Most homeowners think about packing their suitcase. Smart homeowners think about protecting their largest investment.
Summer vacation season is here, and if you own a home, that suitcase is only half the story. With the median U.S. home price sitting at $403,200 in early 2026 — and the typical homeowner having built up over $128,000 in housing wealth over the past six years — your home is probably the most valuable thing you own. Leaving it unattended for a week or two without a plan is the kind of thing you only do once.
Here are seven things every homeowner should take care of before they lock up and head out the door.
1. Shut Off the Water (Seriously, Do This One)
Water damage is the sneaky villain of vacation horror stories. There are roughly 14,000 water damage incidents in U.S. homes every single day, and the average insurance claim runs about $15,400. A slow leak under a sink or a washing machine hose that finally gives out while you're on a beach somewhere? That's thousands of dollars and a serious headache waiting to happen.
Before you leave, locate your main water shutoff valve and turn it off. It takes about 30 seconds. Also check under sinks, around the water heater, and behind appliances for any drips you may have been ignoring. This is the single most impactful thing you can do to protect your home while you're away.
2. Lock Down Every Entry Point — Including the Smart Ones
It sounds obvious, but a quick walkthrough before you leave can catch things you'd otherwise miss. Check every window and door — including the back gate, the side garage door, and that basement window you cracked open in April and forgot about.
If you have smart locks, doorbell cameras, or a security system, make sure they're all armed and connected. Check your app to confirm the cameras are online. If you haven't updated your alarm PIN in a while, now's a good time. And if you have smart lights, set them on timers so the house doesn't look obviously empty after dark.
3. Handle Mail and Deliveries Before They Pile Up
A stuffed mailbox or a pile of packages on the porch is basically a neon sign that says "nobody's home." Put a hold on your mail through USPS (it's free and takes two minutes online), and pause or reschedule any regular deliveries — groceries, meal kits, Amazon subscriptions.
If you have a neighbor you trust, ask them to keep an eye out for anything that slips through. A quick text with your travel dates and a spare key if needed goes a long way.
4. Set Your HVAC and Don't Just Turn It Off
It's tempting to flip the thermostat off entirely to save on energy costs. Resist that urge. Extreme heat can damage hardwood floors, cause paint to blister, and create conditions that encourage mold growth — especially in humid climates.
The sweet spot for summer is setting your thermostat to around 78-82°F while you're away. That keeps the house cool enough to protect your belongings without running your AC constantly. Also replace your air filter before you leave if it's been a few months — a clogged filter strains your system and reduces efficiency.
"A lot of homeowners focus on the big stuff — the roof, the foundation — but it's the small, preventable issues that cost people the most," says Mike Oddo, CEO of HouseJet. "A five-minute thermostat check before a two-week trip can save you from coming home to a mold problem or a burnt-out AC unit. Those are the kinds of details that really matter when you're protecting a $400,000 asset."
5. Don't Let Your Landscaping Give You Away
A lawn that hasn't been mowed in two weeks is almost as obvious as that pile of packages on your porch. If you're going to be gone for more than a week, arrange for someone to mow the grass. Even once while you're away makes a huge difference in how occupied the home looks.
Trim back any overgrown shrubs near windows and entry points before you leave — dense landscaping near doors and windows can provide cover for someone trying to break in. If you have potted plants on a porch or patio, move them inside or ask a neighbor to water them. Dead plants on a porch also signal an absent homeowner.
6. Unplug What You Don't Need
Phantom load — the electricity drawn by devices that are plugged in but not in use — adds up fast. Before you leave, unplug your TV, gaming consoles, small kitchen appliances, and any chargers that don't need to stay on. This reduces your electric bill and eliminates a small but real fire risk from devices left plugged in for extended periods.
Your refrigerator and freezer should stay on (obviously), and so should your router if you're monitoring smart home devices remotely. Everything else is fair game. A quick sweep through each room takes maybe 10 minutes and can shave a noticeable amount off your energy bill.
7. Review Your Homeowners Insurance Before You Go
When did you last look at your homeowners insurance policy? If the answer is "I don't remember," now is a good time. With home values elevated — the average U.S. home value is up across most markets — many homeowners are underinsured without realizing it. If your coverage limit was set when your home was worth $250,000 and it's now worth $400,000+, you may not be adequately protected.
Take 15 minutes before your trip to verify your coverage amount, review what's excluded (flood insurance is separate from standard homeowners policies, for example), and make sure your contact information and beneficiary details are current. If you have a home inventory — photos or video of your belongings — make sure it's stored somewhere other than inside the house itself. Cloud storage works great for this.
HouseJet has tools and resources to help homeowners stay on top of their property's value and protection — worth bookmarking even when you're not actively buying or selling.
One Last Thing Before You Go
Protecting your home before a vacation doesn't require a lot of time or money. It just requires thinking about it. Run through this list the day before you leave, not the morning of, and you'll enjoy your trip a whole lot more knowing your biggest investment is buttoned up and looked after.
Safe travels from HouseJet!
