How to Prepare Your Home Before a Ski Vacation: The Checklist

A ski vacation is the perfect getaway for those who love winter sports, fresh mountain air, and scenic landscapes. Whether you're heading to a remote cabin or a luxurious ski resort, preparing for a ski vacation requires more than just packing your skis and clothes. One essential part of the planning process is ensuring your home is secure, comfortable, and properly maintained before you leave. This will provide peace of mind during your trip and prevent any surprises when you return.

In this article, we'll take you through a comprehensive checklist of things to do to prepare your home before heading out for your ski vacation. From securing your home to managing utilities and mail, we've covered everything to ensure a smooth, worry-free departure.

Secure Your Home

Before embarking on your ski trip, ensuring the safety of your home is paramount. Whether you are leaving for a few days or a few weeks, the last thing you want is to return home to find that your house has been compromised.

Lock All Windows and Doors

• Double-check that all windows and doors are properly locked. It's easy to forget about a second-floor window or a basement door, but they could be weak points if left unlocked.
• Consider installing deadbolts on exterior doors for added security.
• Use security bars for sliding glass doors, or install a rod in the track for an extra layer of protection.

Set Up Your Security System

• If you have a home security system, ensure it's active and functioning. Test the system to make sure that all sensors and alarms are working correctly.
• Set up motion-activated lights around the perimeter of your home to deter any potential intruders.
• Use smart cameras or video doorbells that allow you to monitor the exterior of your home remotely.

Notify a Trusted Neighbor or Friend

• Let a trusted neighbor or friend know you'll be away. Ask them to keep an eye on your property and even collect any deliveries or packages that might arrive while you're gone.
• Share emergency contact information with them in case something urgent arises while you're away.

Hide Valuables

• It's a good idea to secure valuable items, such as jewelry, electronics, and important documents, in a safe or a locked drawer. If a break-in occurs, these items are more likely to stay protected.

Turn Off Utilities or Adjust Settings

Before leaving for a ski vacation, you'll want to minimize your home's energy usage and ensure that everything is set to be safe and efficient while you're gone.

Turn Off the Water Supply

• To avoid any potential plumbing issues (like leaks or frozen pipes), it's recommended to turn off your home's water supply. This is especially important if you live in a cold region where the risk of pipes freezing is high.
• Alternatively, you can simply turn off the main water valve to your washing machine, dishwasher, and toilets, leaving the water on in the rest of the house to prevent major inconvenience when you return.

Lower the Thermostat

• If you are traveling during winter, you don't want to turn your heating off entirely. However, lowering your thermostat will save energy and prevent your furnace from running unnecessarily.
• Set your thermostat to a minimum of 50--55°F (10--13°C) to keep your home warm enough to prevent pipes from freezing, but not so high that it wastes energy.
• If you have a smart thermostat, you can easily adjust the temperature while away.

Unplug Electronics

• Unplug any non-essential electronics, such as TVs, gaming consoles, computers, or kitchen appliances, to avoid wasting energy and reducing the risk of an electrical fire.
• If you have smart plugs, you can schedule these devices to automatically turn off when you leave.

Check for Fire Hazards

• Turn off all space heaters, stoves, or anything that could become a potential fire hazard while you're away.
• Make sure smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning properly and have fresh batteries.

Prepare Your Home for Mail and Deliveries

You don't want your mailbox to overflow or packages to pile up while you're away, as it signals that the house is empty. Here's how to manage your mail and deliveries:

Pause or Forward Mail

• Visit your local post office or set up a temporary mail hold online. This will prevent your mail from piling up while you're away.
• If you expect important documents to arrive during your absence, consider forwarding your mail to a trusted friend or relative.

Manage Package Deliveries

• Put a stop on any subscription services, or schedule packages to be delivered after your return.
• If you receive frequent packages, you might want to ask a neighbor to collect them for you until you return.

