Pre-Memorial Day Checklist: 7 Things to Do Before You Leave

Memorial Day weekend is almost here — and whether you're heading to the lake, visiting family, or just enjoying the long weekend away from home, a little prep goes a long way. The last thing you want is to come back to a stuffy house, a stressed-out cat, or a filter that's been working overtime with no help.

Here's a quick 7-item checklist to run through before you lock the door and head out. It takes about 30 minutes, and your future self (and your cat) will thank you.

1. Set Your Air Purifier to Low Speed

If you're leaving your air purifier running while you're away — and you should be — set it to Silent or Low speed before you go. Running on Silent or Low keeps air circulating continuously with minimal noise and energy use. The built-in PM2.5 sensor will show air quality via color indicator (blue = good, orange = moderate, red = poor).

This is especially important if you have cats at home. Cat dander doesn't take a holiday. Even in an empty house, dander and fur continue to circulate, settle on surfaces, and get kicked back into the air by HVAC systems. A continuous low speed setting keeps your air purifier working steadily — so you come home to fresh air, not a wall of pet smell.

 

2. Clean & Replace Your Pre-Filter Before You Leave

This one takes five minutes and makes a real difference. Your air purifier's pre-filter – the electrostatic cotton sheet wrapped around the barrel filter – catches large particles (pet hair, dust bunnies, visible debris) before they reach the HEPA filter. Over time, a clogged pre-filter restricts airflow.

Always power off and unplug the unit before opening. To access the filter, press the PUSH grooves on both sides of the machine and lift the upper part upwards. Then peel off the used electrostatic cotton sheet from the barrel filter and wrap on a fresh one from the 10‑pack – no washing, no drying, just replace.

⚠️ Note: Any new pre-filter (including the one pre‑installed on a new composite filter) comes in a protective PE bag. Remove it completely before installing – otherwise the purifier cannot draw air.

Your HEPA filter will last longer, and the purifier will run more efficiently while you're gone.

 

3. Adjust Your Thermostat

You don't need to keep the house at 72°F while nobody's home — but don't shut it off entirely either, especially if your cats are staying behind. Cats are comfortable in the 65–80°F range, but extreme heat or cold can be dangerous.

Set your thermostat to a reasonable range: around 76–78°F in summer or 65–68°F if it's still cool where you are. This keeps your pets comfortable, prevents humidity from spiking (which affects air quality), and saves on your energy bill. If you have a smart thermostat, set a schedule so it adjusts automatically.

4. Arrange Your Pet Sitter (and Leave Clear Instructions)

If your cats are staying home, make sure your pet sitter situation is locked in — not just confirmed, but briefed. Leave written instructions covering:

• Feeding times and portions
• Medication schedules (if applicable)
• Litter box routine
• Emergency vet contact info
• Any quirks ("Don't leave the bathroom door open — Milo will unroll the toilet paper")

Also let them know not to turn off the air purifier. It might seem like a small thing, but consistent air filtration matters — especially if your cat has allergies or respiratory sensitivities. A quick note on the counter can save a lot of confusion.

5. Secure Windows and Check Entry Points

This is basic but easy to overlook. Walk through the house and make sure all windows are closed and locked — particularly if you have curious cats who like to sit on windowsills. A window left cracked can be an escape route for an adventurous cat or an entry point for insects and outdoor allergens.

Late May is also when grass pollen really starts to ramp up. An open window, even for a few hours, can let in enough pollen to coat your surfaces and aggravate allergies for days. Keep things sealed up, and let your air purifier handle the indoor air.

6. Set Timers and Smart Plugs

If you use smart plugs or outlet timers, set them up before you leave. A few things worth automating over a long weekend:

• Lights: Set one or two lamps on a timer to cycle on and off in the evening. This deters break-ins and gives your cats some visual comfort — they may not need much light, but a completely dark house for days can feel off.
• Fans or circulation: If you have a ceiling fan in the room where the air purifier runs, keep it on low. Gentle circulation helps the purifier draw in air from a wider area.
• Pet cameras: If you have one, make sure it's charged or plugged in so you can check in on your cats remotely.

7. Stock Up on Cat Supplies

Don't leave your pet sitter scrambling. Before you head out, make sure you've got enough of the essentials to last the weekend — plus an extra day or two, just in case your return gets delayed.

• Cat food (wet and dry)
• Fresh litter
• Any medications
• Treats
• Extra water bowls (consider a gravity or fountain waterer for longer trips)

It's also a good time to check your air purifier filter status. If the composite filter replacement indicator (the lock icon flashing red and the AQI ring breathing green) is on or close, go ahead and swap the entire composite filter (which comes pre‑wrapped with a new electrostatic cotton sheet) before you leave.

⚠️ Important: Remove the PE protective bag from the new composite filter before installing. After replacing the composite filter, press and hold the Child Lock button for 10 seconds to reset the timer. (Replacing only the electrostatic cotton does not require any reset.)

You don’t want your purifier running on a spent filter for three or four days straight.

 

A Quick 30-Minute Sweep

Here's how to knock this whole list out in half an hour:

• Minutes 1–5: Replace pre-filter sheet, check air purifier mode
• Minutes 5–10: Adjust thermostat, set timers/smart plugs
• Minutes 10–15: Walk through and secure all windows
• Minutes 15–25: Stock up cat supplies, write pet sitter instructions
• Minutes 25–30: Confirm pet sitter, do a final walkthrough

That's it. Thirty minutes of prep, and you can actually enjoy your Memorial Day weekend without worrying about what's happening at home.

Enjoy the Weekend — Your Home's Got This

The best part of a long weekend is being able to fully unplug. When your home is prepped, your cats are cared for, and your air quality is on autopilot, you can relax knowing everything's handled. A little planning now means zero stress later.

Have a safe, fun Memorial Day — and come home to a house that smells and feels like you never left.