Before you can pack your bags and hop on that plane, there’s a lot to figure out at home. From managing your home and car to handling bills and mail, getting these essentials sorted will help you enjoy your journey worry-free. Here are 10 essential steps to prepare your life at home before embarking on your long-term travel adventure.
If you haven’t already, be sure to check out our detailed guide on 10 Things to Do Before Leaving for Long-Term International Travel – from passports to visas to flights and accommodations – for a complete planning checklist.
Some links here are affiliate links. If you buy something, I might earn a small commission—thanks for supporting my blog! I only share products I use and stand behind.
1. Decide What to Do with Your Home
One of the biggest decisions before leaving is what to do with your living space. If you own your home and don’t plan to sell, renting it out temporarily can offset costs and keep your property maintained. Short-term rental companies like HSCR specialize in helping homeowners rent their properties safely and efficiently during extended absences. If renting isn’t an option, securing the home for vacancy is essential. Renters should check their lease agreements and speak to landlords about subletting or extended absence policies. Planning this early can save you headaches later and provide financial relief.
2. Secure Your Home for Extended Absence
Leaving your home vacant increases risks, so take comprehensive steps to protect it. Arrange for a trusted friend, family member, or professional service to regularly check in on your property, collect mail, water plants, and inspect for any issues like leaks or pests. Installing smart home devices such as security cameras, motion sensors, and timed lighting can deter intruders by making the house look occupied. If you can, hire a house-sitter who can live in the home during your absence, adding an extra layer of security and upkeep. Notify your local police department of your absence — some offer vacation watch programs to keep an eye on your property.
3. Manage Your Utilities
Utilities can be a major expense, so assess which services need to remain active. Essential utilities like electricity, water, and gas usually need to stay on to prevent damage and maintain habitability. However, non-essential services such as cable TV, internet, or landlines might be paused, downgraded or cancelled. Contact your utility providers well in advance to discuss options for suspending or reducing services temporarily without penalty. Additionally, consider lowering your thermostat or water heater settings to save energy while maintaining home safety.
4. Handle Your Mail
A pile-up of mail is a red flag for burglars and can lead to missed bills or important notifications. The simplest solution is to place a mail hold with your postal service for the entire period you’ll be gone. Alternatively, ask a trusted neighbor or friend to collect and store your mail regularly.
For frequent travelers, digital mail services have become increasingly popular; they scan your mail and send you images, allowing you to manage important documents remotely. Whichever method you choose, ensure your mail is managed consistently to avoid complications.
5. Pause or Cancel Subscriptions and Memberships
Subscriptions and memberships often renew automatically, draining your account while you’re away. Review every recurring payment, including streaming services, magazines, gym memberships, meal kits, or club dues. Many providers allow you to pause memberships for a defined period—perfect if you plan to return. Cancel or pause these services before your departure to save money and reduce unnecessary clutter. This small step can add up to significant savings during long-term travel.
6. Prepare Your Finances
Long-term travel means your financial institutions need to know your whereabouts to prevent fraud alerts that can freeze your cards. Notify your banks and credit card companies about your travel dates and destinations. Set up automatic payments for essential bills such as mortgage/rent, insurance, utilities, and loan repayments to avoid late fees. Consider using budgeting apps to monitor your spending while abroad and keep emergency funds accessible. Also, ensure your credit cards have low or no foreign transaction fees, and carry multiple payment options.
7. Take Care of Your Vehicle
Decide whether to keep your car, sell it, or lease it out during your trip. If you keep it, plan for long-term storage: fill the gas tank, inflate tires properly, disconnect the battery, and use a car cover to protect it from dust and weather. Arrange for someone to start and drive the car periodically to prevent mechanical issues. If you plan to rent out your vehicle or leave it with someone, ensure proper insurance coverage and clear agreements. Selling may be a practical option if you won’t need a vehicle for an extended time, freeing up funds and eliminating upkeep costs.
8. Update Your Insurance
Insurance policies often have clauses related to extended absences, so review and update yours accordingly. Inform your home and auto insurance providers about your travel plans; some may require you to maintain certain security measures or offer premium discounts for vacant properties. Check if your travel insurance covers valuables left at home or if you need additional coverage. Health insurance should also be reviewed to ensure you’re covered internationally or know how to access emergency care abroad. Proper insurance safeguards your assets and health during your trip.
9. Organize Important Documents
Before leaving, collect all essential documents including insurance papers, and home-related documents like lease agreements or mortgage statements. Store physical copies securely, such as in a fireproof safe or safety deposit box. Scan digital copies and save them securely in the cloud or on encrypted drives. Share copies with a trusted family member or friend who can assist in emergencies. Having documents organized and accessible will save time and stress if problems arise.
10. Set Up Emergency Contacts
Establish clear communication channels with people back home who can act in case of emergencies. Inform neighbors, friends, or family about your travel plans and provide them with instructions on how to access your home if needed (e.g., for emergencies or maintenance). Provide emergency contact details to your insurance provider and financial institutions. Make sure someone is aware of your itinerary and how to reach you in case they need to relay urgent information. These connections offer reassurance and practical support while you’re away.
| Helpful Tools to Make Pre-Travel Prep Easier 📋 Smart Security Camera – Keep an eye on your home from anywhere. We used Google Nest Security Cam for peace of mind. 📋 Smart Plugs & Light Timers – Create the “I’m still home” effect by automating lights. Kasa Smart Plugs worked great for us. 📋 Fireproof Document Bag – Store passports, insurance, and property papers safely. This fireproof/waterproof bag is compact and affordable. 📋 Battery Maintainer for Cars – If your vehicle will sit for months, a NOCO Genius Smart Battery Charger prevents a dead battery. 📋 All-Weather Car Cover – Protects your vehicle from dust, sun, and rain while in storage. This heavy-duty cover was worth it. 📋 RFID-Blocking Passport Holder – Prevent identity theft while abroad. This slim passport wallet keeps everything organized. And it comes in an assortment of colors! 📋 Portable External Drive – Back up important documents before you leave. We love the WD My Passport Portable Drive. We only recommend products we personally use or trust – these items helped us prep stress-free, and they might just make your departure a little smoother too. |
The Syps Survival Summary
Preparing your life at home before long-term travel takes planning and a bit of effort, but these 10 essential steps will make sure you’re set up for success. From securing your home—even if it’s vacant—to managing bills and organizing important documents, it’s all about peace of mind.
We survived the chaos of prepping our home and car, and with these tips, so will you! Ready to hit the road? Will we survive the next adventure? Absolutely — because preparation is the ultimate travel hack. And if you’re traveling as a family, don’t forget to explore our post on 7 Things to Consider when Planning a Family Gap Year for more great insights.