Going Away Checklist

A checklist for keeping your home safe and sound while you are away.

Make Some Calls  

• Tell your neighbors/property manager/landlord you are going away. 

• Give them your contact information. 

• Temporarily stop newspaper or other deliveries (or have a neighbor bring stuff in). 

• Have the post office hold your mail until you return. 

• Ask a friend or neighbor to bring in packages and move your bins in and out on trash day. 

• Contact your security alarm company; let them know you will be away and provide them with your contact info. 

Unplug & Reprogram 

• Unplug the automatic garage door opener; doublecheck the door is fully closed.

• Unplug electronics and computers. 

• Reprogram the heater in the winter to keep heat above 55F to avoid freezing pipes. 

• Reprogram the AC in the summer to between 81F and 85F. 

• Put lights on a timer. Put TV or music on a timer. 

• Ensure there are fresh batteries in all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors Unplug your landline phone or send all calls to voicemail. 

Clean & Clear 

• Clean out your fridge. 

• Check that toilets are fully flushed. 

• Empty the trash; ask neighbors to put out trash on trash day. 

• Move valuable furniture and upholstery out of line of direct sun to avoid fading. 

• Clear the waste disposal. 

• Do all dirty laundry and empty washer and dryer (leave washer door open to avoid mildew). 

• Clean the sink and wipe dry. 

Pets & Plants 

• Water plants; Move all plants to one spot so house-sitter/neighbor doesn't have to wander around the house looking for plants. 

• For longer trips organize plant/yard care. 

• Secure kennel or pet-sitter; leave out instructions, plenty of food/water. 

Extra Security 

• Remove any hidden keys from their secret spots (under the mat, under the flower pot). 

• Leave blinds in their normal positions. 

• Park car in driveway. 

• Hire a house-sitter or have a neighbor/friend drop in at irregular times on a regular basis. 

• Double check you have locked all doors and windows, especially in less obvious places like garages and basements. 

• Mark all your possessions with your own security mark. 

Insurance 

• Check that your insurance is up-to-date on contents value. 

• Compile a list of all your possessions using photographs or video. 

• Record serial numbers and all other identifying information. 

• Check with insurance company to make sure there aren't any rules requiring that someone check in regularly at your home during your absence. 

Other 

• Keep important computer files backed up and hidden elsewhere. 

• Keep your keyholders list up to date. 

• No keys/valuables should be visible. 

• Lock away all tools and ladders. 

Social Media 

• Keep your movements confidential except to those who need to know. 

• Do not announce on your voice mail message that you will be away for an extended period of time. 

Parking 

• Make sure to adhere to all parking regulations (e.g., odd/even parking).