Heading out of town for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, or a winter getaway?
Before you zip up your suitcase and head for the airport or hit the road, it’s worth spending a little time getting your rental ready for your absence.
Leaving home during a Montana winter requires a few additional precautions you might not think about during warmer months. Freezing temperatures, snow, heating, packages, pets, and extended absences can all create potential issues if you don’t plan ahead.
The good news is that preparing doesn’t have to be complicated.
Use this holiday travel checklist for Missoula renters before you leave so you can spend your trip thinking about your destination — not wondering whether you remembered to lock the back door.
1. Review Your Lease Before an Extended Trip
If you’ll only be away for a weekend, you probably won’t need to do anything unusual.
If you’re planning a longer trip, however, review your lease before leaving.
Some rental agreements have requirements regarding extended absences, including notifying management if you’ll be away for a certain period of time.
Check your lease and resident policies to see what applies to your rental.
Don’t Assume the Rules Are the Same Everywhere
Requirements can vary by property and lease.
If you’re unsure whether you need to notify your property manager about an extended absence, ask before leaving.
It’s much easier to take care of any requirements while you’re still home than from an airport halfway across the country.
2. Never Turn the Heat Completely Off During Winter
This is one of the most important things to remember when leaving a Missoula rental during cold weather.
Don’t turn your heat completely off to save money while you’re gone.
Maintaining adequate heat isn’t only about returning to a comfortable apartment. It also helps protect plumbing and the property when outdoor temperatures fall below freezing.
Your lease or property manager may provide specific requirements regarding minimum temperatures during cold weather, so follow any instructions that apply to your rental.
Our fall heating guide for Missoula renters has additional information about using your heating system as temperatures drop.
3. Check Your Thermostat Before You Leave
Add “check thermostat” to the same mental list as “lock the door.”
Before leaving, make sure the thermostat is set appropriately and the heating system appears to be functioning normally.
If you’ve noticed a heating problem, don’t wait until the night before a two-week vacation to report it.
Submit a maintenance request as soon as you become aware of an issue.
Don’t Make Drastic Thermostat Changes
You may not need to keep your rental as warm as you would while you’re home, but avoid making dramatic changes without first checking your lease or property guidelines.
The appropriate temperature can depend on the property, heating system, outdoor conditions, and applicable rental requirements.
When in doubt, follow the instructions provided for your rental.
4. Make Sure Every Window Is Completely Closed
It’s easy to forget about a window that was cracked open during a sunny fall afternoon.
Before leaving, walk through your rental and check every window.
Make sure each one is completely closed and latched.
This is particularly important during a Montana winter. An open window can allow extremely cold air into the home, waste energy, and potentially contribute to freezing problems.
If you discover a window that doesn’t close or latch correctly, report it through the appropriate resident maintenance process.
5. Check Exterior Doors
Do the same thing with exterior doors.
Make sure doors close and lock properly, including any secondary entrances you don’t use very often.
If your rental has a patio or balcony door, don’t forget to check it.
You don’t want to arrive at your holiday destination and suddenly wonder, “Did I lock the back door?”
A quick walkthrough before leaving can give you peace of mind.
6. Take Out the Trash
This one isn’t specific to winter, but your future self will thank you.
Empty kitchen trash, bathroom trash, and anything else that contains food or could create an odor.
Check the refrigerator for anything likely to spoil while you’re gone.
A week-old trash bag isn’t the welcome-home gift you’re hoping for after a holiday trip.
Don’t Forget the Garbage Disposal
If you’ve recently used your garbage disposal, make sure food hasn’t been left sitting inside.
Clean up dishes and food scraps before leaving so you aren’t creating unnecessary odors or attracting pests while you’re away.
7. Don’t Leave Dirty Dishes Behind
You don’t need to deep clean your apartment before vacation, but washing the dishes is worth the effort.
Clear the sink, wipe down kitchen counters, and put away food.
You’ll appreciate returning to a reasonably clean kitchen after traveling.
It also reduces food odors and potential pest issues.
8. Adjust Your Refrigerator — But Don’t Turn It Off
Unless your refrigerator will be completely empty and you’ve received appropriate instructions to do otherwise, don’t unplug it.
Instead, use the days before your trip to eat food that will expire while you’re gone.
