Vacation Home Preparation Checklist

Shipshape MonitoredEmergency Risk15 min read

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Homeowner Summary

An empty home is a vulnerable home. Without anyone to notice a dripping pipe, a failing AC unit, or an open window, minor issues escalate into catastrophic failures. The most common vacation-related home losses — water damage from slow leaks, burst pipes, HVAC failures leading to mold or freeze damage, and break-ins — are all preventable with 30 to 60 minutes of preparation before you leave.

Water damage is the number one risk. Insurance industry data shows that water damage claims filed after a vacation average $10,000-$50,000 because the leak runs undetected for days or weeks. A supply line to a toilet, washing machine, or refrigerator ice maker that fails while you are away can release hundreds of gallons of water per hour. Shutting off the water main eliminates this risk entirely.

The second risk is temperature extremes. A failed AC in summer can lead to indoor temperatures exceeding 100 degrees F (38 degrees C), causing mold growth in as little as 24-48 hours. A failed furnace in winter leads to frozen pipes and the chain reaction of bursting and flooding. Setting your thermostat correctly and monitoring it remotely (with a smart thermostat or Shipshape sensors) provides critical protection.

This checklist applies to any absence of 48 hours or more. For extended trips (2+ weeks), every item becomes more important, and the additional steps at the end of the checklist become essential.

Vacation Preparation Checklist

Water Shutoff (Critical)

The single most impactful action you can take before leaving. This prevents the catastrophic water damage scenarios that insurance adjusters see repeatedly during vacation season.

[ ] Shut off the main water supply valve — locate it (typically in the basement, crawlspace, or near the water meter) and turn it fully closed; if you have not operated this valve recently, turn it gently to avoid breaking a corroded valve stem
[ ] After closing the main valve, open a faucet briefly to verify the water is off — water should slow to a trickle and stop
[ ] If you cannot find or operate the main valve: at minimum, shut off individual supply valves to the washing machine, toilets, refrigerator ice maker, and dishwasher — these are the most common failure points
[ ] Turn off the washing machine supply valves (both hot and cold) even if you also shut the main — braided stainless hoses fail without warning, and rubber hoses fail more frequently; these are the number one source of catastrophic residential water damage
[ ] Turn off the ice maker and the water supply valve to the refrigerator if accessible (usually behind or beneath the refrigerator)
[ ] Check under all sinks for slow drips before leaving — a minor drip that you would notice and fix in a day can cause extensive damage over two weeks
[ ] If you have an irrigation system: leave the irrigation system operational on its timer but verify the backflow preventer is functioning; the main house shutoff should not affect a separate irrigation system (verify your plumbing configuration)

Winter-specific: If you are leaving during freezing weather, do NOT shut off the water unless you also maintain adequate heating (minimum 55 degrees F / 13 degrees C) throughout the house. If you shut off water and heat simultaneously, residual water in pipes can freeze. If you want to fully shut down for an extended winter absence, have a plumber drain the entire system.

Thermostat Settings

The thermostat protects your home from temperature extremes that cause mold, frozen pipes, and material damage while you are away.

Summer (Cooling Season)

[ ] Set the thermostat to 80-85 degrees F (27-29 degrees C) — this is high enough to save energy but low enough to prevent mold growth and protect temperature-sensitive items (electronics, musical instruments, photographs, medications)
[ ] Do not turn the AC off entirely — indoor temperatures can exceed 100 degrees F (38 degrees C) in a closed house, which damages wood furniture, electronics, and promotes rapid mold growth in humid climates
[ ] If you have a smart thermostat: enable vacation/away mode and set a high-temperature alert at 85 degrees F so you are notified if the system fails

Winter (Heating Season)

[ ] Set the thermostat to 55-60 degrees F (13-16 degrees C) — this is the minimum safe temperature to prevent frozen pipes in a typical home with reasonable insulation
[ ] In extremely cold climates (sustained temperatures below 0 degrees F / -18 degrees C), set the thermostat to 60-65 degrees F and leave cabinet doors open on exterior walls
[ ] Do not turn the heat off entirely — even a brief furnace failure in sub-zero weather can lead to frozen pipes within hours
[ ] If you have a smart thermostat: set a low-temperature alert at 50 degrees F (10 degrees C) so you can respond if the furnace fails

