5 Things to Do at Home Before Your May Day Trip (Or You'll Regret It)

May Day holiday countdown: 3 days.

Your suitcase is probably packed, itinerary planned, hotel booked.

But what about your home?

Last May Day I left for 5 days. Opening the door when I returned, the smell nearly knocked me out - forgotten trash, rotting fridge vegetables, and a load of laundry still soaking in the washer.

Since then, I’ve had a pre-departure checklist. Sharing it today - tested and proven.

Task 1: Fridge Purge

The most important one. Clear everything near expiration - eat what you can, toss the rest. No leftovers. After 5 days they’ll be science experiments.

Leafy vegetables wilt in 3 days. Fruit molds in 5. Frozen items can stay, but check for damaged packaging to prevent odor mixing.

My approach: start a “fridge clearance” plan two days before departure. Cook everything usable. By departure day, only condiments and frozen goods remain.

Task 2: Empty All Trash

Sounds obvious. You’d be amazed how many people forget.

Kitchen, bathroom, living room - all bins emptied. Kitchen waste left for 5 days will greet you with a miniature ecosystem.

If you have a garbage disposal, run it once before leaving. Otherwise, tie bags tight and take them out.

Task 3: Water and Power Check

Not shutting off the main breaker - just checking key spots:

• Washing machine faucet closed? (Burst risk if left on)
• Water heater off? (No need to heat for 5 empty days)
• Unused appliances unplugged? (Saves power, reduces risk)
• Gas stove valve closed? (Most critical)

I walk kitchen to bathroom to living room to bedroom, checking each. Takes 30 seconds once it’s habit.

Task 4: Windows and Curtains

Close windows - everyone knows this. But many forget curtains.

5 days of direct sunlight raises indoor temperature, damages wood furniture and leather sofas. Open curtains also signal an empty home - security risk.

Close curtains for sun protection and security. But leave one window slightly cracked behind a screen for air circulation. Otherwise, 5 days of stale air will greet you.

Task 5: Plant Care

5 days without water and most houseplants are done.

My hack: water thoroughly before leaving, then place a water bottle with small holes poked in the cap upside-down in the soil. This DIY drip irrigation lasts 4-5 days.

Succulents? They’re tougher than you think. Skip them.

For plant-heavy homes, ask a neighbor or buy an automatic watering device for a few bucks.

Final Word

20 extra minutes before departure saves 2 hours of meltdown when you return.

Complete these 5 tasks and you can travel with peace of mind. Coming home to a clean, odor-free apartment with living plants - that feeling is more healing than the trip itself.

Happy May Day. Have fun out there.