Simple 4 Step Pre-Vacation Checklist

Preparing For Vacation For Stress-Free Travels

Are you getting ready to leave for that long-awaited vacation? Or maybe you’re just leaving town for an extended business trip or a weekend getaway. No matter your destination, preparing for a trip is often an added chore and can be really stressful. After all, it’s like adding many new items to the to-do list, but taking care of household responsibilities before you leave can make your return home much more relaxing and can prevent damage or break-ins to your beloved home.

Staying organized can eliminate the stress when you realize you forgot to stop the mail!

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Here are four tasks you should take care of before leaving home.

Here are some time-saving tips to help you get ready to really enjoy your vacation.

1. Make your home look like you’ve never left

As a safety precaution, your house should appear inhabited. To do this, purchase low-cost timers that can be programmed to turn on and off radios, televisions, and lights. Piles of newspapers next to the front door can be a clear indication that no one is home.

Avoid this by holding subscriptions and mail with the postal service (downloadable forms are available online at www.usps.com) or opting to receive bills to permanently reduce clutter.

2. Take care of business

Avoid missing payments for utilities and other important bills by setting up automatic bill pay through your bank or utility provider before you leave. It will be one less worry on your mind, and it will only take you about one hour to do so through your main service providers.

If you are a frequent business traveler who is often away from home, consider doing it and putting whatever you can on auto-pilot. Make use of the great automation tools available to simplify your life. Choose a one-time or automatic monthly payment to ensure your bills are paid on time every month, no matter where you are.

3. Prepare your pets and plants

If you’re not taking your pet with you on your trip, make sure Fiddo is well taken care of. You may hire a pet sitter or make reservations at a kennel to help your pet receive proper care and some old TLC while you’re not home.

Nothing says “no one is home” louder than overgrown landscaping and dead houseplants. Talk to your landscaper or yard care person to continue services even while you’re away. If a payment is needed, arrange to send it before you leave.

The same goes for your pool if you have one. Make sure your pool fence is up for extra protection against accidental drownings.

For short trips, set a timer for your sprinklers and consider placing houseplants in shaded outdoor areas near a sprinkler. Alternatively, ask a reliable neighbor to feed your pets and water your houseplants.

4. Give yourself a break on energy costs

Before leaving, turn off your water and gas and unplug common appliances such as microwaves and televisions. This will both reduce unnecessary usage and prevent damage caused by energy surges.

Consider setting your thermostat between 78 and 80 degrees, but don’t turn it off to avoid mold and bad stuffy smells in your home. If you’ll be away for a longer vacation, turn off your heater’s pilot light for extra savings.

From putting lights on timers to setting up automatic bill pay, following these tips can minimize travel stress and help make your return home sweet.

I hope this simple vacation checklist helps you leave home knowing everything is taken care of and that you enjoy a fabulous trip!