Preparing Your Home Before Extended Travel: Complete Guide 2025
NxVoy Travel Team
Secure Your Home, Enjoy Your Journey: Pre-Travel Home Preparation
Planning an extended trip abroad is exciting, but leaving your home unattended for weeks or months requires careful preparation. Whether you're embarking on a backpacking adventure through Southeast Asia or a luxury European tour, ensuring your home is secure and maintained is crucial for peace of mind.
From essential repairs to security measures, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to do before locking your door and heading to the airport. With proper preparation using the right tools and strategies, you can travel worry-free knowing your home is protected.
Essential Home Maintenance Before Departure
Before leaving for an extended period, address all pending home maintenance tasks. Small issues can become major problems when left unattended. Fix leaky faucets, repair loose door handles, and ensure all locks are functioning properly. Check your roof for any damage, clean gutters, and seal any cracks in walls or windows to prevent water damage during your absence.
For DIY home maintenance tasks, having quality tools makes all the difference. Whether you're based in the UAE or elsewhere, reliable equipment ensures repairs are done right. For residents in Dubai and the UAE, Tower Tools offers a comprehensive range of painting supplies, power tools, and construction materials perfect for pre-travel home improvements. From fixing wall cracks to touching up paint, having the right tools ensures your home looks great and stays protected while you're away.
Security Measures for Vacant Homes
Install Timer Switches for Lights
Set lights on timers to create the illusion of occupancy. Program them to turn on and off at different times throughout the evening to mimic your normal routine. Smart home systems allow you to control lights remotely via smartphone apps.
Inform Trusted Neighbors
Let reliable neighbors know about your travel dates. Provide them with your contact information and ask them to collect mail, check on the property periodically, and report any suspicious activity. Consider giving them a spare key for emergencies.
Secure All Entry Points
Double-check all windows and doors are locked. Install additional deadbolts if needed. Consider installing a smart doorbell with video capabilities to monitor your front door remotely. Ensure garage doors are locked and disconnected from automatic openers.
Hide Valuables and Important Documents
Store jewelry, important documents, and valuable electronics in a home safe or bank deposit box. Remove evidence of expensive items from view. Consider photographing valuable possessions for insurance purposes before you leave.
Utilities and Services Management
Properly managing your utilities can save money and prevent disasters. Turn off the main water valve to prevent flooding from burst pipes or leaks. Alternatively, set your water heater to vacation mode or turn it off completely. Adjust your thermostat to an energy-saving temperature—not completely off, as extreme temperatures can damage your home, but enough to reduce energy costs.
Unplug electronics and appliances to prevent power surges and reduce electricity consumption. Leave only essential items plugged in, such as security systems and refrigerators. Empty your refrigerator of perishables, clean it thoroughly, and consider leaving baking soda inside to prevent odors. If you'll be gone for several months, you might turn it off entirely, leaving the doors slightly ajar to prevent mold.
Mail and Deliveries
An overflowing mailbox is a clear sign that nobody's home. Contact your postal service to hold your mail or arrange for forwarding to a trusted family member. Cancel newspaper and magazine deliveries, or have them held until your return. Inform regular delivery services like grocery subscriptions about your travel dates to pause deliveries.
Garden and Outdoor Maintenance
An unkempt lawn signals absence to potential intruders. Arrange for lawn care services to maintain your yard, or ask neighbors to help. If traveling during growing season, trim shrubs and trees before departure. Remove any outdoor furniture, tools, or decorations that could be stolen or damaged by weather. Secure trash bins and ensure outdoor faucets are turned off.
For those who enjoy maintaining their own outdoor spaces, having proper gardening and maintenance tools is essential. Quality equipment ensures efficient work before departure. Check your shed or garage for any tools that need maintenance or replacement before your trip, so everything is in working order when you return.
Documentation and Emergency Contacts
Create a Home Inventory
Document your belongings with photos or videos, especially valuable items. Store this documentation in cloud storage so you can access it anywhere if needed for insurance claims.
Update Insurance Policies
Review your homeowner's or renter's insurance policy. Some policies require notification if you'll be away for extended periods. Ensure your coverage is adequate and understand what's covered in your absence.
Prepare Emergency Contact List
Create a list of emergency contacts including neighbors, property managers, local police, insurance company, and utility companies. Share this with trusted individuals and keep a copy accessible on your phone and in cloud storage.
Property Management Documentation
If using a property manager or house sitter, prepare detailed instructions about your home, including alarm codes, utility shut-off locations, and any special maintenance requirements.