Humidity

[ ] Set the whole-home humidifier (if equipped) to off or the lowest setting during winter absences — excess humidity without occupant activity leads to condensation on cold surfaces
[ ] Run a dehumidifier on continuous in the basement during summer absences if humidity is typically a concern — set it to maintain 50% relative humidity; empty the reservoir into a drain or verify the drain hose is connected

Light Timers and Appearance

An empty-looking home attracts burglars. The goal is to make the home look occupied from the outside.

[ ] Set lights on timers in 2-3 rooms — use smart plugs ($10-$15 each) or mechanical timers ($5-$10 each) to turn lights on at dusk and off at a normal bedtime hour (10-11 PM)
[ ] Vary the rooms and timing if possible — smart plugs with randomized schedules are more convincing than mechanical timers on fixed cycles
[ ] Leave a radio or TV on a timer for ambient sound — audible from outside, it suggests occupancy
[ ] Close blinds and curtains in rooms visible from the street — but leave some in a natural position to avoid an obviously "closed up" appearance
[ ] Park a car in the driveway if you have a second vehicle — an empty driveway for days signals absence
[ ] Keep the garage door closed and verify the automatic opener's security features are engaged (rolling code, vacation lock mode)

Mail and Deliveries

Accumulated mail and packages are one of the most visible signs of an unoccupied home.

[ ] Place a hold on USPS mail at usps.com (up to 30 days) or ask a trusted neighbor to collect it daily
[ ] Pause newspaper delivery if applicable
[ ] Pause or redirect package deliveries — put a hold on Amazon, subscription boxes, and other recurring deliveries; or have them shipped to a neighbor or a pickup location
[ ] Arrange for lawn mowing if you will be away for more than a week during growing season — an overgrown lawn signals an empty home
[ ] Ask a neighbor to occasionally park in your driveway and pick up any flyers or door hangers

Security

[ ] Lock all doors and windows — check every exterior door (including garage service door) and every window on the first floor and any accessible upper floors
[ ] Activate the alarm system — verify sensors are working, batteries are fresh, and the monitoring service has your current contact information and travel contact
[ ] Check security cameras — verify they are recording, have a clear view, and that cloud storage or local storage has adequate capacity for the duration of your trip
[ ] Enable motion-activated exterior lighting — verify bulbs work and sensors are aimed correctly
[ ] Hide valuables — move jewelry, important documents, and cash to a safe or an inconspicuous location; do not leave valuables visible through windows
[ ] Do not announce your trip on social media until you return — public vacation posts are an invitation to burglars
[ ] Verify smart locks are working and have fresh batteries; change the code if it has been shared with anyone you no longer want to have access

Trusted Contact

Designate someone local who can respond to problems while you are away. This person is your home's emergency responder in your absence.

[ ] Provide a trusted neighbor or friend with a house key (or smart lock access code), your itinerary and contact information, and instructions for where to find the water shutoff, gas shutoff, and electrical panel
[ ] Introduce them to your alarm system — provide the code or add them as a temporary user so they can enter without triggering a police response
[ ] Ask them to check the house every 2-3 days for extended trips — a quick walk-through takes 5 minutes and catches problems early
[ ] Provide your plumber's and HVAC technician's contact information in case of an emergency they cannot handle themselves
[ ] If you have pets being cared for at home: ensure the pet sitter has full access and knows the location of the water shutoff, thermostat, and emergency contacts

Insurance Review

[ ] Verify your homeowners insurance is current and covers the types of damage most likely during your absence (water damage, theft, weather events)
[ ] Check for vacancy clauses — many homeowners policies reduce or eliminate coverage if the home is unoccupied for more than 30-60 days; if you are planning an extended absence, contact your insurer to discuss options
[ ] Confirm your policy covers water damage from supply line failures — some policies exclude "gradual" water damage or have specific requirements about maintenance and monitoring
[ ] Verify your deductible — know what you would pay out of pocket if a claim is needed while you are away
[ ] If renting your home while away (Airbnb, VRBO): standard homeowners insurance does not cover short-term rental activity; you need a specific rental endorsement or policy

Water Heater Vacation Mode

Most modern water heaters have a vacation or pilot mode that maintains a minimal temperature to prevent legionella bacteria growth without heating water to full temperature.

