I inherited many traits from my dad which I cherish, but perhaps my most prized is his sense of wanderlust. Growing up, it seems like we were always heading somewhere, and now as an adult, it is like an itch I constantly have to scratch. If I’m not planning our next adventure (or even two), I feel like something is missing.
I learned a lot about vacation prep as a child, and have honed my skills with lots of practice. Everything from knowing how and what to pack… to planning, booking and scheduling… to getting our house ready to be away. The one constant, and this is something I do before each time I travel, is to unplug small appliances. Up until our last trip, I wasn’t really sure why I did it… my mom always did it, I think because her mom always did it, and so it became part of my routine. But why? And was it something that I really needed to do? Was it something we all should be doing?
Before our last trip, I spent some time researching this practice to see if I had wasted countless hours resetting the time on the toaster upon return—or if I indeed was justified in unplugging each time I’ve left for more than an overnight.
Turns out, Grandma and Mom knew a thing or two. It’s one of those often overlooked steps—simple, quick, and easy to dismiss. But it sits at the intersection of safety, energy savings, and peace of mind. Let’s talk about why it matters, when it’s necessary, and which appliances deserve your attention most.
Why unplugging matters
Even when turned off, many appliances continue to draw a small amount of electricity. This is sometimes called “phantom” or “vampire” energy use. While the cost of that energy is usually minimal over a few days, it adds up over time—and more importantly, it means those devices are still connected to power.
That connection is where the real concern lies.
Power surges, faulty wiring, or internal component failures—rare as they may be—can happen when you’re not home to notice. An unplugged appliance, on the other hand, is completely disconnected from risk.
Unplugging also protects your electronics from unexpected voltage spikes, especially during storms or grid fluctuations. Think of it as clearing the slate while you’re away.
Is it necessary?
Not strictly. Millions of people leave for vacation every year without unplugging anything, and most return to homes just as they left them.
But this isn’t about necessity—it’s about risk reduction.
Unplugging is a low-effort, high-reward habit. It doesn’t take long, costs nothing, and eliminates a category of potential issues entirely. If you’re already tidying up, taking out the trash, and locking windows, it fits naturally into the rhythm of preparing your home.
Appliances to prioritize
If unplugging everything feels excessive, focus on the items that carry the most risk or benefit.
1. Small kitchen appliances
Toasters, coffee makers, blenders, air fryers—anything with a heating element or motor is worth unplugging. These appliances can pose a fire risk if there’s a malfunction, especially with older models.
2. Space heaters and heating devices
These should always be unplugged when not in use, but especially when you’re away. They’re among the highest-risk household items for fires.
3. Electronics and entertainment systems
TVs, gaming consoles, and computers are sensitive to power surges. Unplugging protects them and cuts down on standby energy use.
4. Chargers and power adapters
Phone chargers, laptop cords, and other adapters continue to draw small amounts of energy and can sometimes overheat if left plugged in long-term.
5. Laundry appliances (when possible)
Washers and dryers don’t always need to be unplugged, but it’s a good idea to ensure they’re powered off and there are no preschedule running cycles. If accessible, unplugging adds an extra layer of safety.
What you can usually leave plugged in
Some appliances are designed to run continuously or require constant power:
- Refrigerators and freezers (unless you’ve emptied and turned them off intentionally)
- Wi-Fi routers (if you want remote access to cameras or smart devices)
- Security systems
- Smart home hubs
For these, the goal is simply to ensure they’re in good working condition before you leave.
A note on convenience vs. peace of mind
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. Some people prefer to unplug nearly everything; others focus only on high-risk items.
The sweet spot is a thoughtful approach: unplug what’s easy and impactful, double-check what stays plugged in, and leave knowing you’ve reduced unnecessary risks without overcomplicating your routine.
Your pre-vacation home checklist
Before you head out, take a few minutes to run through this:
- Unplug small kitchen appliances (toaster, coffee maker, blender, etc.)
- Unplug space heaters and personal heating devices
- Disconnect TVs, gaming consoles, and non-essential electronics
- Remove unused chargers from outlets
- Check that washer and dryer are off (and unplug if practical)
- Confirm refrigerator and freezer are set correctly
- Take out trash and clean out perishables
- Turn off lights (or set timers if you prefer)
- Adjust thermostat for energy savings
- Lock all doors and windows
- Set security system or cameras
- Pause mail or arrange pickup if needed