Why preparing for a vacation feels like work

Going on vacation is a job in itself, according to a new study.

A recent survey of 2,000 American homeowners found that the average person has at least six tasks on their vacation prep to-do list.

And near the top of the list were items like last-minute shopping (70%), cleaning the house (54%), making sure friends and family have a key to the house in case of an emergency (50%), unplugging devices (38 %) and setting the lights on a timer (28%).

Conducted by Talker Research and commissioned by Schlage, the survey examined homeowners’ pre-holiday checklists to see which home security measures are top of mind and which fall through the cracks before landing.

Respondents will generally check at least twice, on average, that they have closed the front door before boarding.

And needing more peace of mind, vacationers will do an average of two “last looks” around the house to make sure nothing has been forgotten and everything looks good before they leave.

However, despite all this, almost a quarter (22%) will usually turn the car around and go home, before continuing their journey, because they have forgotten something or need to do a ‘last look’.

One of the main reasons for these pre-trip delays was simply the need to re-check that they have locked the front door (40%).

However, almost one in ten respondents (8%) have returned home after holidays only to find the door open.

However, security concerns aren’t reserved for before and after the holidays: They also seep into homeowners’ travels, according to the study.

Respondents reported that it takes at least half a day (31%) – or even a full day for some (18%) – to fully relax, unwind and enjoy themselves on a trip.

According to the results, some of the top reasons for stress during the holidays included worrying about the state of things at home (33%), missing a pet (30%) and theft of mail and packages (19%).

Respondents estimated they spend an average of 19 minutes texting neighbors to check on things and rolling tapes on security camera footage, while 13% will spend more than an hour doing so.

“A safe home means a worry-free vacation,” said Tim Eskew, director of product management for Allegion, maker of Schlage Locks. “With advanced security technologies, you can enjoy peace of mind by remotely monitoring the status of your home and receiving real-time notifications of any activity. This enhanced visibility allows you to fully immerse yourself in your travels, knowing that your home is well protected.”

Of the homeowners surveyed, the majority (65%) have at least one person visiting their home while they are away, whether it’s a housekeeper or a neighbor checking on the house.

And the usage rate for a home sitter or someone who checks on the home averages $28 a day, according to respondents.

But whether homeowners hire a babysitter, ask friends or family to come over, or neither, more than one in ten (14%) have come home from vacation to an unhappy surprise.

Common disasters that respondents discovered when they arrived at home were burglary or theft, water leaks and flooding, and lights left on, racking up the electricity bill. Some even discovered doors wide open upon entering.

“It’s always a smart move to have friends, family or professionals keep an eye on your home while you’re away,” Eskew said. “It ensures that any issues are addressed quickly, so you can return to your home as you left it – safe and sound. And with reliable security measures and remote monitoring, you can relax knowing your home is secure and accessible only to those you trust.”

AMERICA’S PRE-HOLIDAY CHECKLIST

Package – 83%

So last minute shopping for travel essentials – 70%

Clean the house – 54%

Make sure neighbors or family have the house key in case of an emergency – 50%

Arrange for someone to look after the pet – 47%

Clean out the fridge – 46%

Arrange transport – 45%

Unplug devices – 38%

Stop regular deliveries (eg groceries, newspapers, etc.) – 31%

Put the lights on a timer – 28%

Download travel apps – 20%

Program the home alarm – 19%

Arranging for a nanny at home – 12%

Pick up dry cleaning – 7%

Survey methodology:

Talker Research surveyed 2,000 American homeowners; the survey was commissioned by Schlage and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between August. 2 and August. 6, 2024.