Stop Newspaper Deliveries

• If you subscribe to any newspapers or magazines, suspend the deliveries for the duration of your trip.

Prepare Your Home for Pets or Plants

If you have pets or plants that need care, make arrangements before leaving.

Arrange for Pet Care

• If you can't take your pet with you, make sure they're well-cared for by either a professional pet-sitting service or a trusted friend or neighbor.
• Set up automatic feeders and water dispensers to ensure your pet has enough food and water during your absence.

Take Care of Your Plants

• Water your plants thoroughly before you leave. For longer trips, you may want to ask a neighbor to water your plants periodically.
• Consider using self-watering planters or watering globes to keep your plants hydrated while you're away.

Clean Your Home

Returning to a clean home after a relaxing ski vacation can make your experience even more pleasant. Take a few hours before you leave to tidy up and ensure everything is in order.

Clean Common Areas

• Vacuum and dust the common areas of your home, including the living room, kitchen, and bathrooms. Clean your countertops and wipe down any surfaces.
• Empty the trash cans to avoid unpleasant odors or pests.
• Wash dishes and put away food, especially if you plan to be gone for an extended period.

Check for perishable items

• Take a look in your fridge and pantry for any perishable foods that may spoil while you're away. Dispose of expired items to avoid any unpleasant surprises when you return.
• Consider leaving a small amount of food in the fridge in case your return is delayed. Non-perishable foods, like canned goods or pasta, are a safe bet.

Set Up Your Home for Your Return

While you are getting your home ready for your departure, it's also important to think ahead to your return. Coming back from a long ski trip to a home that's prepped and ready will help you ease back into routine more smoothly.

Arrange Your Return Essentials

• Set up your bed with clean sheets, so you can collapse into a cozy bed when you return from your trip.
• Leave out toiletries and towels in your bathroom for a comfortable return.
• Prepare a basic grocery list so you can quickly stock up on essentials after coming back from your trip.

Check for Seasonal Adjustments

• If you're traveling during winter, ensure that snow removal services are arranged or that a neighbor is available to shovel your driveway and walkway while you're gone.
• Similarly, if you're vacationing in the summer, have someone water your plants or check your yard to keep it maintained.

Prepare Your Vehicle

If you're driving to your ski destination, make sure your vehicle is ready for the journey. If you plan to leave your car at home, make sure it's protected and safe.

Prepare Your Car for Winter Travel

• Check tire pressure, especially if you're driving to an area where roads might be icy.
• Ensure your car's antifreeze levels are optimal, and check the oil.
• Make sure your windshield wipers and fluid are in good condition, as well as the headlights and taillights.

Store Your Vehicle

• If you're leaving your car at home for an extended period, it might be a good idea to move it into a garage or covered area. Consider using a car cover if you park outside to protect it from snow, ice, or dirt.
• Remove any valuables from the car and lock it.

Plan for Emergency Situations

No one wants to think about emergencies while they're on vacation, but it's always a good idea to prepare for the unexpected.

Create an Emergency Plan

• Make sure that everyone in your household knows what to do in case of an emergency, such as a break-in, fire, or plumbing issue.
• Ensure that you have someone who can handle emergencies in your absence, whether that's a neighbor, family member, or friend.

Leave Emergency Contact Information

• Share emergency contact information, such as your phone number and the number of a trusted neighbor, with anyone who may need to step in during your absence.

Pack Your Ski Gear

Once your home is ready, it's time to think about what you need for your ski vacation. Here's a checklist to ensure you don't forget anything important:

• Ski Clothing: Thermal layers, waterproof jacket, ski pants, gloves, hat, and ski socks.
• Ski Equipment: Skis, ski poles, boots, ski goggles, helmet, and ski pass.
• Other Essentials: Sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, and a ski lock for security.

By taking the time to follow this comprehensive checklist, you can leave your home prepared, safe, and ready for your ski vacation, knowing that everything is in place for your return. So, go ahead and enjoy your time on the slopes --- you've earned it!

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