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Ah, vacation. You’ve booked the flights, packed those questionably stylish vacation shirts, and convinced your neighbor to water your half-alive plants. But before you strut out the door with a “See ya, suckers!” (just me?), there’s one last step you cannot forget: unplugging your stuff.
Think of your electronics as tiny energy vampires, quietly sucking power (and dollars) even when they’re “off.” Nobody wants to come home to a bloated utility bill after a week of pretending to be financially responsible. And let’s be real — a surprise fire hazard is way less fun than a sunburn. So, do yourself a favor: pull the plug on those digital leeches before you jet.
Here are 9 things to always unplug before you travel.
1. Televisions & Entertainment Systems
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Your TV isn't going to miss you. It's not going to feel abandoned. In fact, it prefers peace. Those big screens, along with sound bars, gaming consoles, and streaming devices, can be notorious phantom power users. Give them a much-needed break from broadcasting reruns of Friends to an empty room. Trust, they won't mind.
2. Computers & Monitors
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Unless you're planning to work from a hammock on a beach remotely (and if you are, I admire your dedication, but also, why?), your desktop computer and monitor can be completely shut down and unplugged. Laptops are a bit easier; just make sure they're fully powered off and not just in sleep mode. Let those hard drives take a proper load off.
3. Kitchen Appliances
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Coffee makers, toasters, blenders, microwaves; these everyday heroes of your kitchen can all be unplugged. Beyond saving a few cents, it's good practice for safety, especially with older appliances. Let room service handle your coffee, and let your coffee pot revel in being empty until your return.
4. Chargers (Phone, Laptop, Tablet, etc.)
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We're all guilty of leaving chargers plugged into the wall, even when nothing's attached. It's a tiny draw, but it adds up! Think of them as silent energy ninjas, siphoning power for no good reason. Unplug them, free your outlets, and save a couple more bucks.
5. Lamps & Smart Lighting
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While smart bulbs are convenient, they're still drawing a small amount of power to stay connected to your network. For traditional lamps, a simple unplugging is best, regardless of the bulb's intelligence — no need to illuminate an empty house.
6. Routers & Modems
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Unless you absolutely need to monitor your home remotely, consider unplugging your internet router and modem, too. The savings will continue to grow. Plus, who needs to be tempted by work emails while on vacation? Not you!
7. Hair Dryers & Styling Tools
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These high-wattage beauty tools are easy to forget in the bathroom outlet. Please give them a final, unplugged farewell until your return, or better still, take them with you in case the hotel's offerings aren't quite to your liking.
8. Small Electronics & Gadgets
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Think electric toothbrushes, charging docks for smartwatches, electric razors, and even those little nightlights. Every little bit of unplugging contributes to a lighter carbon footprint and a happier wallet. And a happier wallet can lead to even more vacations down the road!
9. Power Strips with Multiple Devices
Photo by I'm Zion
The ultimate power-saving hack: If you have multiple devices plugged into one power strip, switch off the strip or unplug it from the wall. This is particularly useful for entertainment centers or home office setups. Bon voyage!
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