how to take care of your home on vacation

Florida is known far and wide to be a stellar vacation destination. Our beaches, amusement parks, and lack of teeth-chattering winter temperatures puts our home on the bucket lists of millions around the world. And while we Floridians love our state, you will also see us spending the summers traveling abroad to escape the brutal heat. Florida is filled with snow-birds, tourists, and locals who love to travel. One thing remains the same for us all, though; we all end up going home. Wherever that may be for you, at Kelleher Renovations we want to ensure your home is exactly the way you left it. That’s why we’re sharing our Vacationist Checklist, a simple to-do list to ensure your home is safe & sound when you return. 

Before you leave

  1. Turn off the main water valve

    Small leaks and pipe bursts are almost always unexpected, but can happen at any time. By turning off your main water valve before you leave, you’re protecting your home from these costly accidents. 

  2. UPDATE CONTACT INFORMATION

    Give your neighbors updated information so they can contact you! Unexpected things happen, and sometimes those require immediate action, regardless of where you are. Let neighbors, property managers, or HOA leaders know the best way to reach you in the event of an emergency.

  3. REPLACE BATTERIES

    Ensure your smoke alarms and home security systems have fresh batteries. These devices, and any other applicable devices, protect your house whether you’re home or not. Knowing they have fresh batteries will ensure protection and give you peace of mind. 

  4. SET THERMOSTAT

    If you don’t have pets, it’s worth considering adjusting the base temperature of your home while you’re away. This will save some life on your air conditioner, save you money, and save energy. Don’t turn off the air conditioner completely, as heat during the summer may lead to mold issues, and cold during the winter may lead to frozen pipes. However, leaving the AC around 10 degrees colder or warmer than usual, depending on the season & climate, will protect the assets of your home. 

  5. PLACE HOLD ON SERVICES

    Recurrent delivery services like Amazon, HelloFresh, magazines and newspapers offer pauses for vacations or time away. Consider pausing these services to save yourself money! 

  6. DISCARD ALL PERISHABLE ITEMS

    Perishable items are things affected by heat or coldness, like food. As you won’t be home to check their state, it's recommended to toss these items before you leave. This will save you the headache and stench when you return!

  7. HURRICANE SHUTTERS

    Hurricanes are only truly forecastable about a week before they make landfall. As that might not be enough time to return to the state, consider putting up your hurricane shutters before you leave just in case. If you need someone local to put up shutters for you in an emergent situation, call us at 941-216-5238, and we’d be happy to assist!

  8. HOME WATCH

    For safety and extra peace of mind, you might ask a neighbor, friend, or trusted business to do a home watch for you! After an extended period of non-use, basins that hold water in your plumbing will empty, causing potentially hazardous gases to fill your home. It’s important to have someone periodically come into the home and flush toilets, run faucets, etc. At Kelleher Renovations, this is one of our most popular services! On a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly basis, we visit the home, checking the interior & exterior for damage and/or signs of attempted entry, run plumbing, check appliances, and ensure the home is safe and sound. 


When you return 

  1. Turn on the main water valve

    When you return from your travels don’t forget to turn the main water valve back on! Turn the valve on slowly, and run the water for a few minutes to get out any air in the pipes. 

  2. CHECK ALL APPLIANCES

    Ensure your appliances are in the condition you left them. Things happen, power briefly goes out, unexpected issues arise, so check your refrigerator, oven, and electronics for proper functionality. 

  3. SERVICE A/C UNIT

    Periodic maintenance is important to keep your A/C running as smooth & efficient as possible. During a long trip, the unit sits relatively idle for an extended period of time, so it’s best practice to have someone do an overview, change the filters, and do a light cleaning of the coils. 

  4. RESUME SERVICES

    As life starts to return to normal, remember to resume your regular delivery services! 

  5. SHARE THE NEWS!

    Ensure you inform your property manager, home watch servicer, and anyone else you may need that you’ve returned from your trip. This is a great time to brag about your travels! 


Vacations are an important part of a healthy work/life balance. Knowing your home is well prepared and taken care of will allow you to make the most out of your trip! Whether you’re a snowbird, or simply taking some leisure time, these simple steps ensure the place you love most is patiently waiting for your return. 

If you’d like more information or have any questions regarding our “Vacationist Checklist”, reach out to us via email at info@kelleherrenovations.com, or call us at 941-216-5238.