off overnight.

If you have a home office, don’t skip that space. Unplug monitors, printers, and speakers. These devices often stay in standby mode, which still pulls energy. Taking the time to power down your whole setup can help protect your equipment during storms or outages.

Handle Plumbing and Water Concerns

Water problems can quickly cause expensive damage. If you’re planning to be gone for more than a week, consider shutting off the main water valve to the house. This move helps reduce the risk of leaks, pipe bursts, or overflows while no one is around to catch them.

Check for any slow leaks under sinks, around toilets, or near the water heater before leaving. If anything looks off, fix it now. You can also shut off water to appliances like washing machines or dishwashers. This gives you a bit of extra protection, especially if any of those hoses are old or worn.

If you have a sprinkler system, double-check the schedule. Adjust it if needed based on weather conditions or current water usage rules in your area.

Clean Up and Protect Against Pests

No one wants to come home to ants in the pantry or a smell coming from the fridge. A quick clean-up before you leave helps keep pests and odors away. Start by taking out all the trash and wiping down surfaces. Empty the fridge of anything that might spoil. Don’t forget leftovers, dairy, and open containers.

Vacuum crumbs, seal open food in airtight containers, and check that pet food is stored properly. If your area is prone to bugs or rodents, you might place a few traps or repellents as a precaution.

Close the fireplace flue and check that windows and screens are tight. Small openings can invite bugs or even birds looking for a place to nest.

Final Walkthrough and Checklist

Before walking out the door, do one last pass through the house. Check each room for windows left cracked open or appliances left plugged in. Make sure the thermostat is set to the temperature you want while you’re away. Confirm light timers are working as planned.

Leave contact info with a neighbor, friend, or family member who can stop by or respond if something comes up. If you have smart home devices, make sure alerts and notifications are active so you can check in while you’re gone.

Getting your home vacation-ready doesn’t have to take long. A few small steps—checking the AC, securing entry points, shutting off the water, and cleaning up—can make a big difference. You’ll enjoy your trip more when you’re not worried about what’s happening back home.

Taking time to prep your space now gives you peace of mind later. When everything’s handled, you can lock up, head out, and start your summer getaway stress-free. Coming back to a clean, problem-free home is one of the best ways to end a great trip.

Click the links below for any posts you have missed:

Proactive Steps for Pest-Free Living

Farmhouse Bedroom Ideas: Blending Rustic Charm with Modern Comfort

10 Clever Ways to Make Your Small Bathroom Look Bigger

Keep the Noise Out and Comfort in with Double Glazed Windows

Seasonal Home Decor: Transitioning Your Space from Summer to Fall

Signs It’s Time to Call a Professional Roofing Company

I’d love for you to join my email list! You’ll receive a notification straight to your inbox which will include links to my latest home project posts! Simply enter your address below.