Heading out for a cruise or a road trip? You’re probably buzzing with excitement, but let’s be honest—there’s always that little voice in your head worrying about what could go wrong at home. No one wants to be sipping piña coladas while stressing over leaky pipes or a surprise spike in the utility bill. That’s where a simple, practical home prep routine comes in, giving you some real peace of mind so you can actually enjoy your trip.
With a solid DIY checklist—think quick plumbing checks, smart thermostat tweaks, and some basic security tricks—you can dodge the usual home hassles and save a few bucks while you’re away. Just walking around your place can help you spot hidden leaks or slow drains; adjusting your thermostat can cut down energy waste during those sweltering days; and setting up a few timer lights can make your house look lived-in, without needing to go full tech-wizard. You don’t have to be a DIY expert—just a little thoughtful and willing to prep ahead.
A few minutes now can spare you a lot of stress later. Wondering what’s actually worth your time? This blog post shares practical ideas and points you to the essential home checks before every vacation that seasoned travelers swear by.
Core DIY Home Preparations Before Heading Out
Locking down your home before vacation can stop costly accidents and give you that all-important peace of mind. Mixing basic safety steps with a bit of smart tech helps you avoid coming home to a mess, whether it’s leaks or, well, something more suspicious.
Secure Every Door, Window, and Entry Point
Take a walk around your place. Check that every door, window, and garage entry is locked up tight. It’s quick, but honestly, it’s one of the best ways to keep out unwanted guests. Don’t just rely on the standard locks—add a dowel or adjustable bar to sliding doors and windows for extra backup.
If you’ve got a house sitter, only give them the keys or codes they’ll actually need. If you can, hand out temporary digital access with a smart lock or garage hub—some of these let you see who comes and goes right from your phone.
Test your outdoor motion lights and trim back any overgrown shrubs that could hide trespassers. If you’ll be gone for more than a few days, pause your mail and package deliveries so your porch doesn’t become a magnet for “porch pirates.”
Master Easy Plumbing and Appliance Checks
Before you leave, shut off your main water valve if you can—small leaks can quickly turn into big disasters if left alone. Run the garbage disposal and toss in a spoonful of baking soda down each drain to keep smells at bay.
Empty the washing machine and dishwasher and leave the doors cracked open to stop mildew. If you need to keep the water on for plants or a house sitter, at least close the valves to appliances that tend to cause problems, like icemakers.
Unplug non-essential appliances and electronics. It’s a quick way to save cash and lower fire risk. For a fast check, use this simple table:
| Checklist Item | Priority | Done? |
| Shut off main water valve | High | ☐ |
| Empty & air out washer/dishwasher | High | ☐ |
| Pour baking soda in drains | Medium | ☐ |
| Unplug electronics/appliances | Medium | ☐ |
Smart Thermostat Programming for Energy Savings
There’s no need to heat or cool an empty house. Set your thermostat to a minimum safe temperature—about 55°F (13°C) in winter to avoid frozen pipes, or the high 70s in summer to keep things from getting too stuffy. If you’ve got pets or a house sitter, make sure it’s comfortable for them too.
Smart thermostats make these changes a breeze, even if you’ve already left. Use their app or web interface to set schedules, so your house feels just right when you get back. Some models even let you check the temperature while you’re away, which is pretty handy.
Dial down your water heater as well to avoid wasting energy. For more tips on thermostats and home energy, check out this pre-departure home checklist.
DIY Lighting Tricks: Timers, Smart Bulbs, and Subtle Deterrents
Lighting is your best friend when it comes to making your house look occupied. Plug a few lamps into timers so they switch on and off at realistic times—maybe early evening for the living room, late at night for hallways. Smart bulbs let you mix things up from your phone, which is great for avoiding obvious patterns.
Set exterior lights with timers or motion sensors to scare off anyone snooping around. If you’re using smart plugs or bulbs, don’t set everything on the same schedule—make it look natural.
If you trust a neighbor or house sitter, ask them to grab flyers or packages and move a curtain now and then. These little changes, with good lighting, really do make it seem like someone’s home.
Bonus Hacks and Relatable Peace-of-Mind Moves
Sometimes it’s the small stuff—like asking a neighbor for help or double-checking your thermostat—that ends up saving you money and headaches. These simple details can make all the difference when you’re heading out the door, and coming home will feel so much better.
Arrange for a Trusty House Sitter or Neighborly Help
Having someone you trust check in is a classic for a reason. A house sitter or friendly neighbor can water your plants, grab the mail, and keep your home looking lived-in, which helps keep intruders away.
Leave clear instructions and emergency contacts. Walk them through alarms, breaker panels, or even how to handle that stubborn back gate. No detail is too small.
If a friend stops by every other day, your packages won’t pile up—and if something goes wrong, like a power outage or a leaky faucet, you’ll find out fast instead of getting a nasty surprise after your trip.
For longer trips, give your house sitter a DIY tricks and organization checklist. It’s reassuring for you and makes their job way easier.
Small but Mighty Money-Saving Habits
Saving money while you’re gone isn’t just about unplugging lamps. Set your thermostat to vacation mode to lower heating and cooling bills without making things uncomfortable for pets or plants.
Use a timer for porch or living room lamps instead of leaving them on all day and night. This makes your home look occupied and cuts down on wasted electricity. Smart power strips also help by stopping that “phantom” draw from TVs and consoles.
Close blinds and curtains, especially in sunny rooms, to keep out extra heat. Even small changes, like lowering your water heater or shutting doors to unused rooms, can add up.
Here’s a quick table for reference:
| Action | Potential Benefit |
| Thermostat vacation mode | Lowers energy use |
| Timer on key lights | Cuts electricity bills |
| Unplug dormant appliances | Stops phantom power drain |
Tidy Up—and Don’t Forget the Garbage!
Before you dash out, take a few minutes to clean up the kitchen and toss the trash. Leftover food or a forgotten bin can turn into a smelly, pest-filled welcome home.
Empty every garbage can—even that tiny one under your desk. Run the dishwasher and garbage disposal with a little lemon juice for a fresh send-off. Check drains, and make sure you’ve cleared out any crumbs or scraps.
Wipe down counters and sweep the floor. Store unopened pantry items in sealed containers. A quick tidy-up now means you won’t come back to a “what’s that smell?” moment after your trip.
Returning Home: Setting Up for a Smooth Landing
Getting back after your cruise to Bermuda really ought to feel like a relief, not a whole new list of chores. Before you leave, just toss on fresh sheets and swap in some clean towels. If you’ve got an appliance timer handy, maybe set up a slow cooker so dinner greets you when you walk in the door.
Bump your thermostat back to your usual comfort zone a few hours before you get home—most big-name brands and smart home apps let you do this right from your phone. If you lined up a house sitter, ask them to crack a window or give the plants a little water on your return day. It’s a small thing, but it helps.
Stash a “coming home kit” somewhere easy to grab—coffee, your favorite snacks, pajamas, whatever makes you feel settled. Little touches like this turn a chaotic return into something way more welcoming. Want more ideas? Take a peek at this list of easy DIY home hacks for tricks that’ll take the edge off coming back.