What should you turn off when you go on vacation?
A vacation truly begins the moment you close the front door behind you, knowing everything at home is taken care of. Yet in the rush of packing, many people overlook a number of important steps — leaving them needlessly worrying along the way. With the right preparation, you can fully unwind and enjoy your vacation without stressing about what you left on or left open at home.
Whether you’re heading off for a weekend or planning a longer trip, a solid 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 vacation.
Why is it important to turn off appliances before you leave?
Electrical appliances left running while you’re on vacation waste energy, increase the risk of fire, and can lead to unnecessary costs. Even devices in standby mode continue to draw 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 significant proportion of house fires. If you’re away for weeks, the last thing you want is a faulty appliance causing trouble at home. It also gives you peace of mind: knowing everything is switched off means you can enjoy your vacation without a care.
Which electrical appliances should you turn off when going on vacation?
Most electrical appliances you use on a daily basis are best switched off completely or unplugged before you go on vacation. This applies especially to appliances that generate heat, draw power continuously, or pose a fire risk.
These are the appliances you should always check before leaving:
- Coffee maker and kettle — always switch off and preferably unplug
- Washing machine and tumble dryer — never leave running when you’re not home
- Television, computer, and gaming console — switch off completely, do not leave on standby
- Chargers and power strips — unplug them, even if nothing is connected
- Electric heaters or fans — always switch off completely
- Dishwasher — make sure the cycle is finished and switch it off before leaving
Appliances you can leave on include the refrigerator and freezer, unless you deliberately want to empty and switch them off during a longer absence. Setting a timer on certain lights can be a useful way to give the impression that someone is home.
Should you turn off the water when going on vacation?
It’s wise to shut off the main water valve if you’re going on vacation for an extended period. A dripping faucet, a burst hose, or a faulty washing machine connection can cause serious water damage in a short amount of time. Shutting off the water supply significantly reduces this risk.
For a short weekend trip, turning off the main valve is less urgent, but for a vacation of a week or more, it’s a simple measure with a big impact. The main valve is usually located in the utility closet or basement. Don’t forget to disconnect any garden hoses and close outdoor faucets as well.
If you have plants that need watering, you can ask a neighbor or friend to stop by, or invest in an automatic irrigation system. That way, you won’t need to leave the water supply running for your plants.
What should you do with the heating before going on vacation?
Don’t turn the heating off completely — instead, set it to a frost protection setting of around 12 to 15 degrees Celsius. Turning it off entirely increases the risk of frozen pipes during 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 vacation mode or frost protection setting. Use that feature intentionally rather than simply setting the thermostat to zero. If you have a smart thermostat, you can control it remotely and adjust the temperature based on the weather forecast back home.
In the summer months this is less of a concern, but in spring and autumn it’s definitely worth keeping in mind. A small adjustment to the thermostat before you leave could save you a costly repair.
What are the most common mistakes when leaving home for vacation?
The most common mistakes when leaving the house include forgetting to lock windows and doors, failing to notify a neighbor, and overlooking the water supply or electrical appliances. These mistakes are easy to avoid with a consistent checklist.
Other frequently made mistakes include:
- Leaving windows slightly open — even a small gap is an invitation for burglars or can cause water damage in the rain
- Not arranging for mail to be forwarded or collected — a full mailbox signals that nobody is home
- Not leaving an emergency contact — make sure someone has a spare key and knows where you are
- Forgetting to empty the refrigerator — for longer vacations, it’s better to use up or give away perishable items
- Leaving valuables in plain sight — put laptops, jewelry, and other valuable items out of view
Many of these mistakes happen due to time pressure right before departure. That’s why you should prepare your checklist the day before and go through it calmly — not in the rush of the morning you leave.
Do you need a complete departure checklist for your vacation?
A vacation departure checklist helps you forget nothing and ensures a stress-free start to your trip. It doesn’t need to be complicated, but it should cover all the essential points: from switching off appliances to arranging a point of contact.
A solid basic departure checklist should include at least the following: switch off electrical appliances and unplug them, shut off the main water valve, lock windows and doors, set the heating to frost protection, arrange for mail, notify a neighbor or trusted contact, 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 helpful when leaving with multiple people, since you can divide up the tasks. That way, not everyone has to check everything, and you avoid last-minute disagreements.
Start your vacation completely relaxed with Clipper Stad Amsterdam
Once everything at home is properly taken care of, you can clear your head completely and enjoy your trip. And if you’re looking for a vacation that’s truly out of the ordinary, that’s exactly what we offer. On board the Clipper Stad Amsterdam, we combine the adventure of sailing with a high level of service and a warm, personal atmosphere. Not an anonymous cruise ship, but an intimate experience with a maximum of 28 guests across 14 cabins.
What we offer for your next extraordinary vacation:
- A luxury sailing cruise in the Caribbean, with daily sailing and anchoring in secluded bays
- Personal service from a young, dedicated crew throughout your entire stay
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and cocktails prepared by our on-board chefs
- Activities such as snorkeling, day trips, and relaxing on white sandy beaches
- An authentic sailing experience on an iconic three-masted clipper ship with a rich history
Want to find out which voyages are available, or do you have questions about what a cruise on board entails? Browse our full offering at stadamsterdam.com or get in touch with us for personalized advice. We’d love to welcome you on board.