Before You Leave: The 5 Things I Always Store Away Before Vacation

Leaving home for a few days is supposed to feel exciting. But let’s be honest—those final hours before a trip are usually chaos. You’re double-checking flights, zipping up bags, maybe yelling “Did anyone water the plants?” Meanwhile, your home is sitting quietly… waiting to be forgotten in the rush.

Over the years, I’ve learned that a few small oversights—like leaving a plug on or forgetting to hide a spare key—can cost you big time. I’m talking theft, fire risk, flooding, and even thousands in damages. It’s not about being paranoid. It’s about being smart. Especially when you’re away and can’t just “run back real quick.”

In this guide, I’m sharing the five things I always store or secure before heading out. Not vague “travel hacks,” but real, practical steps based on research, expert advice, and (let’s be honest) a few personal wake-up calls.

If you want to leave your house with peace of mind—and return to it just as you left it—this is for you.

1. Unplug Electronics You Don’t Need On

Last year, over 23,000 house fires were caused by electrical malfunctions. That’s not a stat you want to think about while sipping cocktails on a beach.

Before I leave for a trip, I always walk through each room and unplug anything that doesn’t need to stay on—coffee maker, TV, chargers, lamps, even the washing machine. Not just to save on electricity, but to lower the risk of fire or a power surge while I’m away.

It’s easy to assume “what could go wrong?”—but if a wire overheats or your surge protector fails while no one’s home, you could come back to serious damage.

I also label some plugs now (yes, really). “Always unplug” stickers on the hair dryer and toaster remind me even during the last-minute packing chaos. If you’re unsure which electronics pose the biggest risk, check out this list of devices you should unplug before leaving to stay safe and save energy. It sounds obsessive, but it’s one less thing to worry about mid-flight.

According to Investopedia’s report on vacation fire hazards, electrical faults caused $1.6 billion in property losses in 2023 alone.

So yeah, I take two minutes to unplug—and I highly recommend you do too.

What’s one thing you always forget to unplug before vacation? Tell me—I bet we’ve all missed something.

2. Put Away Valuables — Even the Unexpected Ones

You probably already stash jewelry and cash. That’s good. But what about your prescription meds? Or that pricey pair of headphones lying on the nightstand? Or your work laptop sitting in plain sight?

Burglars don’t take their time browsing—they grab what’s visible and valuable. I learned this the hard way years ago when a friend came back to find only her bathroom drawer opened. Turns out, high-end beauty products and prescription pills are top resale items.

Before I leave, I do a quick “eye-level scan.” I walk room to room and look around like I don’t live there—what stands out? What’s easy to grab? That’s what gets put away.

I store valuables in places that don’t scream “hideout”—not the sock drawer or under the bed. A locked file box inside a random kitchen cabinet? Way better.

And here’s the part most people miss: don’t post about your new gadgets or trip on social media before or during your travel. You never know who’s watching. Also, don’t overlook your garage—it’s a common entry point for thieves. Here are 7 smart ways to secure your garage before a trip that most people forget.

According to ADT’s vacation safety tips, burglars often scope out social posts or visible electronics to plan break-ins.

A five-minute sweep can save you from a months-long insurance headache. Trust me—out of sight, out of risk.

Got a weird hiding spot that works? Drop it below—no judgments, just clever ideas.

3. Clear Out Your Fridge and Trash — Your Future Self Will Thank You

Coming back from vacation should smell like fresh laundry and relief—not spoiled milk and regret.

I make it a rule now: 24 hours before I leave, I check every shelf in the fridge. Anything that expires while I’m gone gets tossed or given away. No one wants to open a fridge door after a week and get hit with the stench of rotting spinach or curdled cream.

Same goes for the trash. I don’t care how “not full” it is—if it’s got food in it, it’s out. One time, I left behind an almost-empty trash bag and came home to fruit flies, a leak, and a horrifying smell baked in by summer heat. Never again.

And here’s something people forget: dishwasher filters. If you last ran it full of greasy dishes, rinse the filter. That gunk will rot while you’re away.

On Reddit, homeowners often warn that trash, spoiled food, and even dish residue can attract pests and leave lingering smells that are nearly impossible to remove.

A clean exit is the best welcome home. Future you will seriously appreciate the 10-minute effort.

What’s the worst “I forgot to clean it” story you’ve had after a trip? Be honest—we’ve all got one.

4. Hold Your Mail and Pause Deliveries — Nothing Says “Nobody’s Home” Like a Stacked Porch

It doesn’t take much for a thief to figure out you’re out of town. A few packages sitting out, flyers wedged in the doorframe, or a mailbox that’s clearly bursting? That’s basically an open invitation.

I always set up a mail hold through USPS (you can do it online in two minutes), and I pause any scheduled deliveries—groceries, pet food subscriptions, anything. If I forget, I ask a neighbor to grab it and keep an eye out.

One trick I learned from a security pro: even just asking someone to move your doormat a little, or park in your driveway occasionally, helps keep up the illusion that someone’s home. Want to go a step further? Here’s a pro-level home security checklist with smart moves you can set up anytime—vacation or not. Simple, but surprisingly effective.

According to SafeWise’s vacation prep guide, uncollected mail is one of the most obvious signs burglars look for when casing homes.

This is the stuff most people don’t think about—but it’s what makes the biggest difference. It’s not about paranoia. It’s about being less of a target.

Got a neighbor you trust with spare keys or small favors like this? Time to return the favor with a thank-you gift.

5. Set Your Thermostat (and Water) the Smart Way

If you’ve ever come home to a flooded kitchen or a sky-high energy bill, you know this one hits hard.

Before any trip, I turn the thermostat to eco-mode or set it a few degrees warmer (in summer) or cooler (in winter) than usual. You don’t need your HVAC working overtime for an empty house—but you also don’t want mold, frozen pipes, or a stifling indoor sauna when you return.

And the big one: shut off the water supply if you’re going to be gone for more than a few days. A small leak behind a wall or under the sink can quietly destroy floors and furniture while you’re posting vacation pics.

Learned that one from a neighbor who came back to warped wood floors and a $6,000 repair bill. All because of one sneaky valve.

MAPFRE Insurance’s vacation checklist strongly recommends shutting off the main water valve and adjusting thermostat settings to prevent damage and cut down on utility costs.

Bonus move: I also leave a few interior doors open to help airflow and reduce mustiness. Might sound small, but trust me—it makes a difference after a week.

Have you ever had a “surprise” waiting at home after vacation? Let’s hear the horror stories. 💧😬👇

You’ve Done the Hard Part. Now Leave Without the Worry.

Vacations are supposed to be a break—from work, stress, and constant notifications. But none of that matters if you spend half the trip wondering, “Did I leave the oven on? What if someone breaks in?”

Over the years, I’ve realized it’s not the big home prep stuff that brings peace of mind. It’s the small, often-overlooked things—the unplugged outlet, the cleared fridge, the paused mail—that make all the difference when no one’s watching your house but time itself.

Think of this checklist as your travel partner. Follow it once, and your future self (the one rolling back into the driveway, sunburned and tired) will thank you.

So tell me—what’s your pre-vacation ritual? Do you go full checklist mode, or just wing it? Drop your best tip (or fail) in the comments. We’re all learning here.

For more practical home tips and smart homeowner checklists, visit Build Like New

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional home safety or insurance advice. Always consult with a qualified expert for your specific needs.