There are a lot of things to think about before you head out of town on your well-deserved vacation.  Whether you’ll be gone for one weekend or one month there are a number of things you need to do before you go.  I created this vacation checklist so you won’t forget anything.

Do This A Week Before You Go Vacation:

1. Stop the mail.  You do not want to come home to an overflowing mailbox!  Go to the USPS website to create a vacation hold.
2. Stop the newspaper delivery (if you are still getting a real newspaper!  I admit I do!)  Go to your newspaper delivery website and create a vacation hold there as well.
3. Make plans for your pets.  Hopefully you have a trusted neighbor or pet sitter to take care of your fur family members.
4. Set up light timers.  You can use the old fashioned kind of timers that plug into the wall and then to your lamp.  Here is a link to vary inexpensive light timer that I have used – Intermatic Light Timer.
5. Set up a email signature for work and/or home saying you will be out of the office and include the date of your return.
6. Pay your bills.
7. Notify your credit cards/debit card of your travel plans.
8. Make copies of your drivers license, credit cards, medical insurance card, passport and other important documents.  Keep a copy with you (someplace other than your wallet) and keep a copy at home.
9.  Make a packing list.
10. Buy any necessary travel toiletries and miscellaneous items.
11. Buy some candy and snacks for traveling.  It’s always cheaper than the airport!
12. Download books, movies and tv shows to your kindle, laptop, iPad or phone.  Airport wifi is usually pretty horrible.
13. Refill necessary medications before you travel.
14. Arrange for a ride to the airport.
15. Tell family and/or friends of your travel plans.

Do This The Day Before You Leave:

1. Check in for your flight online.
2. Charge your phone, iPad, laptop.
3. Throw away any perishable food.
4. Take the garbage out.
5. Pack.
6. It’s always nice to come home to fresh sheets and a house that has been vac’d and dusted.  If you don’t have time, don’t worry about it.  This is not the time to stress!
7. Stop at the ATM and get some cash.
8. Water house plants and outdoor potted plants.

Do This The Day You Leave:

1. Review your packing list and make sure you packed it all including ID, itinerary and all important papers; medicine, sunglasses, wallet and phone.
2. Shut off the water to your home.
3. Unplug small appliances – toaster oven, coffee maker, etc.
4. Close blinds and curtains.
5. Set your thermostat to an energy-saving temperature.
6. Turn off the lights.
7. Make sure all the windows and doors are locked.
8. Set your home alarm.