Leaving Home for a Trip

Before you go

From the guide’s before you go checklist. Tick each one as you go. Your ticks stay on this device. These are examples; your home may need others.

• Tell the owner about longer trips in writing, and share a way to reach you while away.
• Check for drips and running toilets.
• Empty the fridge of food that will spoil.
• Take out all trash and recycling.
• Lock doors and windows and set dowels.
• Hold mail and pause deliveries.

All done. Enjoy the trip.

Winter away list

From the guide’s list for cold months. Tick each one as you go. Your ticks stay on this device. These are examples; your home may need others.

• Set the thermostat at 55 or higher.
• Open sink cabinets on outside walls.
• Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses.
• Put on faucet covers if supplied.
• Keep interior doors open for warm air.
• Never turn the heat off in winter.

All done. The pipes are set for the cold.

Should I turn off the water?

Only if the owner shows you how and agrees. A main shutoff can stop a leak from becoming a flood, but some systems need water running.

• Ask the owner before shutting off the main.
• Learn where the main water shutoff is.
• Never shut off water to fire sprinklers.
• Turn off the washer supply valves if easy.
• Write down what you turned off.

Some associations have rules about water shutoffs when away, so read yours.

Make the home look lived in

• Put lights on timers in two rooms.
• Hold mail and pause package deliveries.
• Keep blinds in a normal position.
• Arrange lawn or snow care if it’s your duty.
• Give spare keys only to trusted helpers, and never hide a key outside.
• Avoid posting trip plans online.

A full mailbox tells everyone the home is empty.

Helper tasks

From the guide’s list for a trusted helper. Tick each one as you go. Your ticks stay on this device. These are examples; your home may need others.

• Choose a trusted helper nearby.
• Ask them to visit every few days.
• Show them the main water shutoff.
• Give them the owner’s emergency number.
• Ask them to check for leaks and smells.
• Ask them to text you after each visit.

All done. Someone kind is keeping an eye on things.

Does insurance cover an empty home?

It depends on the policy. Many policies limit coverage after a home is vacant or unoccupied for a set number of days. Ask your agent before long trips, and get the answer in writing. Renters cover belongings; owners cover the building.

The only number that counts is the one in your policy.

Coming home reset

From the guide’s coming home reset. Tick each one as you go. Your ticks stay on this device. These are examples; your home may need others.

• Walk through every room on arrival.
• Look for leaks, stains and odd smells.
• Turn water back on slowly if you shut it off.
• Reset thermostats and light timers.
• Reset lock and lockbox codes.
• Report problems in writing with photos.

All done. Welcome home.

For owners when a resident is away

• Keep a record of resident absences.
• Have a way to reach the resident.
• Give proper notice before entry.
• Respond quickly to leaks or freezes.
• Never turn down heat the owner supplies.
• Keep vacant units at 55 or higher.

Guides that go well with this one

• Preventing Frozen Pipes
• Caring for a Vacant Home
• Mail and Package Safety
• Home Security Basics
• Water Shutoffs and Leak Detection

Helpful resources

Ready.gov: winter weather, USPS: hold mail, 211: local help with housing and more and LawHelp.org: legal information by state. Many leases ask for notice of longer absences, so please read your lease and check the rules where you live.