Here’s Why You Should Always Leave an Upturned Glass and a Piece of Paper in the Sink Before Going on Vacation

When you’re getting ready for a trip, you’re usually thinking about packing, tickets, and making sure your house is in order.
But before you leave, there’s a simple trick many people use at home — and it only takes a glass and a small piece of paper in your kitchen sink.

It may sound strange, but this small step can help you notice problems when you get back, instead of being surprised later.

🐜 A Simple Way to Spot Insects

When a house is empty, the kitchen sink can sometimes attract insects looking for water. Even if you think the sink is dry, a little moisture is enough for ants or other bugs.

How it works:

Put a piece of paper in the sink.
Place a glass upside down on top of it.

If bugs go through or water touches the paper, you’ll see a change when you return. If the paper is untouched, everything stayed calm.

💦 A Quick Check for Leaks

A tiny leak from a tap can cause trouble if no one is around. By putting a dry piece of paper under a glass, you can see at a glance:

If the paper is wet or wrinkled, a leak happened while you were gone.
If the paper is dry, the sink area stayed fine.

🏠 Why Do This Instead of Leaving the Sink Empty?

When you’re away, the temperature changes and the house stays still for days. Small problems like insects or a slow drip can go unnoticed.
This small setup in your sink acts like a simple sign that something might have happened.