Ask Angi: How can I prep my home for vacation?
When you are on vacation, your home should be out of sight and out of mind. Take a few minutes now to complete my pre-vacation checklist to ensure you don't spend your trip wondering if you took out the trash or set the alarm before you left.
First, focus on your home's security. Lock all your doors and windows, and close your blinds to keep prying eyes from looking into your home while you are away. If you have a garage, make sure that door is fully secure as well. Before you leave, double-check that your security system (alarm, front door camera, etc.) is working properly. It is also a good idea to set up timed lights for your indoor and outdoor spaces to make it less obvious that you are not at home.
Next, take care of any tasks that can help you save energy – starting with turning your thermostat up to 80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Turning your HVAC system off completely can expose your home to extreme temperatures, so 80 to 85 degrees is a great compromise in the summer months. You should also unplug any small appliances, like toasters and coffee makers. These energy-efficient choices can help you lower your energy bill and improve the overall efficiency of your home.
My third tip is to clean your home before you leave. Take out the trash, throw away any food that might expire, and clear food from your countertops to prevent unwanted pests from moving in. This is also a good time to run your dishwasher and clean your garbage disposal to remove any lingering food debris. If you don't have time to clean your home yourself, bring in a professional cleaning service to ensure your home is clean and ready for your departure.
Finally, if you are planning on taking an extended trip, ask a family member or friend to check on your home while you're away. Having someone come in to water the plants and make sure there are no leaks or other problems can give you some peace of mind while traveling. You can also tell a trusted neighbor about your trip, so they can collect your mail and keep an eye on your home while you are on vacation.
____
Tweet your home care questions with #AskingAngi and we'll try to answer them in a future column.
____
Copyright 2026 Tribune Content Agency. All Rights Reserved.
This story was originally published May 25, 2026 at 6:14 AM.