13 Vietnamese Preparations Before Heading to Your Partner’s Hometown for Tết during Lunar New Year

If your partner is Vietnamese, Tết—the Lunar New Year—is likely one of the most important holidays of the year for their family. For many, Tết means returning to their hometown to reunite with loved ones, honor ancestors, and celebrate a fresh start.

If this is your first Tết experience, there’s a lot to learn—not just about the traditions themselves but also about the preparations families make before leaving home for the holiday. Vietnamese households follow a meticulous process to ensure everything is secure, organized, and ready for their time away.

This guide will walk you through 13 essential things Vietnamese families do before leaving home for Tết, helping you understand the cultural significance and how to contribute to these meaningful preparations.

Vietnamese leave home for Tet and travel back to their hometown

13 Essential Preparations Before Leaving Home for Tết

1. Tidy Up Your Home

Cleaning the house before Tết isn’t just about tidiness—it’s a symbolic tradition to sweep away bad luck from the old year and make way for good fortune in the new one. If you’re celebrating Tết with your Vietnamese spouse or partner, this preparation will likely be a priority for them.

Work together to clean every corner of the house, from under furniture to hard-to-reach shelves, and give extra attention to the kitchen. Leaving a spotless, organized home ensures you can leave for the holiday with peace of mind and return to a fresh, welcoming space.

2. Check and Clear the Fridge

Coming back to spoiled food is the last thing anyone wants after Tết. Vietnamese families are meticulous about inspecting their fridges before leaving for the holiday. Together with your partner, decide whether to unplug the fridge or keep it running:

• If unplugging: Remove all food, clean the interior thoroughly, and leave the door ajar to prevent odors. This is ideal for trips longer than 5–7 days.
• If keeping it running: Remove any items that might expire during your trip and reorganize the contents to ensure everything stays fresh.

This step not only prevents waste but also ensures there’s room for any special Tết ingredients that may need to be stored later.

3. Remove Perishable Food

After dealing with the fridge, the next step is to clear out other perishable items from the kitchen.

Don’t leave behind fresh produce, fruits, or leftovers, as they can attract pests and create foul odors. This also includes emptying the trash bins to ensure a clean and fresh home upon your return.

4. Arrange Pet Care

If you have pets, preparing for their care while you’re away for Tết is a critical step.

Choose a trusted pet care service, such as a pet spa or veterinary clinic that operates during the holiday. Look up reviews online or ask for recommendations from friends or family to find the best option. Alternatively, you can ask a reliable friend or relative to look after your furry companions.

Make sure to prepare enough food, supplies, and detailed care instructions. A small thank-you gift or heartfelt message afterward is a thoughtful way to show your appreciation.

5. Care for Plants

Plants are often symbols of prosperity and life in Vietnamese homes, making their care an important part of Tết preparations. Discuss with your partner how to manage the plants while you're away:

• Low-maintenance plants: Place succulents, cacti, or other hardy plants in shaded spots to minimize the need for care.
• High-maintenance plants: Arrange for a trusted neighbor or friend to water them, and provide clear instructions to ensure their well-being.

By planning ahead, you’ll help ensure your plants stay healthy while you enjoy the holiday with family.

6. Notify Neighbors or Trusted Friends

Letting your neighbors or close friends know about your travel plans is an important safety measure. It allows someone to keep an eye on your home and reflects the community spirit that is highly valued in Vietnamese culture.

Leave your contact details with them, including your phone number and preferred method of communication, in case of emergencies. This small gesture helps build trust and ensures peace of mind while you’re away.

7. Turn Off the Water Supply

Before leaving, don’t forget to shut off the main water valve in your home. This prevents leaks or other water-related accidents that could damage your property or result in a shockingly high water bill.

After turning off the main valve, test the faucets in your home to confirm no water is running. This simple step will save you from potential headaches after the holiday.

8. Secure the Gas Supply

Gas safety is paramount when leaving home for Tết. Together with your partner, inspect all gas connections to ensure they’re securely turned off. Taking this precaution reduces the risk of accidents and helps you leave home with peace of mind.

9. Protect Valuables

For families traveling back to their hometowns, safeguarding valuables like jewelry, cash, and important documents is an essential step. Work with your partner to decide whether to store these items securely at home or bring them along if the trip will be long. This is also a great opportunity to learn about how their family approaches security and tradition.

10. Turn Off Electrical Devices

Unplugging non-essential devices is another common practice in Vietnamese households during Tết.

As you and your partner go through the house, make sure all appliances are turned off or unplugged. If the fridge is staying on, confirm it’s the only device left running.

11. Inspect Vehicles

Traveling back to the family’s hometown for Tết often means long drives or rides. Ensuring the vehicle is in good condition is an important part of the preparation. If you’re traveling with your partner’s family, take the opportunity to learn how they prepare for trips, from vehicle inspections to travel rituals, and assist where you can.

12. Lock All Doors and Windows

Securing the home is a priority before leaving for Tết. Together with your partner, double-check that all doors and windows are securely locked. In some Vietnamese households, smart locks or additional security measures are installed for extra safety.

13. Final Checks Before Departure

A final walk-through is essential to ensure everything is in order before leaving for Tết. Vietnamese families take this opportunity to double-check every detail, ensuring a smooth and stress-free holiday. Key tasks include:

• Travel essentials: Confirm that all necessary documents like IDs, tickets, and travel confirmations are packed.
• Luggage preparation: Ensure clothes, chargers, and personal items are all accounted for.
• Gift packing: Carefully pack Tết gifts to prevent damage during transport, as they hold great symbolic meaning for the holiday.
• Safety measures: Verify that water, gas, and electricity have been turned off (except for the fridge, if applicable).

This thorough check ensures you can leave feeling confident and fully prepared, while also participating in a meaningful family tradition.

Conclusion

Preparing to leave home for Tết is a meaningful tradition that combines practicality and cultural pride. By helping with these tasks, you’ll gain insight into Vietnamese culture and build a stronger connection with your partner and their family.

For a thoughtful touch, explore Chus to find meaningful, handmade gifts perfect for Tết:

• High-quality Vietnamese artisan products
• Nationwide delivery in Vietnam, with same-day shipping available
• English and Vietnamese customer support

Start your Tết preparations today with Chus and bring joy to your loved ones this holiday!