The Pre-Vacation checklist: what to do before you leave home

Hey mamas!

It’s already July, and a lot of us might be preparing for vacation. The sun is out, school’s out, and it’s the perfect time to take a break and recharge. But if you're in a family with children, this whole process can become a bit overwhelming — from packing everyone's bags to making sure the house is in order.

So in today’s post, I’d like to talk about what you need to check before leaving home, so that you can have peace of mind and enjoy your vacation to the fullest! A little preparation now can save you from stress later.

Whether you're preparing for a short getaway or a longer trip, be mindful to check the things below:

1. Secure Your Home

I know, that sounds pretty obvious — but how could I not include it on the list?! Before leaving home, the most important thing is to secure it as best as possible. Make sure all doors and windows are locked, and set your alarm system if you have one. Leave one or two lights on, or better yet, use timers to create the impression that someone is home. Finally, ask a trusted neighbor, friend, or relative to keep an eye on your property — and as a bonus, have them pick up your mail regularly to avoid any signs that you're away.

2. Unplug and Protect

This is especially recommended if you'll be away for an extended period. You might want to unplug electronics like TVs, computers, and kitchen appliances to prevent power surges. It’s also a good idea to turn off water valves to avoid potential leaks or flooding. And don’t forget to either turn off your thermostat or adjust it to a more energy-efficient setting — it’s a simple way to save on your utility bill while you're away.

3. Arrange for Pets and Plants

If you have pets or plants at home, making proper arrangements for their care is essential before heading out. For pets, consider booking a reliable pet sitter who can either stay at your home or visit daily to feed, walk, and spend time with them. Alternatively, you can look into boarding services or pet hotels that provide professional care while you're away. As for your plants, ask a neighbor or friend to water them regularly, especially during hot summer days. If that’s not possible, self-watering systems or plant watering spikes can be a great backup to keep your greenery healthy until you return.

 4. Pay Your Bills

It might seem like a small detail, but staying on top of your financial obligations before you leave is absolutely essential to avoid any unpleasant surprises. Imagine coming back from a relaxing vacation only to find your electricity cut off because a bill was forgotten — not exactly the welcome-home you’d want! So, make sure to pay all upcoming bills and take care of any financial arrangements before you go. If you have payments that aren’t automated, like your mortgage or certain subscriptions, set reminders or check your email periodically during your trip to ensure nothing slips through the cracks. A few minutes of planning can save you a lot of stress later.

5. Clean Before You Leave

This is my favorite part — by far. Picture this: your vacation at an exotic resort has come to an end. You're heading home, already missing the beach, the piña coladas in your hand, and the flowers in your hair. You open your front door and…

a) You’re greeted by a total mess — dirty floors, laundry piling up, unmade beds, dust everywhere, and a sink full of dishes. or

b) You walk into a clean, tidy, and serene home that welcomes you like a warm, familiar hug.

Trust me, you want option B. Invest a little time before you leave to deep clean and organize your home. That way, when you return, the only thing you’ll need to deal with is unpacking your suitcases. Coming back to chaos can be incredibly overwhelming and instantly undo the relaxation you just worked so hard to achieve.

Bonus tip: Change your sheets before you go. There’s nothing quite like diving into fresh, crisp bedding after a long trip — it’s the perfect way to ease back into your routine.

6. Take Out the Trash

This could easily be part of the cleaning section, but it’s important enough to deserve its own spotlight. Before leaving home, make sure all trash bins throughout the house — kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms — are emptied, and the bags are replaced with clean liners. This simple step prevents unpleasant odors and unwelcome surprises when you return.

Bonus tip: Add a few drops of essential oil (like lavender or eucalyptus) to the bottom of your kitchen and bathroom bins. It’s a small touch, but it can make your home smell fresh and spa-like when you walk back in the door.

 7. Commissions

This might sound a bit over the top, but trust me — it’s a game-changer. One of the best ways to ease back into everyday life after a vacation is to prepare for your return before you leave. Imagine this: you’ve just come home after a long flight, cruise, or road trip. You’re exhausted, the kids are hungry, and all you want to do is crash on the couch… but hey, you can't, the fridge is empty and now you have to run to the supermarket. Not ideal, right?

To avoid that scenario, stock your pantry and fridge with a few essentials before you go. Of course, skip the fresh fruits and veggies that won’t last, but you can definitely leave behind some basics: toast ingredients, yogurt (check the expiration date), snacks, pasta, dried fruits, cereal, and a few ready-to-go meals in the freezer. That way, you’ll have something to fall back on until you’re ready to do a proper grocery run.

I hope you found the above tips useful! Let me know what you think!

Love, Katerina