Home & Away

You've booked your campsite, planned your road trip, and found a pet-sitter (or plant-sitter), but have you thought about what happens at home while you're away? Our guide on pre-vacation preparation will help ensure your return is safe, smooth, and stress-free.

Don't Delay That One Thing… You Know the One

We all have that one task we keep putting off. It might be small, but it could save your home from disaster. A dripping faucet, a loose door lock, or an old appliance that’s acting up—these things can turn into big problems when you’re not around. Take a few minutes to fix everything that could cause issues before you leave. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

If you're unsure where to start, consider reaching out to a professional. A quick call to a home inspector can give you peace of mind and highlight any potential risks you might not have noticed. It’s a small investment for a worry-free vacation.

Review Your Home Insurance Policy

It’s important to double-check your insurance coverage before you go. Some policies don’t cover your home if it’s unoccupied for too long, even for a short trip. If you live in a condo or rental, be sure to notify your property manager or building administrator that you’ll be away. Always send this notice in writing and keep a copy for yourself.

Some issues, like leaks from Poly B piping, may not be covered by your insurance. Before you leave, talk to a licensed plumber to see if there are steps you can take to prevent damage. Adding a leak detection system can also provide early warnings in case something goes wrong while you're gone.

Make It Easy for Someone to Check In

To keep your home secure and your insurance happy, ask someone you trust to check in on your house while you're away. They can water plants, pick up mail, or run water through the pipes to prevent freezing. In bad weather, they might even need to shovel the walkway or start your car to keep the engine running.

For extra security, consider using a smart lock system. This allows you to share temporary access codes with multiple people, making it easier to delegate tasks. Assign different responsibilities to different friends or family members—like one person checking the garden, another looking after the plumbing, and so on. Don’t forget to show your appreciation with a gift or a thank-you note.

Enhance Your Home Security

A few friendly visits won’t be enough to fully protect your home. Make sure your security system is set up properly and contact your provider before you leave. If you'll be out of range, let them know who to contact in case of an emergency, or how they can reach you if needed.

Before you go, remove any hidden spare keys and secure all entry points, such as the garage, patio doors, and windows. Smart home devices like cameras, motion sensors, and gate monitors can give you real-time updates and alerts, helping you stay informed even when you're far away.

Power Down and Declutter

Before you leave, do a quick sweep of your home with two goals in mind:

1. Clean up anything that could spoil or make your return less pleasant.
2. Turn off anything that uses energy unnecessarily while you're gone.

Clear out your fridge and pantry, empty the trash, and put fresh sheets on the bed. Clean the bathroom and make sure your home looks welcoming when you come back. For energy savings, unplug devices like computers, printers, gaming consoles, and chargers—they still use power even when not in use.

Be Mindful of Social Media Risks

While it's tempting to share every moment of your vacation on social media, be careful about what you post. Avoid announcing long trips or full-family vacations, as this can signal to others that your home is empty. Wait until you're back and safe before sharing those perfect marshmallow roast pictures.

The goal of a vacation is to relax. By taking care of your home before and during your trip, you can enjoy your time away without worrying about what’s happening back home. When your holiday ends, returning to a clean, safe, and well-prepared home is the best welcome you can get.