Final Checks Before Departure
In the final 24 hours before departure, run through a comprehensive checklist. Test all locks, confirm timer settings, ensure valuables are secured, and take final photos of your home's condition. Turn off the main water valve, adjust thermostats, and unplug non-essential electronics. Double-check that windows are closed and locked, especially those hidden from street view.
Leave your home clean and organized. This makes it easier to spot anything amiss if someone checks on your property, and it's pleasant to return to a tidy home after a long journey. Take out all trash, run the garbage disposal, and ensure no food is left out that could attract pests.
Technology Solutions for Remote Home Monitoring
Modern technology makes monitoring your home from abroad easier than ever. Smart home systems allow you to control lights, thermostats, and security cameras from your smartphone. Video doorbells let you see and speak to anyone who approaches your door. Water leak detectors can alert you to plumbing issues before they become disasters. Consider investing in these technologies for added peace of mind during extended travels.
Returning Home: Post-Travel Checklist
When you return, approach your home cautiously. Before entering, check for signs of forced entry. Once inside, turn utilities back on gradually. Check for water damage, pest infestations, or any issues that developed during your absence. Contact authorities immediately if anything seems amiss. Reconnect appliances, adjusting settings back to normal operation.
Conclusion: Travel with Confidence
Proper home preparation before extended travel protects your property and gives you peace of mind to fully enjoy your journey. By addressing maintenance issues, implementing security measures, and managing utilities effectively, you can explore the world knowing your home is safe. Whether you're planning your next adventure with an AI travel planner or organizing a custom itinerary, don't neglect these essential pre-departure steps. A well-prepared home allows you to focus on creating unforgettable travel memories rather than worrying about what's happening back home.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q.How far in advance should I start preparing my home for extended travel?
Answer:Start at least 2-4 weeks before departure. This gives you time to address repairs, arrange for services like lawn care or mail holding, and purchase any necessary security equipment. Major repairs or installations might require even more lead time, so assess your home's needs early.
Q.Should I completely turn off utilities when traveling for several months?
Answer:It depends on the season and climate. Turn off the main water supply to prevent leaks, but maintain minimal heating in winter to prevent frozen pipes. Set thermostats to energy-saving but not extreme temperatures. Keep refrigerators running if they contain items, or turn off and leave doors ajar if emptied. Maintain essential utilities for security systems.
Q.What's the best way to make my home look occupied while I'm away?
Answer:Use timer switches or smart home systems to control lights, creating the appearance of activity. Ask neighbors to park in your driveway occasionally, collect mail daily, and vary curtain positions. Maintain regular lawn care. Avoid social media posts that advertise your absence. Consider a house sitter for longer trips.
Q.Do I need to notify my insurance company before extended travel?
Answer:Check your policy—many homeowner's insurance policies require notification if you'll be away for 30 days or more. Failure to notify could void coverage for certain types of damage. Some insurers offer additional coverage for vacant homes or may require specific security measures during your absence.
Q.What home repairs should I prioritize before leaving?
Answer:Address anything related to water (leaky faucets, roof damage, gutter cleaning), security (broken locks, damaged doors/windows), and electrical issues. Fix small problems that could worsen, like cracks in walls or foundations. Ensure HVAC systems are serviced. Having quality tools for these repairs ensures they're done properly—for UAE residents, stores like Tower Tools provide comprehensive supplies for all pre-travel maintenance needs.
Q.How can I prevent pest infestations while away?
Answer:Remove all food sources—empty trash, clean thoroughly, store pantry items in sealed containers or remove them entirely. Seal cracks and entry points. Consider professional pest control treatment before departure. Ensure outdoor areas are clean and trash bins are secured. Ask neighbors to report any signs of pest activity.
Q.What should I do with my plants before extended travel?
Answer:For short trips (1-2 weeks), water thoroughly before leaving and move plants away from direct sunlight. For longer absences, ask neighbors to water them, hire a plant sitter, or invest in self-watering systems. Alternatively, give plants to friends temporarily or accept that some may not survive extended neglect.
Q.Are smart home security systems worth the investment for travelers?
Answer:Yes, especially for frequent or extended travelers. Smart doorbells, cameras, and sensors allow real-time monitoring from anywhere. Many systems send alerts for unusual activity, water leaks, or temperature changes. The peace of mind and potential insurance discounts often justify the investment. Basic systems start around $200-300, with professional monitoring adding monthly costs.