Prep Your Minnesota or Wisconsin Home for Vacation

Heading Out for Summer Vacation?

Here’s Your Minnesota + Western Wisconsin Home Prep Checklist

Whether you’re loading up the car for a week at the cabin, have a long weekend of hiking the North Shore, or jetting off somewhere coastal, make sure your home is ready before you walk out the door.

Because nothing ruins a relaxing lakeside weekend like wondering, “Did I leave the AC running full blast?”

Here’s how to get your St. Paul, Minneapolis, or Western Wisconsin home summer-ready while you’re away—so you can enjoy your trip worry-free.

Keep Your Home Looking Lived-In

Summertime often means empty neighborhoods and slower routines, which can make vacant homes stand out. Here’s how to keep yours looking active:

• Use smart plugs or timers to turn on a couple of lamps (or the TV) in the evening. Even better: smart systems you can control from your phone.
• Motion-sensor lights outside—especially in alleys or side yards—are great for deterring curious passersby. Make sure bulbs are fresh!
• Coordinate trash day. As a neighbor to bring your bins in and out so your house blends in with the block.
• Keep the lawn tidy. Grass grows fast in July! Schedule a mowing if you’ll be gone more than a few days—and make sure potted plants get watered, too.
• Leave a car in the driveway or ask a neighbor to rotate theirs in. It’s a subtle way to make the home look lived in.

Tap Into Your Midwestern Neighbor Network

Friendly neighbors are one of the best parts of life around here. Let yours help give you peace of mind while you’re away:

• Let someone you trust know you’re leaving and how to reach you.
• Ask them to grab mail and packages or consider placing a temporary hold with USPS.
• Give them a spare key in case anything unexpected pops up (like a surprise summer storm or a sudden power outage).
• Bonus: They can water your garden, check your sump pump, or peek in for peace of mind.

Your Summer Home Safety Checklist

Avoid the gross surprises (mold, pests, smells…) by giving your home a quick once-over before you leave:

• Set your thermostat to around 78°F to keep humidity low but avoid wasting energy. If you have a smart thermostat, set vacation mode or monitor remotely.
• Turn off the main water valve if you’ll be gone more than a few days, or at least shut off individual appliances like your washer or dishwasher.
• Unplug small appliances and electronics—coffee makers, toasters, modems, TVs. It prevents power surges and cuts phantom energy use.
• Lock all doors and windows, and bring in any hidden keys (under the gnome? yep, that one too).
• Pull curtains or lower blinds partway—just enough to keep the sun out and wandering eyes from peeking in.
• Toss perishables from the fridge, run the dishwasher, take out the trash, and empty the garbage disposal.
• Quick sweep or vacuum—especially in the kitchen—to avoid welcoming ants or fruit flies.

A Bit of Tech = A Lot of Peace of Mind

If you like to check in while you’re away, these smart tools are worth it:

• Video doorbells like Ring or Nest, smart locks, or basic indoor cams can alert you if something seems off.
• Humidity or temperature sensors are helpful in older homes or basements prone to dampness—especially during sticky Midwest summers.
• Twin Cities or Western WI tip: Some cities (like Minneapolis or Hudson) offer home security camera registration programs to help keep neighborhoods safer.

Wherever you’re headed—Stillwater, Bayfield, or beyond—getting your home summer-vacation ready helps you actually relax.

Need help finding a local HVAC tech, lawn care pro, or smart home installer? I’ve got go-to folks on both sides of the river. Enjoy every minute—and safe travels!