Amy & Aron's

Secure Your Property

This means more than just locking the front door. Before you head out, walk through your home and double-check that all windows and entry points, including garage and patio doors, are securely locked. Setting a few indoor lights on timers can make the house appear occupied, which may help deter potential intruders. It's also a good idea to pause your mail and newspaper deliveries, as a buildup outside can quickly signal that no one is home. For more ways to protect your property while you're away, check out this detailed vacation preparation guide.

Prevent Water System Surprises

Nothing ruins that post-vacation glow faster than coming home to a flooded basement or warped floors. A tiny, unnoticed drip from a faucet or toilet can turn into a huge mess after a week or two. Before you leave, quickly peek under sinks and around the base of your toilets for any damp spots. If you're going away for a longer time, think about turning off your home's main water supply. If you do this, remember to also turn off your water heater so the heating elements don't burn out in an empty tank. If your water heater is older, showing signs of wear, or has required frequent repairs, it may be worth considering a water heater replacement before an extended trip. Replacing an unreliable unit can help reduce the risk of leaks or unexpected failures while you're away, giving you greater peace of mind.

Manage Utilities Wisely

You can save money and avoid safety issues by managing your home's energy use while you're away. Adjust your thermostat to a more energy-friendly temperature, maybe a bit warmer in summer or cooler in winter. Don't turn it off completely, especially if it gets cold where you live, because keeping a baseline temperature helps stop pipes from freezing. Walk through your house and unplug electronics you don't need, like coffee makers, toasters, and TVs. This not only stops them from using "phantom" power but also protects them from damage if there's an unexpected power surge.

Pet and Plant Care Plans

Your housemates, furry or leafy, need a good plan too. If you have pets, arrange for a reliable pet sitter to visit every day or book their spot at a trusted boarding place well ahead of time. Make sure to leave super detailed instructions about feeding times, medicines, emergency contacts, and any funny quirks your pet has. For your houseplants, give them a really good drink right before you go. For longer trips, you can use self-watering globes or ask a friend to pop over and water them. Many expert tips for a worry-free trip suggest getting these plans sorted early to avoid last-minute stress and make sure your pets and plants are well cared for.

Essential Travel Document Checklist

The last thing you want is to be frantically looking for a flight confirmation or realizing your passport is stashed in a drawer you can't get to. A few days before you leave, gather all your important documents and put them somewhere safe and easy to grab.

• Passports and any visas you need
• Tickets for your flight, train, or bus
• Confirmations for your hotel or rental car
• Copies of your health insurance cards
• A basic itinerary with key addresses and phone numbers

It's always smart to have both paper and digital copies. Take pictures of your important documents and save them in a secure cloud account or email them to yourself so you can easily get to them from your phone.

With your home all buttoned up and your documents in order, you can walk out the door feeling confident. Now, the only thing left on your list is to have an amazing and memorable trip!