Check:
- Milk
- Produce
- Leftovers
- Meat
- Open containers
- Anything approaching its expiration date
Freeze food when appropriate or dispose of items that won’t last until you return.
Coming home to spoiled food after a week away is avoidable with a five-minute refrigerator check.
9. Unplug Nonessential Electronics
You don’t need to shut down everything in your apartment, but you may want to unplug nonessential electronics and small appliances.
Depending on your setup, this might include:
- Coffee maker
- Toaster
- Hair styling tools
- Chargers
- Gaming equipment
- Desktop computer
- Decorative lights
- Other small appliances
Don’t unplug essential equipment or anything necessary for the rental’s heating, safety, or other building systems.
Double-Check Heat-Producing Appliances
Before leaving, make sure appliances such as the stove, oven, curling iron, hair straightener, and space heaters are completely turned off.
If you use portable space heaters, never leave them operating unattended.
10. Think Twice About Leaving Holiday Lights On
It can be tempting to leave Christmas lights glowing while you’re away so your home still looks festive.
But lights and decorations shouldn’t be left operating unattended unless the product is specifically designed and approved for that use and doing so complies with your property’s rules.
Battery-operated decorations should also be used according to manufacturer instructions.
Our renter-friendly holiday decorating tips can help you decorate your rental while keeping safety and property protection in mind.
11. Plan for Mail and Packages
A stack of packages outside your door can make it obvious that nobody is home.
If you’ll be gone for more than a few days, make arrangements for mail and deliveries.
Depending on your situation, you might:
- Pause deliveries
- Hold your mail
- Reschedule packages
- Ask a trusted person to collect items
- Use an appropriate package pickup option
Try not to place online orders that are scheduled to arrive while you’re away.
Don’t Forget About Holiday Shopping
November and December are particularly busy delivery months.
If you’ve ordered gifts before your trip, check estimated delivery dates before leaving.
A package sitting outside for several days can be vulnerable to weather as well as theft.
12. Make a Plan for Your Pets
If your pet isn’t traveling with you, make arrangements well before your departure date.
That may mean a trusted friend, pet sitter, boarding facility, or another appropriate option.
Don’t leave a pet unattended for an extended period simply because you’ve provided extra food and water.
Give Your Pet Sitter the Information They Need
If someone will be caring for your pet in your rental, provide clear instructions.
Include:
- Feeding schedule
- Medication information
- Veterinarian contact information
- Your contact information
- Emergency contact
- Where supplies are located
- Any relevant property or access instructions
If you’re still looking for a home for you and your pet, our guide to renting with a pet in Missoula explains what to consider before applying.
13. Water Your Plants
Plants are easy to forget in the rush of packing.
If you’ll only be gone briefly, watering them before you leave may be enough.
For longer trips, consider asking someone you trust to check them or using an appropriate self-watering solution.
Move plants away from extremely cold windows if necessary, but be careful not to place them against heating equipment or block vents.
14. Keep Heating Vents and Equipment Clear
Before leaving, make sure nothing is blocking your heating system.
Check for furniture, boxes, luggage, curtains, rugs, or decorations obstructing vents, registers, or baseboard heaters.
This is especially important if you’ve recently rearranged furniture or decorated for the holidays.
Your heating system needs to operate properly while you’re away.
Our first winter in Missoula guide has more information for renters who are new to Montana winters.
15. Prepare Your Patio or Balcony
If you have a patio, balcony, porch, or other outdoor space, take a quick look before leaving.
Missoula winter weather can include snow, ice, and wind.
Bring in or properly secure lightweight items that could blow away or become damaged.
Depending on your setup, that might include:
- Outdoor cushions
- Small decorations
- Lightweight furniture
- Planters
- Toys
- Sports equipment
- Other loose belongings
Review your community policies for patios and balconies if you’re unsure what can remain outside.
16. Check the Weather Forecast
Take a look at the Missoula forecast before you leave.
If extremely cold temperatures or significant snowfall are expected while you’re gone, you’ll know to be particularly careful about winter preparation.
The forecast may also affect your travel plans.
If you’re driving, check road conditions and give yourself additional travel time when winter weather is expected.
17. Plan for Your Vehicle
Leaving your car behind while you travel?
