As time draws near for going on an vacation, I am beginning to compile in my mind all of the things I need to before I leave. This is a good opportunity to share these things with you.
1: Use a note book or journal: The first thing you need to do is get and find a notebook or journal to use for your vacation and vacation planning. I like to use a bright colored folder with a clasp on it so nothing falls out. In it I put a notepad and this is where I begin to compile important information and itinerary.
2. Make plans for your pets. When your pets aren’t coming on vacation with you, you need to make arrangement for them. This could mean pet boarding. This could mean a house sitter. This could mean having them stay with another family member. Don’t wait until the last minute to figure this out or you may end up with the most expensive option. You will want to also compile your pet’s medical information to be used in case of an emergency.
3. Pay your bills. You don’t want to worry about getting bills paid while you are on vacation. Plan ahead by looking at bills you normally pay during that time of the month and either pay them in advance or make arrangements to pay them when you get home. You won’t enjoy coming home to disconnected utilities and lots of phone calls, so take care of this in advance.
4. Clean your house. If you are going to have people checking on your house while you are gone, be sure to clean your house before you leave. If there is a room you don’t want them in, you may want to lock it. People are nosy, and when you are not home, they will look, so don’t leave out important personal information.
5. Speak to your neighbor. That nosy neighbor who gets on your last nerve is your best friend while you are on vacation. They will be the first person to notice strange activity and can contact you in case of an emergency. Let them how long you will be gone, who will be stopping at your house and for what reason, and what is not supposed to be happening at your house. So, if your house sitter decides your home is a good place to entertain late at night, or if your teens (if you are leaving them home)get out of hand, your neighbor will know what to do.
6. Begin packing early. Put a basket in the corner of your room and start placing things in it that you don’t use every day, but you will want to bring on your vacation. These things include your swimming suit, your sarong, your pearls, and other favorite items. This way when it is time to pack, everything is within easy reach.
7. Tend to your yard. If you are going away for two weeks, you may want to find someone to cut your lawn while you are gone. You will also want to set your sprinkler system and make your hoses are put away and weeds are pulled. You don’t want more work when you get back home.
8. Adjust your utilities. Turn your thermostat to a temperature where it will have to work the least while you are gone. If it is summer, turn it up to 75 or 80. It it is winter, turn it down to 60 or 65. This will save you money while you are gone. Likewise turn off all lights in the house before you leave, but set a time on a couple of lights to come on for a few hours each evening, or instruct your sitter to always keep one light burning. This way everyone won’t know that you are not home.
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