Whether you're headed to the east coast, west coast or somewhere in the middle, there are some things you can do to make sure your house is well protected while you're away. Here are five steps you can take before leaving on that holiday trip so you can worry less and relax more.

1. Power down before setting out

Inside the house, start with power and water to prevent surges, leaks and burst pipes, as well as to save on utility bills. Disconnect your TV, microwave, stereo, lamps, floor fans, gaming console and computers, or plug them safely into a surge protector. Lightning (yes, it can and does occur in winter) can cause power surges, as can electric utility companies when they switch power grids. Surges can damage your appliances and electronics or cause malfunctions—they've even been known to accidentally activate garage-door systems.

You can also disconnect internet modems and wireless routers. You'll want to just make sure they're not also connected to your home security system. Finally, make sure all cords are stowed away properly so as not to attract bored pets or ensnare home sitters.

2. Protect your pipes

When traveling during colder temperatures, remember to look after your home's water pipes. If you have time, insulate those pipes most vulnerable to temperature extremes, such as those in basements or crawl spaces. Leave water trickling in one or two sinks if sub-freezing temperatures are possible.

Also, make sure your thermostat is programmed to at least 55 degrees if you live in a cold climate. Alternatively, set your thermostat to 85 degrees if you happen to live in a climate that's warm year-round. Don't forget to change the thermostat's battery before you leave.

3. Clean, Clean, Clean

Shortly before you leave, purge your refrigerator, pantry and cupboards of all perishable foods and empty the garbage. A closed-up house runs the risk of everything from unwelcome critters to odors that could linger long after you get back. To remove sink odors, run the garbage disposal for a couple of minutes with a quarter-cup of baking soda and hot water, then add a cup of vinegar and rinse again.

Clean and disinfect all counters and shelves to remove any pest-luring odors. You might also want to turn off water valves to the dishwasher, washing machine and all sinks to prevent leaks or broken hoses.

4. Take steps to deter crime

To foil burglars' plans, stow valuables in a safe deposit box, move your car into the garage and set interior lights on timers if possible. As tempting as it may be, don't share your travel plans over social media in advance—thieves probably aren't tracking you online but play it safe anyway. This is particularly true if you're on location-based social networks, like Nextdoor.

Consider exploring home-security apps. Some can transform webcams or tablets into a security camera that provides a live feed to your smartphone. Many feature motion detectors that can notify you if something trips the sensors.

Be sure to take a hard look outside as well. Start with motion-activated sensors for any lampposts or floodlights to discourage any unwelcomed visitors. Bright outdoor lights can go a long way to scaring them off. If you've installed a security system, make sure all of its alarms function and are set correctly. Finally, don't forget to double-check all locks on windows and doors.

If you've scheduled someone to look in on your home, feed your pets, and to water plants, make sure to give them a spare key to enter. Do not leave one in a hiding spot outside where anyone can find it.

5. Don't let mother nature run too wild

Simply put, protect your home from the great outdoors. Take a walk around your house to look for problem spots. Roofs, for example, can run into trouble in climates with a lot of rain or snow. Before you head out, make all repairs—no matter how small—to ensure that your absence doesn't leave your home vulnerable to an unattended leak during a heavy storm.

If you live where it's windy, secure or store lawn furniture or items that could damage your house or blow away in a storm. To protect an in-ground swimming pool, turn off the heater but keep the pump running on a timer for eight hours a day; doing so will prevent algae from accumulating. Cover the pool to prevent debris from blowing in. But keep it tied taut to prevent animals from wandering in.

There are many easy preventive measures you can take to ensure that you do not come home from your much-needed holiday break to a kitchen that's flooded or full of raccoons. Preparation can reduce worry, allow you to fully enjoy your travel and come back to a home that's in the same good shape it was in when you left.