The holiday movie “Home Alone” is a perfect example of the chaos that ensues when a disorganized family so frazzled by vacation plans accidentally leave one child behind in their haste to catch their international flight. Frankly I can almost see how that could happen! Between laundry, packing, chores and tying up loose ends you really need to summon up your inner superhero to get it all done without missing a beat.
Courtesy of “having been there and done that”, we’ve had our share of lessons learned the hard way of coming home to newspaper landslides, dead plants and moldy garbage. The older I get, the more I realize that planning and preparation is the key to not only a successful life, but a worry free vacation!
So we now pull out our worn but trusty pre-vacation house checklist which we meticulously follow before we close the door on the way out. Doing so allows us to relax and start acting like we’re on vacation before we even leave, comforted in the knowledge that our home is secure and our belongings are safeguarded.
While some of the tips seem like no-brainers, trust me, in the excitement and rush of a vacation the simple things are quite often overlooked!
Pre-vacation house checklist:
- *Inform trusted neighbors you’ll be away & ensure someone is checking your house daily or every other day. Leave a phone number, email and itinerary where you can be contacted.
- *Stop your newspaper and mail or have a neighbor pick them up daily.
- *Make your home look occupied; set up timers for your indoor and outdoor lights to go on.
- *Double check all appliances are off and electronics are unplugged such as computers, TV, microwave, coffee pot etc. Leave a radio on low.
- *Arrange to have your driveway shoveled, lawn mowed and plants watered. Leave a car in the driveway.
- *Ensure all doors and windows are closed and locked.
- *Lock garage and sheds.
- *Clean our your fridge & ensure dishwasher is emptied & all dishes are washed.
- *Thoroughly clean all bathrooms.
- *Ensure no laundry is left in washer or dryer.
- *Empty out all household trash. Ensure it’s put out on pick-up day and cans are brought back in to garage.
- *Re-program your thermostat (heat or A/C) & water heater to save energy.
- *Put valuables, important documents & jewelry in a safe spot.
- *Remove any outside hidden keys.
- *Ensure your homeowners insurance is up-to-date and you have a recent household inventory.
- *Turn off water & turn on security system.
- *Arrange pet care.
- *Pay all bills in advance.
- *Inform teachers & school that your children will be away.
Phew…Have you got all of that now? The main thing you want to pack when going away is “peace of mind” and you will have that if you “vacation-ize” your home.
Bon Voyage and safe travels!!!
“PLAYA Gal” (a very satisfied client working to promote Playa Beach Getaways!) 
salgal@playabeachcondo.com ~~~ PS Catch us on Facebook & Pinterest