Une famille souriante quitte la maison avec des valises, illustrant les conseils de StéZen pour bien préparer sa maison avant les vacances et partir l’esprit tranquille.
4 June 2025

Preparing your home before the vacations: our top tips

Any vacation plans for this summer? Perhaps a family roadtrip, a weekend camping trip or even a trip abroad? Wherever you go, one thing's for sure: there's nothing like coming home to a clean, tidy house. 

What if, this year, we decided to leave with a more tranquil mind? With a few simple habits, you can not only limit unpleasant surprises, but also treat yourself to a smoother, more welcoming and relaxing homecoming. Here are my top tips for preparing your home before you leave on vacation.

Why prepare your home before you leave?

Taking the time to prepare your home before you leave makes life easier when you return. Here's why it's worth it:

  • Avoid unpleasant surprisesNo one wants to go back to a fridge full of moldy food, smells in the kitchen or water damage caused by a badly turned-off tap.
  • Preserving what mattersYour plants, your animals, your precious possessions... by planning to take care of them, you can leave with a light heart.
  • Save time on the return journeybecause unpacking, washing and getting back into the routine is enough!
  • Creating a welcoming spaceImagine coming home to a clean, bright house, where everything is in its place... it extends the benefits of your vacation, doesn't it?

And while you're getting the house ready, why not pack your bags too? Discover our tips for perfect packing organization and leave with an even lighter spirit.

Home checklist: essentials not to forget

Here's a quick checklist to help you make sure you don't forget anything before you close the door:

  • Empty garbage cans and compost garbage cans, and throw out expired food from the fridge to avoid unpleasant odors.
  • Take a quick look around for dripping faucets, poorly closed windows or any small problems that could get worse in your absence.
  • Turn down (or off) the heating or air conditioning according to the season, to avoid wasting energy unnecessarily.
  • Unplug non-essential electrical appliances: small appliances, power strips, TVs... it's good for your safety and your electricity bill.
  • Close curtains or blinds... but not all the way! It's better to let people think you're there.
Arroser plantes

Who takes care of what while you're away?

No one can do everything alone, and that's only natural. Here's who to entrust with certain tasks:

  • The plantsA friend, a neighbor, or a small automatic watering system. That way, you won't come home to a desert.
  • Le courrierAsk someone to pick it up so it doesn't accumulate in the mailbox (and attract attention).
  • General surveillance: a relative who comes by once or twice to check that all is well, air things out a little, spot a leak or breakdown.
  • The animalsWhether it's a boarding kennel, a pet-sitter or a friendly neighbor, you'll want to make sure your pet's needs are taken care of.

Safety: the extra steps to take

We don't always think about it, but a few simple gestures can make all the difference:

  • Avoid announcing your departure dates publicly on social networks. Yes, even if you can't wait to show off your beautiful beach photos!
  • Install timers to turn certain lights on and off, creating the illusion of a presence.
  • Check that all doors, windows, garage and shed are securely locked.
  • If you have an alarm system, do a quick test before you leave.

Create a pleasant return: little touches for yourself

How about taking care of yourself before you leave?

  • Change the sheets: there's nothing like coming home to a fresh bed after a long journey.
  • Tidy up the main spaces: an uncluttered living room, a clean kitchen, a welcoming entrance. You'll thank me later!
  • Pack a few essentials: coffee, a frozen meal, bread, milk... so you don't have to run to the grocery store as soon as you get home.
Draps propres

StéZen support: tailor-made organization

At StéZen, we believe that organization isn't just a question of tidy boxes: it's a way of creating a simpler, lighter daily routine, and above all, one that's more aligned with your needs.

Feeling overwhelmed? Do you need help decluttering, organizing or rethinking your spaces before your vacation (or after, to get off on the right foot again)? We're here to help, in a friendly, non-judgmental way. Sorting, reorganizing, home staging, buying storage items, optimizing space... Together, we'll create a customized plan, adapted to your reality.

If you want to discover all our services and see how we can help you transform your home into a functional and soothing space, drop us a line! We love new challenges.