The First Things I Check When I Get Back from a Trip

Walking back through the door after being gone for a few days always feels like a toss-up. Either everything’s exactly how you left it—or something’s gone sideways. Over time, I’ve learned to check a few things right away so I can deal with any problems before they get worse.

The Fridge and Freezer

First thing I check is the fridge. If the power flickered while you were gone and the fridge shut off, you’ll know fast. A funky smell or soft freezer packs are a dead giveaway.

Even if everything looks fine, open the freezer and make sure things are still rock solid. If you don’t have a freezer alarm, it’s worth throwing a cup of frozen water with a coin on top in there before your next trip.

The Toilets

I do a quick walk-through and flush every toilet. It tells me if there’s any water supply issue or a weird sound in the tank. You’d be surprised how often a slow leak or valve issue pops up while no one’s using them.

Also, if the toilet’s been sitting, the water in the bowl might evaporate a little, which can let sewer smells creep in. A flush takes care of that fast.

The HVAC System

Before I settle in, I make sure the air or heat is actually running. If the house feels off temperature-wise, I check the vents and thermostat before assuming it’s the weather.

Sometimes a breaker flips, or the system shuts off during a storm. Better to catch it now than wake up in a sweltering house at 2 a.m.

The Water Heater

No one wants a cold shower their first day back. I check the pilot light (if it’s gas) or give the water a minute to warm up before assuming it’s working. A tripped breaker or shutoff valve could mean no hot water until you reset it.

Also, I always check the floor around it. A small leak can turn into a big problem if it’s been dripping all week.

The Trash Bins

Even if you took out the trash before leaving, it’s worth opening every lid. That one little bag in the bathroom trash or a banana peel in the kitchen bin can be your undoing.

Same goes for diaper pails and laundry hampers. Heat plus time equals stink—so it’s better to toss or wash it before it settles in.

The Garage

I check for signs of critters, moisture, or smells I didn’t leave behind. If the garage door was messed with or a corner got damp during a storm, this is usually where I find it.

It’s also where things like paint cans or food storage might’ve been affected by extreme heat or cold, depending on the season.

The Washer and Dryer

If I forgot wet laundry in the washer, I’ll know immediately. Same with leaving dry clothes in the dryer—smell check first, then start fresh.

Also, if you’ve got hard water or older hoses, a leak can show up even if you haven’t run a load. Worth checking the floor around both machines.

The Outlets and Lights

I flip on a few lights and plug in my phone to make sure the outlets are working. Power surges or storms can quietly take out a circuit without you realizing it until something won’t charge.

If anything’s acting weird, I’ll go check the breaker box before blaming the device.

The Yard

If you’ve got animals or a garden, this is where the real damage can hide. I walk the fence line, check the water troughs, and scan for anything out of place. Blown gates, missing chickens, or trampled plants all go on the “fix now” list.

Also—check the mail. That’s usually where the late bills and jury duty notices end up.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.