Make sure you understand any parking rules that apply to your rental community, especially during snow removal.
Your vehicle may need to be moved during certain snow events or parking lot maintenance.
If someone you trust will be checking your apartment, you may also need to make arrangements for your vehicle if permitted and appropriate.
Don’t Leave Your Car Where It Could Interfere With Snow Removal
Winter parking procedures help snow removal crews clear lots and access areas effectively.
Review your property’s winter parking and snow removal policies before an extended absence.
If you’ll be gone during a period of expected snowfall, don’t assume your car can remain anywhere indefinitely.
18. Don’t Advertise That You’re Away
It’s fun to share vacation photos, but think carefully about publicly announcing that your home is currently empty.
Consider waiting until you return to post detailed travel updates publicly.
You should also avoid leaving notes or other obvious signs that indicate exactly how long you’ll be gone.
Basic privacy precautions can give you additional peace of mind while traveling.
19. Leave Emergency Contact Information With Someone You Trust
If you’ll be away for an extended period, consider giving your travel contact information to someone you trust.
If appropriate, they may also have a way to reach you if something unexpected occurs.
If someone will be entering your rental while you’re gone to care for pets or plants, make sure you’re following any applicable lease and property requirements.
Never provide keys or access credentials in a way that violates your rental agreement or compromises community security.
20. Know How to Reach Your Property Manager While You’re Away
Hopefully, you won’t need to contact anyone about your rental while you’re traveling.
Still, it’s worth having the information available.
Save your property manager’s contact details and know where to find the resident portal and emergency maintenance information.
If someone checking your rental discovers a maintenance problem, you’ll know how it should be reported.
21. Schedule Rent Before You Leave
Holiday travel has a way of making ordinary routines disappear.
If rent will be due while you’re traveling or shortly after you return, take care of it before leaving.
Use your normal approved payment method and make sure you understand when your payment is due.
If your resident portal offers appropriate scheduling options, you may be able to arrange payment ahead of time.
Don’t let “I was traveling for the holidays” turn into “I forgot rent was due.”
22. Do One Final Walkthrough
Before you lock the door, take five minutes and walk through the entire rental.
Check:
Kitchen
- Stove and oven are off
- Perishable food is handled
- Dishes are washed
- Trash is removed
- Small appliances are off
Living Areas
- Windows are closed
- Nonessential electronics are off
- Holiday decorations are safe
- Heating vents are clear
Bedrooms and Bathrooms
- Windows are closed
- Faucets aren’t running
- Trash is removed
- Heat can circulate properly
Exterior
- Doors are locked
- Patio or balcony items are secure
- Vehicle arrangements are handled
Before You Leave
- Thermostat is set appropriately
- Rent is scheduled if necessary
- Pets are taken care of
- Mail and packages are handled
- You have your keys
- You know how to contact management if needed
Then lock the door and enjoy your trip.
Holiday Travel Checklist for Missoula Renters
If you want the shorter version, here’s what to remember:
- Review your lease for extended-absence requirements
- Don’t turn the heat off
- Check your thermostat
- Close and lock all windows
- Lock exterior doors
- Take out the trash
- Wash dishes
- Remove food that will spoil
- Unplug nonessential electronics
- Turn off heat-producing appliances
- Handle holiday lights appropriately
- Pause or arrange mail and packages
- Make arrangements for pets
- Water plants
- Keep heating vents clear
- Secure outdoor belongings
- Check the weather forecast
- Review winter parking rules
- Make vehicle arrangements
- Schedule rent if needed
- Save important property management contact information
- Complete one final walkthrough
Enjoy Your Trip Without Worrying About Home
Whether you’re leaving Missoula for Thanksgiving, spending Christmas with family, heading somewhere warm for New Year’s, or simply taking a winter vacation, a few minutes of preparation can make a big difference.
The most important winter-specific things to remember are simple: keep adequate heat in your rental, make sure windows and doors are securely closed, understand snow and parking procedures, and know how to report a maintenance problem if something happens while you’re away.
Take care of the checklist, lock the door, and enjoy your trip.
And if the New Year has you thinking about a new home, browse our available Missoula rentals to explore apartments, townhomes, and rental homes managed by Missoula Property Management.