Home & Living

Preparing Your Home Before a Long Absence

Updated Apr 3, 2026 6 min read
A well-organized living room prepared for an extended absence, with blinds closed and door locked

In This Article

Key Takeaways

  • Shutting off the main water supply is the single most effective step to prevent water damage during an absence.
  • A trusted contact who can check the property regularly reduces risk across security, leaks, and deliveries.
  • Unplugging non-essential appliances lowers fire risk and cuts standby electricity use.
  • Timed lights and held mail deter opportunistic break-ins more than most other low-cost measures.
  • Pests move into undisturbed homes quickly; clearing food and sealing entry points before you leave matters.
90–180 min

Summary

22 items · 1.5 to 3 hours

Why preparation before a long absence matters

A home left empty for several weeks or months faces risks that routine daily life masks. No one is around to notice a dripping pipe before it soaks the floor, spot a window the wind has pushed open, or clear a pile of mail that signals no one is home. Small oversights compound quickly when there is no one to catch them.

This checklist covers the practical steps that most households can complete in an afternoon. Some items take seconds; a few require a call or errand in advance. Working through them in order makes the process faster because tasks in the same area of the home are grouped together. For a broader look at spots that often get missed during standard home checks, see Your Home's Hidden Weak Points.

If you are also preparing a vehicle for storage or a long drive to your destination, the pre-trip vehicle checklist covers tyres, fluids, and lights before you hit the road.

What you need before you start

Gather these items before working through the checklist so you are not hunting for them mid-task.

Required

Adjustable pliers or wrench

Needed to shut off the main water valve and disconnect washing machine hoses.

Required

Plug-in lamp timer

Programs interior lights to turn on and off at set times to simulate occupancy.

Required

Smoke and CO detector tester

Confirms detectors are functioning before you leave the property unattended.

Optional

Weatherstripping and caulk

Seals gaps around doors, windows, and pipe penetrations to limit pest entry.

Optional

Dehumidifier with timer

Controls moisture in basements or enclosed spaces during humid weather.

Required

This checklist (printed or saved offline)

Allows you to work through every item without needing internet access on departure day.

The full checklist

Work through each group in order. Mark items as you go so nothing is skipped in the rush of departure day. If any task involves electrical panels, gas lines, or structural work you are unsure about, consult a licensed professional before leaving. The guide DIY Home Repairs: Where It Makes Sense and Where It Does Not can help you draw that line.

Water and plumbing

Shut off the main water supply valve so a burst pipe or failed hose cannot flood the home while you are gone. Must
Turn off the water heater or set it to vacation mode to save energy and reduce the risk of a tank failure. Must
Check under sinks, around the toilet base, and behind the washing machine for any drips or damp spots before you leave. Should
Disconnect the washing machine hoses if you are away for more than a month, because rubber hoses under pressure degrade over time. Should
Pour a small amount of vegetable oil into floor drains and infrequently used toilet bowls to slow evaporation and block sewer gas from entering. Nice to have

Electrical and appliances

Unplug non-essential appliances including the toaster, coffee maker, TV, and computer to eliminate standby draw and reduce fire risk. Must
Set at least one interior lamp on a timer so the home appears occupied during evening hours. Should
Empty and unplug the refrigerator if you will be gone for more than six weeks, then prop the door open slightly to prevent mold. Should
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace any batteries below 50 percent capacity before departure. Must

Security

Lock all windows and exterior doors, and check that sliding doors have a secondary bar or pin in the track. Must
Put mail and package delivery on hold with your post office and any regular delivery services. Must
Ask a neighbor or building manager to collect any items that do arrive so they do not sit visible outside. Should
Avoid announcing your departure or travel dates on public social media accounts. Should
Secure a spare key with a trusted contact rather than leaving one hidden outside the property. Must

Pests and interior conditions

Remove all perishable food from counters and pantries, and empty the trash before you leave. Must
Seal gaps around pipes, vents, and door thresholds with weather stripping or caulk to limit pest entry points. Should
Set your thermostat to a stable temperature: above 55 degrees F in winter to prevent frozen pipes, and no higher than 85 degrees F in summer to limit humidity and mold. Must
Run a dehumidifier on a timer in basements or damp areas prone to moisture buildup during humid months. Nice to have

Outdoor and exterior

Trim any overgrown branches close to the roof or windows that a storm could turn into a hazard. Should
Arrange for lawn mowing or snow removal so the exterior does not signal an unoccupied property. Should
Store or secure outdoor furniture, planters, and loose items that high winds could move or damage. Should

Know your water shutoff before departure day

Locate your main water shutoff valve before the day you leave, not as you are heading out the door. In most US homes it is near the front foundation wall, in a utility room, or under a sink. If you cannot find it or the valve is corroded and will not turn, contact a licensed plumber before your absence begins. A valve that fails to close when you need it most is not a problem you can solve remotely.

New homeowners may also want to cross-reference tasks first-time owners often overlook, such as testing smoke alarms and knowing where the main water shutoff is located before an absence makes those gaps costly.

Staying informed while you are away

Even with every item checked off, unexpected events happen. A neighbor or trusted friend with a spare key can do a walk-through once a week, check for unusual smells or sounds, and handle anything the checklist could not predict. Give that person your contact information, the location of the main water shutoff, and the number for a local plumber or handyman you trust.

If your home has a Wi-Fi router or smart devices, review your network security before you leave. An unattended router with default credentials is a straightforward target. Securing Your Home Network outlines the steps that close common vulnerabilities without requiring technical expertise.

For year-round maintenance that fits the season you are returning to, Seasonal Home Maintenance: A Room-by-Room Walkthrough is a useful reference to consult when you get back.

Home & Living Editorial Team is the collective byline for our editorial team and contributor network. Articles published under this byline or an editorial pen name are researched, written, and reviewed according to our editorial standards for clarity, consistency, and independence before publication.

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Disclaimer: The content on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.