5-Day Holiday Coming—Don't Leave Home Without Doing These 6 Things First
Guys, the May Day holiday is almost here—5 whole days!
Last week I went out for just 3 days and came back to find a bag of vegetables in my fridge had transformed into a “green blanket of mold.”那一刻我真的很崩溃。
Lesson learned. This time before the May Day trip, I made a “pre-departure checklist” for myself. Sharing it today so we can all cross-check together.
Thing 1: Full Fridge Inspection
Clear out all leftover food before you leave. Can’t finish it? Give it to a neighbor or just throw it away—no point being stingy with spoiled food.
Then check the power cord and drainage outlet. If the door seal is loose, you might come back to a “fridge fermentation disaster.”
Pro tip: Put a bowl of baking soda in the fridge to reduce odors.
Thing 2: Washing Machine Drains
Last May Day, I came back to find my balcony had become a “waterfall.” The washing machine drain hose connection was loose, and 3 days of leaking created a small lake.
Before leaving, open the washing machine door to air it out. Check if the drain hose is worn or loose. If it’s been over 5 years, consider replacing it—cheap, like 10-20 yuan.
Thing 3: Main Water Valve
Many people overlook this. If you can easily find your home’s main water valve, turn it off before leaving. Especially in older neighborhoods, pipes are already fragile, and water pressure changes during prolonged non-use can cause leaks.
Turning off the main valve also lets you check your water card balance—top up if needed so you don’t come back to a water shutoff notice.
Thing 4: Door Locks and Windows
This one’s obvious: lock up, close windows. If you have a smart lock, check the battery level. Don’t want to worry about home security while you’re hundreds of kilometers away.
Thing 5: Balcony Plants
If you have balcony plants, water them thoroughly before leaving. Check batteries on automatic watering devices. You could also ask a neighbor to help water—bring them a small gift as thanks.
Thing 6: Trash and Bathroom
Empty ALL trash cans, especially kitchen waste. Stuff the bathroom drain with a plastic bag filled with water to prevent sewer gas from backing up.
After doing these 6 things, you can basically leave with peace of mind. Of course, most importantly—bring your ID, phone, power bank, and good vibes!
What “must-do” things do you have before traveling? Tell me in the comments!
Reflection Question
What’s your biggest home worry when traveling? Fridge food going bad? Water leaks? Or security concerns? Mine is definitely the fridge turning into a compost bin…