December 16, 2025

Things to do before going on a trip: preparing your home properly

Going on vacation soon? Whether you’re visiting family during the holidays or travelling abroad for a few weeks, it’s very important to take precautions to protect your home. A prolonged absence makes your home more vulnerable to attempted burglaries or domestic incidents such as water damage.

To secure your property, save on your bills, and give yourself peace of mind, check out our list of things to do before going on vacation.

To protect your home and belongings from theft

A house that appears to be unoccupied for a period of time is the Holy Grail for thieves. They look out for several signs to identify these prolonged absences. Here are a few tips on how to protect your home from bad people.

Have a security system installed or test it to make sure it is working properly, if you already have one.
Of course, check that all windows are closed and doors are locked.
Notify your insurer if you plan to be away for more than 30 days. Also, review your home insurance policy to see if any exclusions apply if your home is unoccupied for several days.
Store your important documents and valuables in a water- and fire-resistant safe or leave them with someone you trust. Also take photos of your home and your most valuable possessions for insurance companies, in case of any unpleasant surprises.
Ask someone you trust to check on your home about once a week, water your plants, and collect your mail. If you have newspapers or other subscriptions delivered directly to your door, it is best to suspend delivery, as accumulated mail is a clear sign of absence. For your packages (e.g. Amazon), arrange for deliveries before and after your departure, or notify the person responsible for picking them up so that they are not stolen. Don’t forget to provide a key to the house, the alarm code, and a way to reach you in case of emergency.
If you have pets, entrust them to a friend, family member, or boarding facility. Be sure to give clear instructions on what to do in case of a medical emergency if you cannot be reached (e.g. how much money can be spent on care).
Notify a trusted neighbour that you will be away for several days or weeks, and let them know if someone else will be watching the house. They will be able to recognize any suspicious activity and report it to you. You can also ask them to park their car in your driveway.
Don’t announce your departure on social media! Thieves pay close attention to these kinds of signals.
Close the curtains and, if possible, install an electronic timer to turn certain lights in your home on and off to deter burglars (leaving them on all the time is not very effective).
Store your outdoor furniture and other equipment to prevent theft or damage to your property in case of strong winds.
Take care of your yard before you leave. In winter, it is a good idea to hire a snow removal service, as a pristine expanse of snow will betray your absence. Make sure you have completed all your fall home maintenance checklist to avoid common problems. In summer, remember to mow your lawn before you leave and check that you have completed all seasonal maintenance tasks.

To avoid unpleasant surprises

Vacations are meant to relax and enjoy unforgettable moments. But it’s important to remember to do a few checks that could prevent a lot of damage. The last thing you want to come home to after a trip is water damage or a fire! Here are a few simple things to do before you leave.

Locate the water inlet valve in your home and turn off the water before you leave on vacation. This step is particularly important in winter, due to the possibility of pipes freezing. You can also turn off your water heater to eliminate unnecessary costs on your bill.
Turn off the gas, if applicable, to prevent potential leaks.
Unplug your electrical appliances, except for the refrigerator and freezer. This will save energy and reduce the risk of electrical surges in the event of a storm, for example.
Turn down the heating or air conditioning, depending on the season of your departure. What temperature should you set your home to in winter while you are away in Quebec? At least 10 °C to prevent pipes from freezing. If you have pets that will be left alone for a few days, the ideal temperature for the house would be 18 °C to 25 °C. A smart thermostat would also allow you to significantly reduce your energy costs.
Lower the temperature of your heated spa or pool in the summer.
Check the expiration dates of your important documents, such as your driver’s licence, so you can renew them in time.
Make sure you pay your bills.
Empty the ice tray in your refrigerator to prevent water from leaking in the event of a power outage.
Clean out your refrigerator: get rid of anything that won’t be good when you return, starting by cooking or freezing what you can. Make sure the items in your pantry are tightly closed to prevent insect or rodent infestations.
Empty all trash cans and ask someone to put the trash bags out at the right time.
Pour baking soda or a specialized product into the toilet bowl and drains to prevent odours.

Other tips if you are traveling abroad

To ensure you enjoy your vacation abroad, a few final preparations are essential.

Documents to prepare

Is your passport valid? Check its expiration date and make sure all the necessary information is there.
Do you need a visa for your destination? Check this Government of Canada page to find out.
If a child will be travelling but will not be accompanied by both parents or legal guardians, a letter of consent is recommended.

Travel insurance

Check your travel insurance policy to ensure you have health, life, and disability coverage.
Pay attention to exclusions so you can be fully prepared.

Health and safety

Consult a travel clinic at least six weeks in advance to find out if any vaccinations or preventive treatments are required for your destination.
If you plan to travel with medication, leave it in its original packaging, take more than you need, have a duplicate prescription, and, if it is an injectable product, confirm that your airline accepts it.
Notify your credit card company that you are going on a trip so that they do not block your credit card when they notice unusual usage.
Inform someone you trust of your travel plans. Provide them with a copy of your travel documents: flights, accommodation, insurance, and itineraries, in case of a natural disaster, for example.

Prepare well to relax better

While your safety and that of your home is the priority, there are other small things you can do to make your return more comfortable. Consider these little extras: clean the house before you leave, wash the dishes and sheets, and check that there are no wet clothes left in the washing machine. A clean space is ideal for returning to a happy home!

With this checklist completed before going on vacation, all you have to do is enjoy the peace of mind. Have a great trip!

Frequently asked questions

1. Should I turn off the water supply before going on vacation?

Yes, this is preferable to avoid water damage in the event of a leak or broken pipes.

2. How do I manage my mail during a long absence?

Ask a neighbour to collect it or use a mail retention service.

3. What should I do with electrical appliances before leaving?

Unplugging non-essential appliances will not only reduce the risk of power surges and fires but also save energy.