Whether you’re heading to Ocean City for a few days, escaping to Deep Creek Lake, or finally
checking that dream vacation off your bucket list, there’s one thing nobody wants to pack along
with their sunscreen…
Homeowner anxiety.
You know the feeling. You’re halfway to your destination when the questions start creeping in.
“Did I close the garage door?”
“Did I leave the coffee maker plugged in?”
“Wait… did I lock the back door?”
A little preparation before you leave can save you money, protect your home, and let you
actually enjoy your vacation instead of mentally checking every room in your house.
Here’s our favorite pre-vacation checklist for Maryland homeowners.
1. Give Your Thermostat a Vacation Too
No sense cooling an empty house to 72 degrees. If nobody’s home, bump the thermostat up a
few degrees. Around 78–80°F is usually a good balance for keeping humidity under control
while saving on your electric bill. (If you have pets staying behind, be sure to keep their comfort
in mind.)
2. Replace Your HVAC Filter
A clean filter helps your air conditioner work more efficiently—which is especially important
during a Maryland summer when it feels like you’re walking through soup.
3. Water Your Plants Before You Go
Summer heat can be brutal on flowers, gardens, and potted plants.
Before you leave:
● Give everything a deep watering.
● Move potted plants into partial shade if you can.
● If you’ll be gone more than a few days, see if a neighbor or friend wouldn’t mind playing
plant babysitter.
4. Pause the Mail (and the Packages)
Nothing says “Nobody’s home!” quite like an overflowing mailbox or a stack of Amazon boxes
on the porch.
Take a few minutes to:
● Put your mail on hold with USPS.
● Pause any subscription deliveries.
● Ask a trusted neighbor to grab any packages that arrive.
5. Do One Last Lock Check
Even if you’re positive you already locked everything…walk through one more time.
Don’t forget:
● Basement windows
● Sliding glass doors
● Garage entry doors
● Pet doors
That extra minute is worth the peace of mind.
6. Test Your Security System
If you have cameras or an alarm system, make sure everything is working before you pull out of
the driveway.
Check that:
● Batteries are charged.
● Motion alerts are working.
● Cameras are recording to the cloud.
7. Put Your Lights on a Schedule
A home that looks lived in is much less inviting to unwanted visitors.
Smart bulbs or inexpensive timers can turn lights on and off throughout the evening so your
house looks occupied. It’s much more convincing than leaving the same porch light on 24/7.
8. Unplug Small Appliances
Even when they’re turned off, many electronics still use a little electricity.
Consider unplugging things like:
● Coffee makers
● Toasters
● Chargers
● Gaming systems
● Small kitchen appliances
It’s a simple way to save a little energy and reduce the risk of electrical issues.
9. Take Out the Trash
Future You will be very thankful.
Nobody wants to come home to mystery smells—or discover that ants decided to throw a party
while you were gone.
10. Give the Refrigerator a Quick Clean-Out
Take a minute to toss anything that’s close to expiring.
Milk that’s due tomorrow isn’t going to improve while you’re lying on the beach.
11. Turn Off the Ice Maker
If you’ll be gone for an extended trip, consider shutting off the ice maker. It’s one less water
connection to worry about while you’re away.
12. Look for Small Plumbing Leaks
Before you leave, take a quick peek:
● Under sinks
● Around toilets
● Near the water heater
Small drips can turn into much bigger problems if no one’s around to catch them.
13. Consider Shutting Off the Main Water Valve
If your house will be empty for several days—or longer—turning off the main water supply can
prevent thousands of dollars in damage if a pipe bursts or an appliance leaks while you’re gone.
It’s one of those small steps you hope you’ll never need…but you’ll be glad you took if something
unexpected happens.
14. Put Your Water Heater in Vacation Mode
Many newer water heaters have a vacation setting that reduces energy use while you’re away.
It’s a quick adjustment that can help lower your utility bill.
15. Mow the Lawn Before You Leave
A freshly mowed yard keeps your home looking cared for, especially if you’re gone for a week or
two.
Bonus: You won’t come home to grass that’s halfway to your knees.
16. Secure Your Outdoor Furniture
Maryland weather has a habit of changing its mind.
Before you head out, put away or secure:
● Patio cushions
● Umbrellas
● Lightweight furniture
● Grills (once they’re completely cool)
Your future self—and your neighbors—will appreciate it if a surprise thunderstorm rolls through.
17. Let a Neighbor Know
Good neighbors are worth their weight in gold.
Ask someone you trust to:
● Keep an eye on your home.
● Bring in packages.
● Let you know if anything looks out of place.
You can return the favor the next time they travel.
18. Check Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
A quick battery check only takes a minute and gives you one less thing to worry about while
you’re away.
19. Save the Vacation Photos for Later
We know…the beach sunsets are gorgeous.
But consider waiting until you’re back home before posting your vacation photos. Broadcasting
that your house is empty isn’t the best security strategy.
20. Make Sure Someone Can Reach You
Leave your contact information with a trusted friend, neighbor, or family member in case
something unexpected happens while you’re away.
Hopefully they won’t need it—but it’s always better to have it than not.
Have an Amazing Vacation!
A little preparation before you leave can make all the difference when you get home.
Instead of walking in wondering what you’ll find, you’ll be able to unpack, throw in a load of
laundry, and start planning your next adventure.
Did we miss one of your favorite pre-vacation tips? We’d love to hear it! Share it with us on
Facebook or Instagram—you might just help another Maryland homeowner have an even more
relaxing getaway.