There are so many things to do before a holiday, but prepping your home for your return isn’t something you should neglect.
Your future self will thank you for doing a little bit of prep (even if it’s just emptying the fridge!).
Holiday-Ready Home: Simple prep before you go away
Heading off on holiday should feel exciting, not stressful. But if you’ve ever returned home to sour milk in the fridge, wilting houseplants or a suspicious smell from the bins… you’ll know how quickly post-holiday bliss can unravel.
That’s why I always say: a little prep before you leave goes a long way. Don’t forget you’re going to have unpacking and a mountain of laundry to deal with when you return, isn’t that enough?
Read on to learn my simple but powerful advice on how to get your home holiday-ready so you can leave with peace of mind – and return to calm.
Download my Summer Holiday Packing Checklist Bundle for free HERE.
An organised departure means a peaceful return.
Prep now, relax later…
18 Smart things to do before a holiday
Here are 18 simple tips to help you prep before your holiday, so your home feels calm, clean, and ready to welcome you back with open arms.
1. Arrange pet care
One of the first things to think about if you have a pet. Whether it’s kennels, a trusted sitter, or a friend or family member, get your pet care lined up in advance so there’s one less thing to worry about as the holiday approaches.
2. Wash and iron/steam holiday clothes
Check the climate/weather at your destination and plan your holiday capsule wardrobe a week or two before you go. Launder and iron/steam your clothes a few days before you leave so you’re not frantically ironing the night before! Lay out outfits, check that everything fits, and pack intentionally (not impulsively!).
For more tips on how to pack like a pro, check out my blog HERE.
3. Mow grass and water tubs/baskets
A quick tidy of the garden helps keep things looking neat while you’re away – and saves you returning to a mini jungle!
4. Water houseplants and move them if required
Water plants and move them away from direct sunlight or to cooler parts of the house if needed.
5. Pick up currency
Add this to your list early so you don’t forget. Queuing at the airport currency desk last-minute isn’t how anyone wants to start their trip, and you won’t get the best deal that way.
6. Use up the last of the fresh food
A few days before you leave, plan meals around what you already have to avoid waste. Leftover veg? Make soup or stir-fry. Freeze what you can. Give away what you can’t use up to family members or via a platform like Olio.
7. Close and lock windows
Do a final sweep before you leave – and don’t forget upstairs windows or the garden shed!
8. Position blinds and curtains
Don’t fully close everything – it can look obvious that you’re away. Partially drawn curtains or open blinds in lived-in spaces help maintain a natural look from the outside.
9. Set timer switches for lights
Timer switches give the illusion that someone is home, which can help deter opportunistic burglars. Choose lamps in key rooms and in your hallway and set them to come on in the evening for a little extra peace of mind while you’re away.
10. Leave a key with a family member or friend
Make sure someone you trust has your phone number and access to your home in case of emergencies – or simply to water plants, remove mail from the front door or pop the bins out.
11. Let a neighbour know
Even just a quick message to say you’ll be away can make all the difference. Neighbours can keep an eye out for any unusual activity or take in unexpected deliveries.
12. Unplug unnecessary appliances
Not only does this save energy, but it also reduces the risk of electrical faults. Think: kettles, toasters, chargers, and anything that doesn’t need to stay on.
13. Switch off sockets
Go one step further than unplugging – where possible, switch sockets off at the wall. It’s safer and a good habit to get into.
14. Arrange groceries for your return
A simple online food shop to arrive the day you return makes life so much easier. No need to run to the shops when all you want is a cuppa, a snack and a rest after travelling.
15. Make beds
There’s nothing better than coming home to a clean, freshly made bed – especially after a long journey. It’s one of the easiest ways to feel instantly settled and calm.
16. Empty bins and wipe kitchen surfaces
Leftovers and bins can quickly turn into unpleasant odours. Clear out fridge leftovers, wipe surfaces, and take all bins outside. Don’t forget the compost bin.
17. Leave interior doors slightly ajar
This keeps air circulating while you’re away and helps prevent stuffy smells from building up in closed rooms.
18. Disinfect/bleach plug holes and toilet bowls
A quick squirt of disinfectant or bleach in plugholes and loos before you leave helps avoid musty smells and build-up while you’re away. Remember to rinse down lightly and flush away. Leaving neat bleach or disinfectant in contact with a surface for any length of time can be corrosive and cause damage to surfaces and metals.
These quick and easy things to do before a holiday will make a big difference when it comes to managing your post-holiday blues. Do future-you a favour and prep your home now, so your return feels like a warm welcome home.
Free Download: Ultimate Holiday Packing Checklist Bundle
To make life even easier, I’ve created a printable summer holiday packing checklist for you to use for every trip.
No more reinventing the wheel – just a calm, straightforward way to get organised.
In it, you’ll find packing checklists for everyone in your family, a capsule wardrobe planner, and a pre-holiday checklist to ensure you don’t forget those important last-minute jobs before you go.
Download your FREE Ultimate Holiday Packing Checklist HERE.
And if you’d love help setting up systems that make your home run smoothly year-round, I’d love to support you. You can find out more about how we can work together by clicking the button below…