Why Some People Take Pictures Of Their Oven Before A Vacation (& Should You?)

Picture this: You're finally on vacation, the sun is shining, you're by the pool, sipping on a refreshing drink, and suddenly, your mind is consumed by a single thought: "Did I turn off the oven?" You try to remember that last morning at home, running around, packing bags, locking up, but it's all a blur. And it's not just the oven — you might also worry about the stove, the coffee maker, or even if the front door is truly locked. Enter the simple act of snapping a picture to help you remember!

Pre-vacation panic about whether or not you turned off the stove, or unplugged your straightener, is driven by more than just forgetfulness. It's actually tied to how our brains work under stress. While packing early and organizing documents can help you feel more prepared, it's still easy to overlook small tasks. You might think you turned off the oven, but your mind is so preoccupied that it doesn't record the action clearly. Later, doubts creep in, leading to anxiety.

Taking a quick photo of your oven's control panel (showing it's off) provides instant proof you can check later, calming that nagging voice in the back of your head and the vision of an oven fire in your home. This hack has saved many people from unnecessary stress. Plus, it saves you from having to call a neighbor to check or turning back to your house in the middle of your drive to the airport.

Whether you're heading out for a week-long vacation to Europe, or just an overnight camping trip, taking a quick photo of your oven before leaving home provides instant peace of mind. Instead of the anxiety attached to trying to recall a blurry memory, you can simply check your phone to verify that everything was turned off. This action just takes a few minutes, and it can save you from a lot of stress, knowing that your home is safe during your vacation. 

But why stop at just the oven? Think about other potential trouble spots that could trigger last-minute worry. Some people take pictures of the stove knobs, the iron, the garage door, or the thermostat, making sure everything is off or set to the right temperature. Others might even take a snapshot of their locked front door to ensure front door security. You might never need to check these photos, but knowing they're there can offer a nice sense of security.