[ ] Gas water heaters: turn the thermostat to the "VAC" or "Vacation" setting if available; if not, set to "Pilot" — this keeps the pilot light lit but does not heat water, saving $5-$15 per week in gas costs
[ ] Electric water heaters: turn the thermostat to the lowest setting (typically 80-90 degrees F / 27-32 degrees C) or turn off the breaker entirely if you will be away for more than 2 weeks — saves $3-$8 per week in electricity
[ ] Tankless water heaters: most models can be set to standby mode; consult the manual; if no standby mode, simply setting the temperature to minimum is sufficient
[ ] When you return: turn the water heater back to 120 degrees F (49 degrees C) and wait 1-2 hours for it to reach full temperature before using hot water
[ ] If you shut off the main water: there is no benefit to running the water heater; turn it off to save energy and prevent damage from running dry if any hot water is used before the tank refills

Additional Steps for Extended Trips (2+ Weeks)

[ ] Clean out the refrigerator of perishable items — an extended power outage while you are away will result in a biohazard if the fridge is full of food
[ ] Run the garbage disposal and flush toilets before leaving — standing waste in drains produces odors; pour 1/4 cup of mineral oil into each drain trap to slow evaporation (dry traps allow sewer gas to enter the home)
[ ] Unplug non-essential electronics — reduces fire risk from power surges and saves $5-$10 per week in standby power (phantom load)
[ ] Take out all trash — decomposing trash attracts pests
[ ] Check smoke detector batteries — a low-battery chirp that starts while you are away will annoy neighbors and waste the battery
[ ] Turn off the water supply to the water heater if you have shut off the main water — prevents the tank from running dry if there is any draw
[ ] Consider hiring a house sitter for trips exceeding 30 days — the cost ($25-$75 per day) is far less than the potential cost of undetected problems

Warning Signs

Signs that your home had a problem during your absence (check upon return):

Musty or moldy smell when entering (mold growth from moisture event — investigate immediately; do not disturb visible mold until you assess the extent)
Water stains on ceilings, walls, or floors (water event occurred — find the source; check the water meter to see if water is still flowing)
Thermostat showing a different temperature than what you set (HVAC failure occurred during your absence — have the system inspected before relying on it)
Frost or ice inside the home during winter return (heating system failed; pipes may be frozen — warm the house slowly and inspect for pipe damage before turning on the water)
Pest evidence: droppings, nesting material, gnawed items (entry point was exploited during absence — address immediately before infestation grows)
Sump pump pit is full of water (pump failed or power was lost — check the pump and inspect the basement for water damage)

Pro Detail

Dealer Upsell Opportunities: Vacation Prep

Vacation prep is a natural context for selling monitoring and automation products. Homeowners are highly motivated by the fear of returning to a disaster.

| Service | Typical Price | Closing Rate | Notes | |---------|--------------|-------------|-------| | Smart thermostat installation | $150-$400 | High | Remote monitoring is the key selling point | | Water leak sensors (multi-pack) | $100-$400 | High | Place under sinks, near water heater, by washing machine | | Automatic water shutoff valve | $300-$800 installed | Medium-high | Pairs with leak sensors for automatic response | | Smart lock installation | $200-$400 | Medium | Trusted contact access without key copies | | Security camera system | $300-$1,500 | Medium | Interior and exterior coverage | | Whole-home monitoring package | $500-$2,000 | Medium | Bundle: thermostat + leak sensors + cameras | | Pre-vacation home check service | $50-$100 | High | Quick inspection before homeowner leaves |

Vacation Season Strategy: Run vacation prep campaigns in May (summer travel) and November (holiday travel). Offer a "Travel Ready" home assessment ($50-$100) that doubles as a lead generation tool for smart home monitoring products.

