You've booked your flights, packed your bags, and you're ready for that well-deserved vacation. But wait—have you properly prepared your Charlotte home for your absence?
As professional house sitters who've protected hundreds of homes across the Charlotte metro area, we've seen what can go wrong when homeowners rush out the door without proper preparation. From frozen pipes in winter to package theft and beyond, the risks are real.
Here's our comprehensive 10-point checklist to protect your home while you're away—whether you're gone for a weekend or a month.
The Essential Pre-Travel Checklist
Secure All Entry Points
This seems obvious, but you'd be surprised how often it's overlooked in the rush to leave. Walk through your entire home and physically check every door and window. Don't forget the garage door, basement windows, and any pet doors. For sliding doors, place a security bar in the track. If you have smart locks, ensure batteries are fresh and test remote locking before you leave.
Set Up Light Timers or Smart Lighting
An obviously dark house signals "nobody home" to potential burglars. Set up timers on 2-3 indoor lamps to create the illusion of normal activity. Smart bulbs can be controlled remotely and randomized for even better security. Don't forget to vary the rooms—living room in the evening, bedroom light for a bit later. Pro tip: Leave a radio on a talk station for added realism.
Adjust Your Thermostat Properly
Never turn your HVAC completely off. In Charlotte's humid summers, this invites mold growth. In winter, pipes can freeze. Set your thermostat to maintain 55-60°F minimum in winter and no higher than 85°F in summer. Smart thermostats let you monitor and adjust remotely—a worthwhile investment for any Charlotte homeowner who travels.
Charlotte Winter Warning
Charlotte's unpredictable winter weather can bring sudden freezing temperatures. In January 2022, a surprise cold snap caused thousands of dollars in pipe damage to homes where thermostats were set too low. Never set below 55°F, and consider having your water lines checked if you'll be gone more than a week in winter months.
Stop Mail and Package Deliveries
An overflowing mailbox screams "vacant home." Place a hold on USPS mail delivery through usps.com/holdmail. For packages, either pause deliveries or—better yet—have them delivered to a trusted neighbor or use Amazon Locker. If you have a professional house sitter, they can collect mail and packages daily.
Unplug Non-Essential Electronics
Unplug TVs, computers, small appliances, and chargers. This protects against power surges (common during Charlotte's summer storms) and saves energy. Keep your refrigerator running, but unplug that toaster, coffee maker, and gaming console. Exception: Leave security cameras and any smart home devices you need to monitor.
Clean Out Your Refrigerator
Remove or consume perishables before you leave. That container of leftovers from last week will be a science experiment when you return. Take out trash, run the garbage disposal with ice and lemon, and make sure no food is left sitting out. A clean kitchen means no surprises (or smells) when you get home.
Consider Turning Off Your Water
For trips longer than a few days, consider shutting off your main water supply. Water damage is one of the most common—and expensive—disasters we see in vacant homes. If you're uncomfortable doing this, at least know where your main shutoff valve is located. A professional house sitter can turn it back on during check-ins if needed.
Smart Water Sensors
Affordable water leak sensors (around $20-30 each) placed near water heaters, washing machines, and under sinks can send alerts to your phone if they detect moisture. This early warning can save thousands in damage—we've seen it happen multiple times with our clients.
Arrange Lawn and Exterior Care
An overgrown lawn signals nobody's home. In Charlotte's growing season, grass can get out of control in just a week or two. Arrange for lawn service to continue on schedule, or ask a neighbor to help. Don't forget about leaves in fall or potential snow removal in winter. Curb appeal matters for security.
Alert a Trusted Neighbor (But Don't Rely Only on Them)
Let at least one trusted neighbor know your travel dates. Give them your contact information for emergencies. However, remember that neighbors have their own lives—they can't provide the consistent, documented attention a professional house sitter can. Consider them backup, not primary protection.
Hire a Professional House Sitter
For ultimate peace of mind, hire a professional house sitting service. A professional house sitter provides scheduled visits with photo documentation, 24/7 emergency response, proper protocols for any situation, and the ability to handle everything from mail collection to pet care. It's the difference between hoping nothing goes wrong and knowing someone's actively protecting your home.
Quick Reference Checklist
Pre-Departure Checklist
- All doors and windows locked (including garage)
- Light timers set on 2-3 lamps
- Thermostat set appropriately (55°F+ winter, 85°F- summer)
- Mail hold requested or collection arranged
- Non-essential electronics unplugged
- Perishable food removed, trash taken out
- Water shutoff considered for extended trips
- Lawn care scheduled
- Trusted neighbor informed
- Professional house sitter booked
- Alarm system armed and tested
- Pets arrangements confirmed
Why This Matters for Charlotte Homeowners
Charlotte's growing population means property crime rates have increased in some areas. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department reports that residential burglaries often target homes that appear unoccupied. Taking these 10 steps significantly reduces your risk.
Additionally, Charlotte's climate presents unique challenges. Our humid summers promote mold growth in unventilated spaces. Our occasional winter freezes can burst pipes in homes where heat isn't maintained. And our summer storms can cause power surges that damage unplugged electronics.
By following this checklist—especially the final step of hiring professional house sitters—you can enjoy your vacation without that nagging worry about what might be happening at home.
Ready to Travel Worry-Free?
CLT Home Guardian provides professional house sitting services throughout the Charlotte metro area. We handle everything on this checklist—and more—so you can focus on enjoying your trip.
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