Pre-Travel Home Checklist: Quick DIY Prep Before a Short Trip

From the time I was little, I have had a thing with irons, stoves, and ovens....and yes, it followed me right into adulthood. I remember my mom checking, more than once, before we ever pulled out of the driveway on a trip. Iron unplugged. Every burner off. Oven off. I brought all those grand habits into my own life, and now every single trip of ours comes with the same check. It drives my family a little bonkers (my sons love to wait until we're hours into the drive to ask, "Mom, is the oven off?" They think it's hilarious. ; ) ) but having a real home prep checklist is what saves you from that "did I turn that off?" feeling somewhere around mile marker 50.

Between packing your bags, checking reservations, and making sure you haven't forgotten your charger, it's easy to overlook the house itself.

Prepping your home for a short trip doesn't need a lengthy to-do list, though. A few quick DIY checks can save you from leaks, wasted energy, bad smells, and that nagging "did I leave that on?" feeling....I promise.

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Start With the Stuff That Could Cause Trouble While You're Gone

You don't need to give your home a full inspection before you head out the door, but it's always worth taking a few minutes to check the things that could cause trouble while no one's around.

Start with your faucets, and take a quick peek under the sinks for drips or signs of leaks. Check that the toilets aren't running non-stop, too.

Next, do a sweep of anything that generates heat (this is my thing, remember, so trust me on this one). Make sure the stove and oven are off, and check items like space heaters, curling irons, and hair straighteners. I also like to unplug small appliances and electronics that don't need power while we're away, just for good measure.

Finally, adjust your thermostat to save a little energy, but don't turn your heating or cooling system off completely.

Clear Out Anything That Won't Be Pretty Once You Get Back

Coming home to a space that looks and smells nice is always such a treat, so take a minute to empty the kitchen and bathroom trash cans, scan the fridge for leftovers, and toss the fruit, dairy, or anything else that's not going to survive until you're back.

What you can leave behind is a few frozen meals, so you're not stuck figuring out dinner when you roll in tired from the trip home.

Run the dishwasher too....dirty dishes sitting around for a couple of days will leave your kitchen smelling less than lovely. Make sure to run it so that it's finished its cycle well before you leave.

And don't forget about the damp towels and laundry, either. Hang them somewhere they can actually dry instead of letting them get musty and smelly in the hamper.

As for your houseplants, give them a good drink of water before you hit the road.

Do a 5-Minute Security Check

You'll only be gone a few days, so the house should be fine, right?

If you really want to relax while you're away, it's worth not getting too casual about home security. Even travelers on short weekend cruises should take a few minutes to make sure their home is properly secured.

Check that your windows, doors, garage, and any side gates are locked, and skip hiding a spare key somewhere obvious. If you have timers or smart bulbs, setting a couple of lights to come on in the evenings can help your home look occupied.

Packages sitting out on the porch are another giveaway, so it's worth asking a neighbor or someone you trust to grab them while you're gone.

One more tip....save those vacation photos to post once you're home, unless your accounts are private. No need to broadcast that nobody's home.

One Last Check, Then Enjoy Your Trip

Before you pull out of the driveway, give yourself 60 seconds for one final check. Do you have your phone, wallet, keys, travel documents, and any medication you'll need?

Confirm that the lights and thermostat are set, the trash is out, and yes....those appliances are off (told you, it's a whole thing for me!). Make sure doors and windows are secure, and if you have an alarm, now is the time to set it.

Want this whole list somewhere you don't have to scroll back through the post to find it? I turned it into a printable version you can stick right on the fridge. Grab the free printable pre-travel checklist and keep it handy for every trip....no more wondering what you forgot.

A little preparation really does go a long way when you're leaving home for a few days.

Once you've checked off the essentials, lock the door and enjoy your trip. You won't have to spend the whole drive wondering what you forgot....I promise.