Code & Compliance

Automatic water shutoff valves must comply with local plumbing codes; installation typically requires a licensed plumber
Security camera placement must comply with local privacy laws — cameras cannot record neighbors' private areas in most jurisdictions
Smart lock installations on entry doors must meet local fire code requirements for egress (occupants must be able to exit without a key, code, or special knowledge)
Alarm system monitoring services may require a local business license and must comply with false alarm ordinances (repeated false alarms can result in fines or police response refusal)

Cost Guide

| Item | Cost | Notes | |------|------|-------| | Smart plugs for light timers (3-pack) | $20-$40 | One-time purchase | | USPS mail hold | Free | Up to 30 days | | Smart thermostat | $100-$300 | Enables remote monitoring | | Water leak sensors | $20-$50 each | Place in high-risk locations | | Automatic water shutoff valve | $300-$800 installed | Pairs with leak sensors | | Faucet insulation covers (winter) | $3-$8 each | If not shutting off water | | House sitter (extended trips) | $25-$75 per day | Less expensive than undetected damage | | Pre-trip plumber inspection | $75-$150 | Peace of mind for long trips |

Total vacation prep cost: $0-$50 for basic preparation (no purchases needed); $200-$500 for smart home monitoring setup (one-time investment that protects every future trip).

Energy Impact

Vacation settings reduce energy consumption by 15-30% compared to occupied-home settings:

Raising the AC setpoint from 72 degrees F to 82 degrees F reduces cooling energy by approximately 30% (roughly 3% per degree)
Lowering the heating setpoint from 68 degrees F to 55 degrees F reduces heating energy by approximately 20-25%
Water heater vacation mode saves $3-$15 per week depending on type and fuel
Unplugging electronics eliminates phantom load ($5-$10 per week for a typical home)
Turning off non-essential lights and devices adds incremental savings

For a typical 2-week summer vacation, proper vacation settings save $30-$80 in energy costs while maintaining home protection.

Shipshape Integration

SAM transforms vacation preparation from a manual checklist into an automated, monitored process:

Vacation mode activation: Homeowners can activate "Vacation Mode" in the Shipshape app, which triggers a customized pre-departure checklist based on the trip duration, season, and the home's specific systems and risk factors. SAM walks the homeowner through each step.
Remote temperature monitoring: SAM monitors indoor temperature throughout the absence. If the temperature exceeds the high threshold (summer) or drops below the low threshold (winter), the homeowner receives an immediate alert with instructions and the option to dispatch their Shipshape dealer for emergency service.
Water leak detection: Connected water sensors monitor continuously. If a leak is detected, SAM alerts the homeowner and the trusted contact simultaneously. With an automatic shutoff valve, SAM can close the water main remotely within seconds of detection, limiting damage to a minimum.
Power outage alerts: SAM detects power loss at the home (via hub connectivity loss or smart plug status) and alerts the homeowner. Extended power outages during temperature extremes trigger escalating alerts and dealer notification.
Trusted contact management: SAM stores trusted contact information and, with permission, can send them alerts directly. The trusted contact receives a simplified view of the home's status and instructions for any intervention needed.
Return preparation: SAM sends a return checklist 24 hours before the homeowner's scheduled return, including reminders to restore the water heater to normal temperature, adjust the thermostat, and check the home.
Home Health Score: Activating vacation mode and completing the preparation checklist earns Home Health Score points. Homes with active monitoring during absences maintain their score. An unprotected absence (no vacation mode, no monitoring) does not reduce the score, but a damage event during an unmonitored absence is factored into the homeowner's risk profile.
Dealer opportunity: SAM can offer a "pre-vacation inspection" service through the assigned dealer — a 30-minute walkthrough covering HVAC operation, water connections, and security systems before the homeowner leaves. This builds the relationship and often reveals maintenance needs.

Storm Preparation and Emergency Readiness

Winter Home Maintenance Checklist

Back to Seasonal Maintenance