2 min readPacking for a trip, long or short, can be stressful. Between making sure you’ve packed a toothbrush, double-checking your windows are locked, and watering your plants, it can be easy to get lost in the minute details of travel prep. We’ve all had that realization, just as we’ve reached the airport, that we left all of our appliances plugged in at home.
While it might feel like you’re buying into paranoia by unplugging your toaster before heading out of town for the weekend, it can be well worth it.
“Not only does unplugging outlets help you save on electricity while you’re out of town, but it also reduces the risk of fire,” says home organization expert Caroline Solomon. “It’s a low lift to flip the switch on your outlet extenders and unplug kitchen appliances.”
So, do you need to go around unplugging every lamp, charger, and electric air freshener? The short answer is no. Smaller electronics pose less of a risk to your home’s safety.
“I would focus on unplugging high-risk items such as anything with a lithium-ion battery. It could be a rechargeable night light, a cordless vacuum, a battery bank, or an e-bike. Lamps could also be a risk if the wrong bulb is being used, [or] the cords are damaged,” says Cathy Pedrayes, a safety expert with an environmental science background.
While her lamps, refrigerator, and modems all stay plugged in, Solomon does take a preliminary trip through her home office before leaving on a long trip.
“Some of the biggest energy vampires can be desktop computers and monitors, video game consoles, and small kitchen appliances,” says Solomon.
While unplugging these devices may help you save a little bit on your energy bill, it does a much better job at preserving and even lengthening the lifespan of your appliances. So while you will likely keep your refrigerator plugged in, it’s worth it to unplug where you can. What costs you a few extra minutes upfront can save you a world of stress later.
“I like to unplug the obvious devices at home so I can fully unplug and unwind on vacation,” says Solomon.
Pedrayes recommends building unplugging habits into your everyday lifestyle.
“For the most part, it’s a good daily habit not to leave things charging overnight or unattended,” Pedrayes says, barring her phone—of course. “From an energy perspective, the savings are minimal, but if you consider the cost of having to replace appliances and repair damage, that could add up—not to mention the stress.”
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