Vacations are the highlight of the year, but rushing out the door can lead to costly oversights. As someone who's traveled extensively and learned from past mistakes, I've compiled this list of 7 must-do checks. They'll help you cut utility bills, prevent disasters, and return to a welcoming home.
You might wonder, "What savings come from shutting off the gas?" In most cases, none—but what if there's a tiny leak you haven't noticed? Better safe than sorry. Safety first, always.
I learned this the hard way after a subtle toilet leak went unnoticed for days. Shut off the main water supply to avoid surprises and potential big savings on your water bill.
In the days leading up to departure, I clear out the fridge using up leftovers with simple recipes. To discover: 15 Recipes to Cook Leftovers and No More Waste.
The day before leaving, it's nearly empty. On departure morning, I turn the thermostat to its lowest setting. This doubles my savings: no wasted food or last-minute shopping, plus a lower electricity bill come September.
Power off the TV completely—not just standby—and unplug the internet box. Your plants won't stream shows, and your fish won't surf the web. This reduces energy use and extends appliance life.
No need to keep heating water in an empty tank, so switch off the water heater. Unplug computers, printers, and anything in standby mode to eliminate phantom power draw.
Not close enough with neighbors for daily check-ins and no budget for a housesitter? For thirsty plants, set up a simple drip system. For the goldfish, use vacation feeder tablets that dissolve slowly. Avoid the heartbreak of returning to a sad scene.
I've forgotten this once—trust me, it's unpleasant. Empty bins to prevent odors. Sprinkle baking soda in trash cans, sinks, toilets, tubs, and basins to neutralize smells upon return. To discover: How To Avoid Bad Pipe Smells When You Return From Vacation.
And there you have it! Just 10 minutes to secure peace of mind for a fantastic getaway.
Exact figures vary by habits and trip length, but here's my experience: With two weeks in summer and one in winter, idling the fridge and unplugging everything saves me about 20% on electricity over those three weeks.
