How to Prepare Your Apartment for Vacation

Written by Greystar

Edited by Greystar

Lifestyle January 13, 2025

Taking a vacation? Before you go, there are a few things you’ll need to do to get your apartment in order. Whether you're escaping to an island getaway or taking a weekend ski trip, taking a few steps to prepare your home for your absence will give you peace of mind while you're away. The last thing any jet-lagged traveler wants is to come home to a dirty apartment and a laundry list of things to do or problems to resolve.

So before you set off to enjoy your well-deserved vacation, be sure to check these 10 tasks off your list. This way, you can enjoy a worry-free trip and return to everything in its place, as it should be.

1. Do a Deep Clean

Coming home to a messy household, especially after a vacation, is never fun. Though your mind may be on other things like packing and planning your itinerary, it’s important to take some time to clean up before you take off. Be sure to pack early enough so you’ll have extra time before you leave to do chores around the house, like making your bed, doing the dishes, putting away laundry, or any other tasks.

When you arrive home from your vacation feeling relaxed and at ease, you’ll appreciate coming home to a clean, fresh home. Here is a brief list of all the things to do before leaving for vacation:

Vacuum and mop
Wipe down all surfaces
Do the laundry
Run the dishwasher and put away clean dishes
Take out the trash
Change the sheets
Clean the shower and toilet

Close-up of a gloved hand wiping a surface with a rag, while a woman is blurred in the background in her apartment home, focusing on cleanliness and care.

2. Close and Lock All Doors and Windows

Double-check that all entry points are securely closed and locked. This simple step is one of the most effective ways to prevent break-ins. Make sure any secondary locks are in place, especially on windows and sliding doors, which can be easy targets. If you have a peephole cover or a privacy latch, consider using it to limit visibility from the outside. A quick extra check can give you peace of mind knowing your apartment is safe and secure while you’re away.

3. Set Up a Timer for Your Lights

Consider using smart bulbs or timers on a few lamps throughout your apartment. Setting lights to turn on and off at different times can create the appearance that someone is home, which helps deter potential intruders. Choose timers with random settings, if possible, to vary the lighting patterns. You might also want to set timers for rooms that are visible from the outside. For even more convenience, some smart home systems allow you to control lights remotely, so you can adjust lighting patterns from your phone while you’re away.

4. Pause Mail and Package Deliveries

A build-up of packages outside your apartment or in the mailroom signals that you're out of town. Contact your post office to temporarily hold your mail or ask a friend or neighbor to collect it. You can also ask if your apartment community has a parcel locker system in place to hold your packages. Reach out to your leasing office to let them know the dates you’ll be gone so they can hold your mail during this time. Just be sure to remember to pick it up when you’re back in town!

Close-up of blue mailboxes mounted on a wall, with various pieces of mail sticking out and a range of numbers displayed, highlighting a vibrant and active community space.

5. Adjust the Thermostat

A big step in apartment prepping most people forget is the thermostat. If you forget to set it properly, you risk running up unnecessary heating and cooling bills. During the summer, set the thermostat a few degrees higher, and in the winter, lower it to save on energy costs.

Some smart thermostats can even be controlled remotely if needed. While some people choose to turn off their thermostats completely before leaving for vacation, others set them to a lower or higher temperature, depending on the weather. The best practice is to adjust the thermostat to a level that prevents your A.C. or heating system from running constantly. Check the weather forecast for the duration of your vacation to help you gauge a suitable temperature.

6. Unplug Electronics

Unplug all nonessential electronics to save on electricity and prevent power surges. You’d be surprised how much electricity is used when leaving unused appliances and electronics plugged in. Even small appliances like a toaster, coffee machine, alarm clock, or gaming device will use electricity when turned off, so make sure to unplug these items before going on a vacation. Here’s a quick list:

TVs
Gaming consoles
Desktop computer and laptop chargers
Small kitchen items (toasters, coffee makers, blenders, microwaves, air fryers, etc.)
Smart speakers (Alexa, Google Home, etc.)
Wi-Fi router and modem
Clocks and small electronics
Space heaters and fans
Lights (except those on timers)

Even when you’re not on vacation, unplugging appliances when you’re not using them is a good habit to practice; you may even notice your energy bill is a bit lower! It’s not only cost-effective but also helpful to sustain energy.

7. Clean Out the Refrigerator

There’s nothing more unpleasant than coming home to rotten food in your fridge. Remove any perishables like dairy, meat, and fresh produce that might spoil while you're away. Consider doing a light clean by wiping down shelves and drawers to prevent lingering odors from any hidden spills. You could also place an open box of baking soda inside to absorb potential odors. If you’re going to be away for an extended period, consider using up or freezing any items close to expiring to minimize waste.

Man looking into a fridge filled with colorful fruits and vegetables, with a view of his kitchen on the left, showcasing a well-organized and vibrant home.

8. Water Plants or Arrange for Care

Be sure to water your plants thoroughly before leaving, making sure the soil is well-saturated without any standing water. For shorter trips, this may be sufficient, but if you'll be gone for an extended time, consider setting up plant-watering globes or self-watering stakes. For plants that need extra care, you could group them together in a shaded area to help them retain moisture. You can even ask a friend or neighbor to check in and water them while you’re away. Just be sure to provide clear instructions for any plants with special care requirements.

9. Double-Check Security Alarms and Cameras

If you have security cameras, an alarm system, or smart locks, test these devices to make sure everything is functioning correctly. Check that your sensors, batteries, and Wi-Fi connections are in good condition, especially if these devices are connected to a mobile app. Many security systems offer real-time alerts, so enable notifications on your phone for added peace of mind. You may also want to adjust settings or designate a contact who can be notified if the alarm is triggered while you’re away.

10. Ask a Neighbor or Friend to Check In

If it will give you peace of mind, ask a trusted neighbor, friend, or family member to stop by your apartment once or twice while you're away. They can pick up any packages, water plants, and check for unusual activity. If possible, provide them with a spare key or access to the building in case of emergencies, and leave contact details for how to reach you.

A quick check-in every few days can help you avoid returning to unexpected issues. Plus, leaving your house unoccupied for a long period might have you losing sleep at night or burden you during a time when you’re supposed to unwind.

Man using a green watering can to water a variety of plants in his home, featuring an assortment of sizes and types, creating a vibrant and lush indoor space.

Bonus Tip: Do a Final Walk-Through

On the day you leave, take a few minutes to do one final sweep. Go room by room to make sure everything is turned off, secure, and in its place. Pay attention to things like faucets, stove knobs, and windows. Then, go enjoy your well-earned vacation.

Come Home to Greystar

While hotel beds and room service are luxuries we all enjoy, there’s nothing quite like coming home to a Greystar apartment. Find a home that makes you want to take shorter vacations.

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