The Vacation Checklist: How to Get Your Kitchen Vacation-Ready ✈️
The vacation checklist in the Mykitchens Magazine: How to get your kitchen vacation-ready! Rearrange kitchen appliances and head off to your holiday relaxed.
Reading time: approx. 2 minutes
It’s vacation time. But before heading off on the long-awaited holiday, you need to get your home ready. Here’s a practical vacation checklist where we reveal how to make your kitchen vacation-ready and put your kitchen appliances into holiday mode.
To Do's Before and After Vacation
Your kitchen deserves a vacation too. To ensure it’s stress-free, there are a few things to take care of before and after your holiday trip.
To Do's Before Vacation
- Sort out supplies
- Clean appliances & surfaces
- Remove or turn off water, defrost
- Unplug appliances
- Adjust settings, e.g., select vacation mode
To Do's After Vacation
- Turn on all appliances
- Check for dust and dirt
- Clean again if necessary
- Refill water
- Use as usual
The Fridge in Vacation Mode
The fridge in vacation mode consumes less energy and takes a break from constant cooling.
Why the Fridge Vacation Mode?
If the fridge is not used for a longer period, the vacation mode should be activated. This raises the temperature by 14-17 degrees, allowing for energy savings. However, the freezer temperature remains at a freezing -18°C as usual. Depending on the manufacturer, the fridge vacation mode is also called Holiday Mode, HolidayMode, Holiday Function, or Vacation Setting.
When Should You Turn Off the Fridge?
Sometimes, it's best to turn off the fridge before going on vacation, especially if you’ll be away for an extended period. The fridge should be emptied and defrosted beforehand. To prevent mold from forming, leave the fridge door open.
Storing Supplies for After the Vacation
Where to store all the food? There are various options for storing, packing, or preserving food. However, what is often forgotten is food and drink after the vacation. Ideally, don't throw everything away but also store supplies at home for after your return.
Proper Food Storage
For food before the vacation: Seal supplies well, use up perishable items, give them away, pack and take them with you, or preserve them. For example, by freezing, vacuum sealing, or canning. Otherwise, mold may form, and you could end up with unwanted guests.
Use Up Perishable Items
To avoid unpleasant surprises at home after the vacation, it’s best to leave a clean kitchen and use up perishable foods. Already opened cans and foods should also be consumed or given away before the vacation trip.
Dishware & Food Remnants: Washing Up & Preventing Mold
Dirty dishware and food remnants can mold and release unpleasant odors in your absence. That’s why it’s important to check where mold can be prevented before heading off on vacation.
Washing Dirty Dishware
Before heading off on vacation, it’s important to wash any dirty dishware. Important: If using the dishwasher, make sure to put the clean dishware back into the cabinets afterward.
Open Appliance Doors & Empty Water
Leaving the dishwasher door open helps prevent unpleasant odors and mold inside the dishwasher.
To avoid mold in the kettle or coffee machine, be sure to empty the water before heading out on vacation.
Take Out the Trash
It should be obvious, but before heading on vacation, you must take out the trash. Otherwise, you’ll create the perfect environment for unpleasant odors and mold in the kitchen.
Ensure Safety at Home While You’re Away
Even when we're on vacation, we still need to ensure safety at home. A hidden water leak or a kitchen fire can be prevented with a few simple steps.
Hire a House Sitter
Subletters, plant waterers, or neighbors – our tip: hire a house sitter. They check in occasionally and can respond quickly in case of an emergency.
Turn Off the Water
Many home insurance policies recommend turning off the water when going away for extended trips. Turning off the water is an important item on the vacation checklist to ensure everything stays safe and dry at home.
Prevent Fire Hazards
Prevent fire hazards and reduce unnecessary energy consumption. If kitchen appliances aren't going to be used for a while, unplug them to prevent them from staying in standby mode. This vacation-prep tip applies to small appliances like toasters, kettles, or coffee machines, as well as ovens or stoves.
Checklist: How to Get Your Kitchen Vacation-Ready
Here’s a quick summary of our vacation checklist for the kitchen:
- Turn off power: Unplug or switch off completely
- Turn off water
- Clean kitchen appliances
- Empty trash bins
- Securely close windows & doors
- Use up, pack, or give away food
- Store supplies securely
- Activate vacation mode: To save energy
- Take useful kitchen gadgets with you: Milk frother, immersion blender, coffee grinder, ...
- Fridge: Vacation mode, defrost, open door, ...
- Coffee machine: Clean, steam off, remove water, ...
- Dishwasher: Clean, open door, ...
- Oven / Stove: Clean, unplug, ...
- Don't forget the final check-up tour ;)