Nov 11 2026 14:00

Jillian Struble

Travel plans are exciting, whether you are visiting family, taking a vacation, or simply spending several days away from home. Before you leave, however, it is wise to give your property a little attention. A few practical steps can help protect your home while you are gone and make it easier to relax during your trip.

An empty house can be more exposed to concerns such as break-ins, unnoticed leaks, and electrical hazards. The good news is that preparing your home does not need to be difficult or time-consuming. With a thoughtful pre-trip routine, you can reduce common risks and leave with greater confidence.

Lock Every Door, Window, and Access Point

Before heading out, make a point of securing more than the front door. It is easy to remember the main entrance while overlooking a side door, a garage entry, or a window that is rarely used. Those forgotten areas may create an easy opportunity for someone to get inside.

Take a quick walk around the exterior of your property before you leave. Confirm that doors, gates, garage access points, and first-floor windows are all locked. A few extra minutes spent checking these details can strengthen your home security while you travel.

Limit the Risk of Water Damage

Theft may be the first concern that comes to mind when a home is vacant, but water damage can be equally disruptive and often costly. Even a minor leak can become a much larger problem when it continues unnoticed for several days.

If you will be away for an extended period, consider turning off the main water supply before your trip. When that is not a practical option, disconnecting water connections to appliances such as the washing machine, dishwasher, and ice maker can still help lower the chance of an unexpected leak.

Reviewing your plumbing before you go can help you avoid returning to a damaged home and an expensive cleanup. It is a small task that can make a meaningful difference.

Give the Appearance That Someone Is Home

A home that stays dark night after night may make it clear that no one is there. Creating a lived-in appearance is a simple way to discourage unwanted attention while you are away.

Timers for indoor lights and porch lights can establish a more natural evening routine. By turning lights on and off at selected times, timers can help your home look occupied without requiring anyone to be inside.

This is an affordable precaution that can add reassurance during your travels. It also works well alongside other home safety preparations, including locked entry points and a trusted neighbor nearby.

Ask a Neighbor You Trust to Check In

Smart devices and security technology can send alerts, but they cannot bring in a delivery, return a trash bin to its usual place, or investigate something that looks out of the ordinary. A trusted neighbor can provide that extra level of awareness while you are gone.

Let a dependable neighbor know your travel plans and ask whether they can keep an eye on your property. They may be able to collect packages, move bins after collection day, or alert you to concerns such as storm damage or lights that have been left on unexpectedly.

Having someone nearby who knows you are away can be especially helpful if an issue arises. It is a simple way to make sure your home is not entirely unattended.

Keep Mail and Deliveries From Building Up

A full mailbox or a collection of packages near the front door can quickly indicate that a house has been unoccupied. Taking care of mail and deliveries helps maintain the appearance that someone is still home.

Before you leave, arrange a mail hold through the USPS hold mail service. If you expect deliveries while traveling, ask a friend or neighbor to bring them inside until you return.

These small arrangements can help keep your property looking cared for throughout your trip. They also help prevent important mail or packages from sitting outside longer than necessary.

Unplug Unnecessary Electronics and Appliances

Another useful step is to unplug devices and appliances that do not need to remain connected while you are away. This can reduce the possibility of an electrical issue and gives you one less concern to carry with you on your trip.

Countertop appliances, hair tools, chargers, portable heaters, and similar items should be unplugged before you leave. A final walkthrough of each room can help confirm that everything is safely powered down.

As you complete your checklist, remember to leave only the items that need to stay on, such as any lighting timers you are using. This simple habit can help make your home safer while it is vacant.

Prepare for the Unexpected Before You Go

Travel should be a chance to enjoy time away, not a reason to worry about what may be happening at home. By locking up carefully, addressing water and electrical risks, arranging for mail, and asking a neighbor to check in, you can help reduce your exposure to common problems.

Even with careful preparation, unexpected events can still occur. That is why it is helpful to understand how your homeowners insurance may respond if your property is damaged or another covered loss happens while you are away.

As an independent insurance agency serving Pennsylvania families, Mylet & Musselman Insurance Group helps clients review homeowners insurance options from multiple carriers. Our local insurance agents in Gettysburg and Mountain Top can answer questions about your coverage, help you compare insurance quotes, and provide personalized guidance before your next trip. Contact Mylet & Musselman Insurance Group to review your policy and feel more confident that your home is protected while you travel.