What should you turn off when you go on vacation?
A holiday truly begins the moment you close the front door behind you and know that everything at home is taken care of. Yet in the rush of packing, many people forget a number of important steps, leaving them needlessly worrying along the way. With the right preparation, you can fully relax and enjoy your holiday without concerns about what you left switched on or unlocked at home.
Whether you are heading away for a weekend or planning a longer trip, a good departure checklist reduces stress and can even prevent damage or high energy bills. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about what to arrange before you go on holiday.
Why is it important to switch off appliances before you leave?
Electrical appliances left on during your holiday waste energy unnecessarily, increase the risk of fire, and can lead to avoidable costs. Even appliances in standby mode consume power. By consciously switching everything off before you leave, you reduce the risk of problems and immediately save on your energy bill.
Fire safety is the most important reason. Appliances such as tumble dryers, dishwashers, and coffee makers are responsible for a large proportion of house fires. If you are away for weeks, you do not want to risk a faulty appliance causing problems at home. It also gives you peace of mind: knowing that everything is switched off means you can enjoy your holiday without a care.
Which electrical appliances should you switch off when going on holiday?
Most electrical appliances you use on a daily basis are best switched off completely or unplugged before you go on holiday. This applies in particular to appliances that generate heat, consume power continuously, or pose a fire risk.
These are the appliances you should definitely check before departure:
- Coffee maker and kettle — always switch off and preferably unplug them
- Washing machine and tumble dryer — never leave these running when you are not at home
- Television, computer, and games console — switch off completely, do not leave on standby
- Chargers and extension leads — unplug them, even if nothing is connected
- Electric heaters or fans — always switch off completely
- Dishwasher — make sure the cycle has finished and switch it off before you leave
Appliances you can leave on include the fridge and freezer, unless you choose to empty and switch them off for a longer absence. A timer on certain lights can be useful for creating the impression that someone is home.
Should you turn off the water when you go on holiday?
It is wise to shut off the main stopcock if you are going away for an extended period. A dripping tap, a burst hose, or a faulty washing machine connection can cause enormous water damage in a short space of time. Shutting off the water supply significantly reduces this risk.
For a short weekend away, turning off the main stopcock is less urgent, but for a holiday of a week or longer it is a simple measure with a significant impact. The main stopcock is usually found in the utility cupboard or the cellar. Do not forget to disconnect any garden hoses and close outdoor taps as well.
If you have plants that need watering, you can ask a neighbour or friend to pop in, or invest in an automatic irrigation system. That way you do not need to leave the water supply on just for your plants.
What should you do with the heating before going on holiday?
Do not switch the heating off completely; instead, set it to a frost protection temperature of around 12 to 15 degrees Celsius. Switching it off entirely increases the risk of frozen pipes in cold weather, which can lead to serious water damage. A low base temperature is both safer and more energy-efficient than no heating at all.
Most modern thermostats have a holiday mode or frost protection setting. Use that function deliberately rather than simply turning the thermostat down to zero. If you have a smart thermostat, you can control it remotely and adjust the temperature based on the weather forecast at home.
In summer months this is less of a concern, but in spring and autumn it is certainly worth bearing in mind. A small adjustment to the thermostat before you leave can save you an expensive repair.
What are the most common mistakes when leaving home for a holiday?
The most common mistakes when leaving the house are forgetting to lock windows and doors, not informing a neighbour, and overlooking the water supply or electrical appliances. These mistakes are easy to prevent with a fixed checklist.
Other frequently made mistakes include:
- Leaving windows ajar — even a small open window is an invitation for burglars or can cause water damage in the event of rain
- Not arranging for post to be forwarded or collected — a full letterbox signals that nobody is home
- Not leaving an emergency contact — make sure someone has a spare key and knows where you are
- Forgetting to clear out the fridge — for a longer holiday, it is better to use up or give away perishable items
- Leaving valuables in plain sight — put laptops, jewellery, and other valuable items out of view
Many of these mistakes happen due to time pressure just before departure. Draw up your checklist the day before and go through it calmly, rather than rushing through it on the morning you leave.
Do you need a complete departure checklist for your holiday?
A departure checklist helps you forget nothing and ensures a carefree start to your trip. It does not need to be complicated, but it should cover all the essential points: from switching off appliances to arranging a point of contact.
A good basic departure checklist should at least include the following: switch off electrical appliances and unplug them, shut off the main stopcock, lock windows and doors, set the heating to frost protection, arrange for post, inform a neighbour or trusted person, and store valuables safely. Keep the list on your phone or stick it next to the front door so you can use it every time.
A checklist is also useful when you are leaving with a group, as you can divide the tasks between you. That way not everyone has to check everything, and you avoid last-minute disagreements.
Start your holiday completely relaxed with Clipper Stad Amsterdam
Once everything at home is properly arranged, you can clear your head completely and enjoy your trip. And if you are looking for a holiday that is truly different, we offer exactly that. On board the Clipper Stad Amsterdam, we combine the adventure of sailing with a high level of service and a warm, personal atmosphere. This is no anonymous cruise ship, but an intimate experience with a maximum of 28 passengers across 14 cabins.
What we offer for your next extraordinary holiday:
- A luxury sailing cruise in the Caribbean, with daily sailing and anchoring in secluded bays
- Personal service from a young, dedicated crew throughout your stay
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner prepared by our chefs on board
- Activities such as snorkelling, day trips ashore, and relaxing on white sandy beaches
- An authentic sailing experience on an iconic three-masted clipper ship with a rich history
The rates for a cruise on board the Clipper Stad Amsterdam are tailored to the season, your chosen cabin category, and the duration of your trip. Please contact us for a personalised quote. View our full offering at stadamsterdam.com or get in touch with us for personal advice. We look forward to welcoming you on board.