Top 10 Things To Do Before Leaving for Vacation
You’ve been dreaming and planning for your vacation for a what probably feels like a long time. You are now packed and ready to go! But before you walk out the door, there are a few more things to do before leaving for vacation. You’ll be glad you added these to your pre-vacation to-do list.
Some things like stopping the mail and finding pet care are tasks that usually come to mind, but there are others that may get overlooked. By following these suggestions, you can make sure that your next amazing vacation isn’t ruined by an unwelcome surprise lurking inside your front door.
CLEAN
1. Empty out the Fridge
Throw out any leftovers and offer any perishables that won’t last to your family or friends. No sense wasting good food, plus you don’t want to have to worry about it when you return.
2. Take out the trash
Nothing could be worse than arriving home to realize you forgot to take out the garbage! Not exactly the atmosphere you want to experience!
3. Change the sheets
It always wonderful to come home to a clean house. But when you arrive home from your vacation, nothing beats collapsing into crisp, clean sheets…in your own bed. It’s worth the few extra minutes it takes before you leave.
PROTECT
4. Lock all of your windows
It’s easy to remember to lock the doors, but be sure all windows are shut tightly and locked. You don’t want to come home to puddles of rainwater, or an unexpected intruder.
5. Be sure someone has a key
Before leaving for vacation, ask someone to keep an eye on your home. Find a trusted family member or neighbor and ensure that they have a way in to your home or apartment in case of an emergency. You never know when it could come in handy.
6. Email yourself important documents
Send yourself copies of your credit cards, ID and travel documents to a web-based email account. Just in case something happens while you are traveling you can easily access all your important confirmations and details wherever you can get online. Remember to photocopy both sides of your credit cards and insurance cards.
7. Cut the grass
Besides making sure your pets and taken care of and you indoor plants are watered, be sure to make sure your outside is taken care of. Make sure the grass has been cut and trash cans are put away. You do not want the grass looking overgrown, as is the house is empty.
CONSERVE
8. Adjust the thermostat
Be sure to set the air conditioning or heat to an appropriate level to save on energy costs while you are away. Before leaving for vacation, you might consider turning down the hot water heater temp as well. You will be very glad you did when you receive next month’s utility bills.
9. Set timers
An inexpensive timer unit from any hardware store allows you to program your lights for security purposes (and energy conservation). Those home stalkers will think someone is home and pass you by.
10. Unplug!
Unplug any appliances that you can while you are gone (think toaster, coffee maker, and office printer). They can be a fire hazard, as well as sucking precious electricity even while you are hundreds of miles away.
Before you leave home, be sure to take photos of important documents like your driver's license, passports, and insurance cards.
Conclusion
By doing these few simple things before leaving for vacation, you will have a happier return home. The only thing left to do will be dirty laundry.
About the author
Donna Malik
Donna is a married mother of 2 living in New Jersey. She is an experienced luxury travel advisor specializing in all Disney travel destinations, Universal, cruises, Caribbean, and Hawaii. Between trips, Donna loves to keep the Disney magic alive by cooking her favorite Disney recipes at home. You can check out some of her favorite recipes on the YouTube channel she does with her family, The Disney Dish.
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