The Ultimate Pre-Vacation Checklist: 13 Things to Do Before You Leave Home
Your flight is booked. Your bags are packed. You are all ready for vacation! Not so fast, though. There are a number of things you should do before you leave your house to make sure it is as ready for vacation as you are! This way, you can embrace your travel plans with peace of mind that everything at home is handled. In no particular order…
Click this image to get a free downloadable version of this checklist of items to print!
Do laundry.
Throw your bed sheets (and any other dirty clothes floating around) in the laundry. This means you'll come home to a nice, clean bed and an empty laundry basket. You'll already be exhausted from traveling and have a suitcase full of dirty clothes to wash. Don't add to your post-trip to-do list by having extra laundry to do!
Mow the lawn.
If you have a yard to tend to, you should try to mow as close to your departure as you can. The later you mow, the shorter your grass will be when you get back. Depending on the length of your trip, you might also arrange to have a friend or neighbor mow for you while you’re gone. Alternatively, in the winter you might want to pre-salt the sidewalks or arrange to have them shoveled.
Check the mail.
Check your mail one last time before you go, and make sure you don't have any pressing bills or business that need to be dealt with. Depending on the length of your trip, you might also arrange to stop your mail with the post office for the duration of your trip or have a friend or neighbor bring in your mail for you while you're gone.
Water your plants.
If you have any plants at home, you should give them a drink before you go. Depending on the length of your trip, you might also arrange to have a friend or neighbor water your plants while you’re gone.
Feed or board your pets.
If you are leaving a pet at home, you should feed it just before you leave. Depending on the type of pet you have and the length of your trip, you might also need to arrange for a pet sitter. Otherwise, you need to drop your pet(s) off at a boarding facility so they get everything they need while you're gone.
Clean out the fridge.
I like to get rid of any perishable items out of my fridge before I leave for an extended period. Whether it's leftovers, or food nearing its expiration date, take time to clean these things out of your fridge before you go. It'll be a lot easier to do now, so that you won't have a stinky mess to pick up later. If possible, share any food you can't use with friends or use it up before you go.
Take out the trash.
Once you’ve cleaned out your fridge, you should take out your trash. It’s okay to have some scraps of paper in your trash, but you don’t want any kitchen garbage stinking up your house while you’re gone!
Call your banks.
With the introduction of chip cards this is becoming less common, but you still need to call some banks to let them know you may be using your credit card or debit card from your destination. This can save a lot of stress, especially if you're going out of the country and will be without cell service.
Unplug electronics.
Unplug anything that could drain energy or cause damage while you're away. Think TVs, computers, and kitchen appliances. Turn off lights, fans, or anything else that will add to your electric bill while you're gone. Make sure you don't leave anything important behind, like your phone charger!
Set your thermostat.
Check the weather for the days you’ll be gone and set your thermostat accordingly. Save energy by setting the temperature as high as you can in the summer (~78 F) and as cold as you can in the winter (~62 F).
Leave your key.
Grab your bags, lock the door, and leave a key locked in the garage, under a rock, with a friend, or wherever you prefer so that a friend or neighbor can get in to take care of things if an emergency pops up while you're gone. It's also a good idea to have a few emergency contacts in mind that you can call if needed.
Go shopping.
Your local grocery store has the snacks you like in bigger quantities. Save money by grabbing your granola bars, fruit snacks, bottled water, etc. there. You can save even more by using small storage bags to make “snack packs” for yourself in advance instead of buying the more expensive individual serving size of your favorite goodies. This is also a great time to grab travel size toiletries and pick up magazines or a book, because they are way more expensive at the airport.
Drop kids with the grandparents.
If you have kids and aren’t taking them with you on vacation, chances are your last stop will be dropping them off at grandma and grandpa’s house or wherever they are staying while you’re away. They might deserve a stop for ice cream on the way – you’re basically abandoning them to go have fun, after all. ;)
Click this image to get a free downloadable version of this checklist of items to print!
Take a couple of hours to ensure these thirteen things are good to go before you leave on vacation. They'll help protect your home, take care of your responsibilities while you're away, and make your first day back home after your trip less stressful. Enjoy your trip with your mind at ease!
