Why You Should Leave an Upturned Glass and a Piece of Paper in the Sink Before Going on Vacation
Leaving an upturned glass and a piece of paper in your sink before a trip is a simple household trick that can help you notice whether something happened in your home while you were away. It is not a guaranteed security method, but it can provide a quick clue about unexpected activity.
The idea behind the trick
Before leaving:
- Place a clean, dry glass upside down in the sink.
- Put a piece of paper underneath or beside it (some people place paper under the rim).
- Leave it undisturbed while you are away.
When you return, check the setup.
What it may reveal
- Water leaks: If a pipe, faucet, or appliance leaked while you were gone, the paper may show water marks or the glass may have moved.
- Cleaning or maintenance activity: If someone entered the home and used the sink, the position of the glass and paper may have changed.
- Unexpected disturbances: It can show that something in the area was not left exactly as you arranged it.
Other useful things to do before leaving home
Prevent water damage
- Turn off the main water supply if you will be away for a long period (if appropriate for your home).
- Check faucets, pipes, and appliances for leaks.
- Clean out drains to prevent odors.
Make your home look occupied
- Use timers for lights.
- Ask a trusted person to collect mail or check the property.
- Avoid leaving signs of an empty home visible.
Protect against odors and pests
- Take out trash.
- Store food properly.
- Clean sinks and countertops.
The upturned glass and paper trick is mainly a simple reminder and visual check, not a substitute for proper home preparation. For longer trips, water shutoff, security measures, and having someone check your home are much more reliable ways to prevent problems.
