As the holiday travel season approaches, many households prepare to step away for days or weeks at a time. A few targeted actions can keep the home secure, the systems stable, and the mind at ease during the absence. These steps draw from guidance issued by agencies such as the U.S. Postal Service and state extension services. ([1])
Pausing Mail and Packages
The U.S. Postal Service offers a Hold Mail service that pauses delivery for three to thirty days. Requests can be submitted online up to thirty days in advance or completed in person with form PS Form 8076. The service does not cover packages from other carriers, so separate arrangements are needed for those deliveries. Picking up held mail within ten days after the hold ends prevents it from being returned to senders. Scheduling the hold to begin on the first day no one will be home avoids an obvious pile of uncollected items. A neighbor or trusted contact can also collect mail if the hold option does not fit the schedule. Either approach reduces visible signs that the house is empty.
Managing Appliances, Lights, and Leftovers
Before departure, stoves, ovens, and small countertop appliances should be turned off and unplugged. Tree lights and other electrical decorations must also be switched off, and a live tree requires daily watering if it remains in the home. Food safety guidance recommends refrigerating leftovers within two hours of cooking and using shallow containers no deeper than three inches. Items that would exceed three to four days in the refrigerator should be frozen or discarded, while trash is taken out on collection day. These actions lower the chance of electrical issues or food spoilage during the trip. Setting light timers and leaving a car in the driveway can further maintain an occupied appearance. Turning off location services on mobile devices adds another layer of discretion when sharing plans with close contacts only.
Protecting Pipes and Maintaining the Home’s Appearance
In regions expecting freezing temperatures, the thermostat should remain set no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Cabinet doors under sinks can be left open so warm air reaches pipes, and a faucet on an exterior wall may be allowed to drip slowly. Knowing the location of the main water shut-off valve provides an extra safeguard if temperatures drop sharply. Outdoor lights on timers, an undisturbed yard appearance, and periodic movement of a vehicle in the driveway all help the property look lived-in. Asking a neighbor to shovel walks or rake leaves prevents the home from standing out as vacant. These measures work together without requiring major changes to daily routines.
Final Walkthrough and Trusted Support
A last walkthrough confirms that appliances are off, lights are unplugged, the thermostat is set correctly, and every door and window is secured. An alarm system, if present, should be activated. Leaving a spare key with a neighbor or house-sitter, along with contact details and instructions for plants or pets, ensures someone can respond quickly if needed. Some local police departments offer vacation checks that involve periodic exterior patrols when travelers submit dates and contact information in advance. Daily visits from a trusted person provide additional reassurance for longer absences. These combined steps allow travelers to focus fully on the holiday ahead.
AI Disclaimer: This article was created with the assistance of AI tools and reviewed by a human editor.