Lifestyle

6 Things to Do Before Going on Vacation to Protect Your Home

By Curtis Jones · June 26, 2026

The two most common disasters homeowners face while on vacation are water damage from undetected leaks and burglaries. Both are preventable with 30 minutes of preparation before you leave. Here is what insurance adjusters and security professionals say makes the difference.

1. Shut off the main water supply

A burst pipe or a failed hose connection on a washing machine can flood a home in hours. If nobody is there to notice, the damage compounds by the day. Turning off the main water supply valve before you leave eliminates the most expensive vacation disaster homeowners face. The valve is typically near the water meter or where the main line enters the house. If you’ve never turned it, locate it now and confirm it works before your next trip.

2. Set lights and a radio on timers

A dark, silent house for a week is a signal. Plug two or three interior lights and a radio or TV into inexpensive outlet timers set to turn on and off at irregular intervals that mimic normal activity. Smart plugs controlled by your phone work too. The goal is not to fool a professional — it’s to make your house look less appealing than the one next door.

3. Stop your mail and newspaper delivery — or have someone collect them

A mailbox stuffed with a week’s worth of envelopes is the most visible indicator that nobody is home. Request a hold through USPS at usps.com/holdmail. If you receive newspapers, pause delivery. If a neighbor can collect packages that arrive during your trip, ask them.

4. Adjust your thermostat — don’t turn it off

In summer, set the thermostat to 80-82°F rather than turning the AC off entirely. In winter, set it to 55-60°F. The goal is to prevent extreme temperatures that can damage wood flooring, musical instruments, wine, medications, and houseplants — and to prevent frozen pipes in winter. Running the system at a minimal level also circulates air, which reduces humidity and the conditions that allow mold to grow.

5. Unplug non-essential electronics

Devices plugged in during a power surge can be destroyed or, worse, start a fire. Unplug televisions, computers, coffee makers, toasters, and any device that doesn’t need to remain on. Leave the refrigerator and the devices on timers plugged in. Everything else is safer unplugged.

6. Tell one trusted neighbor your dates

Don’t broadcast your absence on social media. Do tell one trusted neighbor when you’re leaving and when you’re returning. Give them your phone number. Ask them to watch for anything unusual — packages piling up, unfamiliar vehicles in the driveway, lights that should be on but aren’t. A neighbor who knows you’re away and is willing to glance at your house once a day is the most effective security system available — and it’s free.