You’ve booked the flights, packed the bags, and double-checked the sunscreen. But before you head out the door for that long-awaited summer getaway, there’s one more thing to do: prep your home for vacation.
Nothing spoils that post-vacation glow like walking into a stuffy, smelly, or messy house. By taking a few smart steps before you leave, you can return to a clean, fresh, and stress-free space that makes it easier to transition back into reality.
Here’s your pre-vacation home prep checklist, along with a tip that savvy Cincinnati homeowners swear by—scheduling a professional cleaning service from McCarthy’s Home Services.
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Why It’s Important to Clean Before You Travel
Let’s face it—coming home is hard enough. You’re tired, unpacking, and likely dreading the laundry ahead. If your house is messy or smelly on top of that, it can instantly undo the relaxation you just spent a week building.
Here’s what skipping the pre-vacation clean can leave you with:
- Rotten food in the fridge
- Funky smells from the trash
- Dirty dishes welcoming bugs
- Forgotten laundry that turns musty
- A general feeling of chaos
Let’s not do that.
Your Pre-Vacation Cleaning Checklist
Take an hour or two the day before you leave and go through this simple but effective list:
1. Empty the Trash (Every Bin!)
- Take out the kitchen trash—especially if it contains food scraps.
- Don’t forget bathroom bins, bedroom cans, and laundry room waste.
2. Clean Out the Fridge
- Toss any perishable items like milk, fruit, or leftovers that won’t survive your trip.
- Wipe down shelves quickly to prevent odor buildup.
- Bonus: Place a box of baking soda in the fridge to absorb smells.
3. Do the Laundry
- Wash, dry, and fold anything lingering in the laundry room or hampers.
- Don’t leave wet towels or clothes sitting around—they’ll smell awful when you get back.
4. Wipe Down the Kitchen and Bathroom
- Quickly disinfect countertops, sinks, and faucets.
- Scrub out the toilet and give the shower a rinse to keep mildew away.
- Run the garbage disposal with a lemon slice for a fresh scent.
5. Put Away Clutter
- Tidy up common areas like the living room and dining table.
- You’ll feel instantly more at peace walking into a neat home.
6. Set Your Thermostat & Close the Blinds
- Save energy by adjusting your thermostat a few degrees warmer.
- Close blinds or curtains to keep sunlight (and heat) out.
7. Lock Up and Unplug
- Unplug small appliances like toasters and coffee makers.
- Double-check that all doors and windows are secure.
Post-Vacation Pro Tip: Schedule a Cleaning Service
Want to really win at vacation prep? Schedule a professional cleaning for the day after you return. That way, you come back to:
- Clean floors and fresh air
- Dust-free surfaces
- Sparkling bathrooms and kitchen
- Zero stress about laundry or mopping
At McCarthy’s Home Services, we offer custom one-time cleanings as well as recurring service. Whether you want a light refresh or a full deep clean, we’ll have your home looking even better than when you left it.
Our trained team handles the details so you can focus on unpacking and easing back into your routine.
Let Us Welcome You Home
You deserve to come home to comfort—not clutter. Whether you’re going away for a week or a month, prepping your house before you leave (and giving it a post-trip refresh) makes all the difference.
Call McCarthy’s Home Services today at (513) 528-0814
Visit cincinnatihousekeeping.com to schedule your pre- or post-vacation clean
Check us out on Google Maps to read reviews and see why Cincinnati homeowners love our maid service
Go enjoy your vacation—we’ll make sure your home feels like one when you return.