Holiday travel is a welcome chance to spend time with family, take a vacation, and enjoy a change of scenery. But before you leave town, it is important to give your home a little attention. A few thoughtful steps can help protect your property while you are away and make it easier to relax during your trip.

An empty house may be more exposed to theft, water leaks, and other unexpected issues. Fortunately, preparing your home does not need to be difficult or time-consuming. By addressing a few common risks before departure, you can reduce the chances of returning to an unpleasant surprise.

Check Doors, Windows, and Other Access Points

Start your travel preparations by securing every way someone could enter your home. The front door may be the first item on your list, but other access points are easy to miss when you are focused on packing and getting on the road.

Before leaving, walk around the outside of your property and check side doors, back doors, garage doors, gates, and first-floor windows. Confirm that each one is closed and locked. This brief inspection can help eliminate simple opportunities for unwanted entry.

It is also helpful to make this walkthrough part of your regular departure routine. A consistent final check can provide reassurance that your home is secure before you begin your holiday plans.

Take Steps to Avoid Water Damage

Break-ins often come to mind first when homeowners think about leaving town, but water damage can be equally disruptive. A minor leak that remains unnoticed for several days may lead to extensive damage and a costly cleanup.

If you expect to be gone for more than a few days, consider turning off your home’s main water supply. When shutting off the main valve is not an option, disconnecting water lines to appliances such as the washing machine, dishwasher, and refrigerator ice maker may still help limit the potential for a leak.

Taking time to prepare your plumbing can help protect your home and belongings. It may also help you avoid returning from your trip to a repair project instead of a comfortable homecoming.

Create the Appearance That Someone Is Home

A home that stays dark night after night can make it clear that no one is there. Creating a lived-in appearance is a straightforward way to help discourage unwanted attention while you are away.

Set indoor lamps and exterior porch lights on timers so they turn on and off at natural times in the evening. Affordable timers can create a realistic lighting routine without requiring someone to visit your house each day.

This small precaution can add another layer of confidence during your travels. It also helps your property look cared for, even while your family is away enjoying the holiday season.

Have a Trusted Neighbor Check In

Smart devices and security technology can be useful, but they cannot bring a package inside, move a garbage bin, or personally inspect your property after a storm. A trusted neighbor, friend, or nearby family member can help with the tasks technology cannot handle.

Let someone you trust know that you will be away and ask whether they can keep an eye on your home. They may be able to collect deliveries, return trash bins after pickup, and alert you if they notice something out of the ordinary, such as visible storm damage or a light left on unexpectedly.

Knowing that someone nearby is aware of your plans can make a meaningful difference if a problem develops. It also gives you a local point of contact when you are traveling far from home.

Keep Mail and Deliveries From Accumulating

Mail spilling out of a mailbox and packages sitting on a porch can signal that a property has been vacant for several days. Managing deliveries is an important part of making your home appear occupied.

Before you go, arrange for your mail to be held through the USPS Hold Mail service. If you are expecting packages, ask a trusted neighbor or friend to pick them up and keep them safe until you return.

These simple arrangements can help preserve your privacy and reduce visible signs that no one is home. They also help ensure important mail and packages are not left exposed outside.

Unplug Unnecessary Electronics and Appliances

Before locking the door, take a final look at the electronics and appliances that do not need to stay plugged in while you are gone. Disconnecting unnecessary items can reduce electrical risks and leave you with fewer concerns during your trip.

Countertop appliances, hair tools, chargers, and portable heaters are among the items that should be unplugged before you leave. A quick room-by-room check can help confirm that these devices are safely powered down.

This is a practical final step in your home-travel checklist. It takes only a few minutes and can help you leave with greater peace of mind.

Prepare Your Home and Review Your Coverage

Traveling for the holidays should be about enjoying time away, not worrying about what could be happening at home. Securing entry points, managing water risks, arranging for someone to check in, and reducing electrical hazards can all help lower your home’s exposure to common problems.

Even the most careful preparations cannot prevent every unexpected event. That is why it is valuable to understand how your home insurance coverage may respond if your property is damaged while you are away.

FMB Cornerstone Insurance & Financial, Inc. is an independent insurance agency that helps families throughout Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, and Tennessee compare personal insurance options from multiple carriers. Whether you are reviewing homeowners coverage, considering flood insurance, or looking for insurance quotes tailored to your needs, our team can help you better understand your options before your next trip.

FAQ

Should I turn off the water when leaving home for several days?

Turning off the main water supply may help reduce the risk of a leak causing significant damage while no one is home. If that is not practical, consider disconnecting water lines to appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, and refrigerator ice makers.

How can I make my house look occupied while I travel?

Use timers on indoor lights and porch lights to create a natural pattern in the evening. Having a trusted neighbor collect packages and move trash bins can also help your home look attended to.

What should I unplug before going on vacation?

Unplug devices and appliances that do not need to remain connected, including countertop appliances, hair styling tools, chargers, and portable heaters. A room-by-room walkthrough can help ensure nothing is overlooked.

Can a neighbor help protect my home while I am away?

Yes. A trusted neighbor can retrieve packages, check for visible storm damage, move bins, and notify you of suspicious activity or other concerns. Their presence can provide support that a security alert alone cannot provide.

Why should I review my home insurance before traveling?

Reviewing your home insurance can help you understand your coverage before an unexpected loss occurs. FMB Cornerstone Insurance & Financial, Inc. can help clients in Mississippi and surrounding states evaluate home insurance options and request personalized insurance quotes.