Ahhh, summer! Soon it will be time to head out to your favorite vacation spot. To ensure a carefree trip, it’s a good idea to get organized even before you pack up the family and hit the road.
Your pre-vacation to-do list might include some of the following tasks:
- Stop the newspaper and mail (or arrange for someone to collect them for you).
- Arrange for someone to put out your trash and recycling containers, and to bring them back in after collection.
- Arrange for someone to take good care of your pets (feed and exercise).
- Clean out your fridge, and try not to leave too much in your freezer in case of a power outage while you’re away.
- Unplug appliances.
- Water household plants.
- Mow the grass and leave your yard or entrance so that your home will not appear to be abandoned for the time you’ll be away.
- Set motion-detector lights or light timers.
- Turn down the heat or air-conditioning.
- Copy your itinerary and contact information and leave it with someone you trust.
You may think of other items to add to your list that are particular to your family’s needs, or to your work, or to other special circumstances.
Post the list where you and your family members can conveniently add to it as you move towards your departure date.
Great list.
also, usps.com lets you put your mail on hold and will resume delivery on the date you specify
Turn off both water taps to the washing machine, this will stop the pressure to the washer, so the hoses won’t burst, flooding your home, ruining hardwood floors and carpeting, and potentially drywall, moldings, insulation, furniture, etc. Most people leave them on but when you’re gone for a while, the pressure builds up from no washing being done, to be really safe, you can turn them off after every wash. Switch off the water heater circuit breaker too. No point in heating water while you’re gone, and it only takes about 20 minutes to heat back up upon your return.
Here’s something NOT to do — post your vacation plans on Facebook or Twitter!