Home Maintenance Tips for Frequent Travelers

Whether you travel often for work, split your time between two homes or just love to vacation, an unattended house can quickly turn from a peaceful retreat into a costly headache. A leaky pipe, electrical fault or unnoticed storm damage can snowball into major repairs — especially when no one’s around to catch the early signs.

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Travel a Lot? Here's a Home Maintenance Checklist

Caring for a home you’re not in every day requires a shift in strategy, leaning more on prevention, automation and periodic check-ins.

Here are key home maintenance tasks to do before you leave town to help keep your property in top shape while you're away.

1. Inspect Before Every Departure

Before leaving, always walk through your home with a checklist in hand. Look for signs of water leaks under sinks and behind appliances. Check gutters and downspouts for clogs or damage. Make sure smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms are functional. Inspect fire extinguishers to ensure they’re charged and accessible.

2. Turn Off the Main Water Supply

One of the most common — and costly — disasters in an unoccupied home is water damage from a burst pipe or leaking appliance. To reduce the risk, turn off the main water valve before you leave, especially for longer trips.

If you’re concerned about outdoor irrigation or appliances like a smart fridge that need water, consider installing smart shut-off valves that can stop the flow remotely if a leak is detected. You can also drain the pipes in winter to prevent freezing — a crucial step for seasonal homes.

3. Invest in Smart Home Technology

A smart home setup is a traveler’s best friend. Remote monitoring systems let you check your home's temperature, humidity and even water usage in real time. Smart thermostats can maintain energy-efficient settings while still protecting your home from freezing or overheating.

Indoor and outdoor security cameras, motion sensors and doorbell cameras provide peace of mind and can alert you to suspicious activity. Many systems can also integrate with smart locks, allowing you to grant access to a neighbor or service provider remotely if needed.

4. Protect Against Power Surges

Unplug non-essential electronics and appliances before leaving. This helps prevent damage from power surges and reduces phantom energy use — saving you a bit on your electric bill. For critical systems like your fridge or sump pump, consider using surge protectors or a whole-house surge suppressor.

If your area is prone to outages, a backup battery or small generator could help keep key appliances like sump pumps running in your absence.

5. Set Timers and Simulate Occupancy

A dark, silent house for days or weeks on end can invite unwanted attention. Set timers on indoor and outdoor lights to make the home look lived-in. Some smart lighting systems can even vary patterns to mimic real-life usage.

Consider leaving a car in the driveway, arranging for mail and packages to be collected, or asking a neighbor to stop by occasionally — all simple actions that make your house look less appealing to potential intruders.

6. Maintain Exterior Drainage and Landscaping

Blocked gutters, overgrown bushes or cracked walkways aren’t just unsightly — they can lead to damage if ignored. Make sure gutters and downspouts are clear of debris and properly direct water away from the foundation.

If you’ll be gone during the growing season, arrange for someone to mow the lawn, trim shrubs, and water plants. In winter, make a plan for snow removal to keep pathways safe and avoid frozen runoff damaging your home.

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7. Adjust HVAC Settings — Don’t Just Shut It Off

While it may be tempting to turn your HVAC system off completely, it’s usually a better idea to keep it running at a minimal level. In hot climates, this prevents humidity buildup and mold growth. In colder areas, it keeps pipes from freezing and reduces condensation.

Aim for around 85 degrees Fahrenheit in summer and 55 degrees in winter. Programmable thermostats can maintain these temperatures while keeping energy costs in check.

8. Don’t Neglect Pest Prevention

Rodents and insects love a quiet, unoccupied home. Seal gaps around windows and doors, store all food in airtight containers, and take out all trash before you leave. If you’re gone for more than a week or two, consider hiring a pest control service to inspect and treat problem areas before your departure.

9. Inform Your Insurance Agent

Let your local independent insurance agent know when you'll be away for an extended period. Some policies require this for coverage to remain valid — especially if your trip exceeds 30 days. They may also offer advice on minimizing risks or recommend upgrades to qualify for a premium discount, such as installing monitored security systems or leak detectors.

10. Create a Trusted Contact Plan

It’s a good idea to leave a house key and alarm code with someone you trust — a neighbor, friend, or property manager — who can check in occasionally. If something goes wrong, they can act quickly. Share your travel plans and emergency contact info, and keep them updated on any changes.