The Holiday Traveler’s Home Prep Checklist

Dec 17, 2025Seasonal

Whether you’re headed across the country, a few states over, or just far enough away that you can’t “pop home real quick,” holiday travel comes with excitement, snacks for the road, and one nagging thought:

“Did I turn everything off?”

Before you go full holiday traveler, give your home a quick send-off. This checklist keeps things merry, bright, and not on fire while you’re gone.

1. The 5-Minute Walkthrough of Peace

Before locking up, take one slow lap around your home. It’s surprisingly effective.

Check that:

  • Windows and doors fully locked

  • Candles are fully out — smoldering does not count

  • Space heaters unplugged and not “just cooling off”
  • TVs, gaming systems, and rogue chargers are powered down

Unattended heat sources and electrical issues are common causes of holiday-season claims. Five minutes now beats a phone call later.

2. Set Your Home’s Temperature

Your house doesn’t need a sauna while you’re gone, but it also shouldn’t feel abandoned.

  • Set your thermostat low enough to save energy

  • Keep it warm enough to prevent frozen pipes

  • Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate if temps drop

Frozen pipes are one of the most common winter losses — especially when homes sit empty.

3. Pay Extra Attention to the Water

Water behaves suspiciously when no one’s watching.

  • Turn off the main water supply if you can

  • Disconnect outdoor hoses

  • Set faucets to drip if freezing temps are expected

  • Run the dishwasher once so it doesn’t sit there plotting

Water damage can happen fast — and the longer a leak goes unnoticed, the bigger the mess.

4. Make Your Home Looked Casually Occupied

You want your home to say, “Someone might be here… or not… who knows?” 

  • Put lights on timers in main rooms

  • Pause mail and package deliveries

  • Ask a neighbor to grab any surprise packages

  • Leave a car in the driveway if possible

A lived-in look helps discourage unwanted visitors who are also “just passing through.”

5. Unplug the Festive Stuff (Yes, All of It)

Holiday décor deserves a break while you’re gone.

  • Unplug indoor and outdoor décor

  • Turn off tree lights

  • Avoid running timers for decorative lights while away 

Holiday electrical fires spike in December. Festive is good. Flickering danger is not.

6. Prep for Winter’s Mood Swings

Winter weather has no loyalty to the forecast.

  • Clear gutters so melting snow doesn’t back up
  • Salt walkways before leaving
  • Secure outdoor décor so it doesn’t blow into next week
  • Check for weak tree limbs that look a little too bendy

Snow, ice, and gravity do not pause because you’re on vacation.

7. Leave a Cheat Sheet for Your House-Sitter (or Neighbor)

If someone’s checking in:

  • Write down thermostat and water shutoff locations
  • Share security system instructions
  • Leave pet care notes somewhere obvious
  • Provide an emergency contact
  • Optional but encouraged: snacks as a thank-you

Final Thoughts

Holiday travel should be about family, friends, food, and pretending you’re not checking your phone for weather alerts back home.

With a few smart steps and a little pre-trip planning, your home can stay safe, sound, and exactly how you left it — so when you return, the only thing waiting for you is a slightly stale suitcase and maybe some leftover pie.