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Vacations are amazing. However, the weeks and days leading up to it can be quite stressful. There is so much to think about and take care of. We often tend to leave our houses in a messy state, and the return can be less than enjoyable as a result. I feel that I have perfected the art of leaving in a way that makes our return lovely. In this article, I’ll share 10 important things to do before going on vacation to give you peace of mind.
Things to do before going on vacation
To-do several weeks before your trip
1) Make plans for your pets
To feel calm and at ease during your vacation, you want to know that your beloved pets are safe and cared for.
There are many options available:
- House/pet sitting
- Pet daycare/boarding
- Sending your pet to a friend or relative
Each option has pros and cons. It’s crucial to evaluate what is right for you. Don’t wait until the last minute. Pet sitters and daycares fill up fast, especially during the heavy travel season. Additionally, if you board your pets, they might need some immunization.
To-do the week before your trip
2) Stop your mail
If you live in the United States, pausing your mail while you are away is extremely simple. You can do so by accessing the USPS website and filling out the hold mail request.
You can use this service for up to 30 days. You may pick up your mail or have your accumulated mail delivered once you return.
Additionally, make sure to pause or postponed any subscription plans that would be delivered while you are away, such as meal services or medicine refills.
3) Notify neighbors
It is always a good idea to advise a trusted neighbor when you plan to be away. They can help keep an eye on your home to ensure nothing unusual is taking place.
Make sure they have your contact information in case they need to get a hold of you.
4) Use up perishable food
Food is expensive these days. I do my very best to generate as little waste as I can. I always spend time reviewing what is in our refrigerator and deciding how to use it before we leave.
You can also consider freezing some produce or meat that you won’t get to before leaving.
For tips and tricks on meal planning, make sure to read this article.
To-do the day you are leaving
Because you are likely to have a lot on your mind on your departure day, I recommend having a final to-do list that you leave on your counter to make sure you do not forget any of these critical last-minute tasks.
5) Take out the trash
There is nothing worst than coming home to a stinky home. Therefore, before we head out, I make sure that the trash gets taken out.
Additionally, if our trash is full, we often ask our trusted neighbor to take our trash to the curb on trash day.
6) Run the dishwasher
Along the same line, I like to come home to a home without dirty dishes. If we leave early in the morning, I often run the dishwasher the night before.
7) Tidy up
Don’t leave with tons of stuff misplaced all over your house. Make sure everything is in its place and looks neat and tidy.
When you arrive back home after your vacation, you will truly appreciate only having to deal with unpacking the suitcases and taking care of the laundry.
8) Water your plants
It’s easy to forget, but take a minute to water your plants before leaving. I also always make sure to leave a blind open somewhere in the house and put most of our plants near that window.
If we leave for more than one week, I usually ask a friend or neighbor to come water our plants midway through our vacation.
9) Lower heat/drop the AC
Your home doesn’t need to be maintained at the same temperature as normal when you are away. sure you don’t want frostbite on your plants or frozen pipes, but you can lower the normal temperature of your house.
If you have a smart thermostat with a phone app, try to remember to restart your heat (or AC) a few hours before you arrive back home.
10) Close blinds
We like to take as many precautions as we can when going away. Closing blinds and curtains make it harder for strangers to confirm whether you are home or not.
I also find it a good idea to leave a light on or have a light on a timer that turns on at night. Although people might feel that you are away, this is likely to be enough to deter them from trying to enter your home.
In conclusion
I enjoyed sharing my 10 most important things to do before going on vacation. I hope this will make your next trip more enjoyable and less stressful. Go on that well-earned vacation and come back rejuvenated and relaxed!
Bon voyage!
Cat xx