“Live with no excuses and travel with no regrets.” – Oscar Wilde
Get away from the chaos of life and take a much-needed break. But first, make sure you take care of everything at home before you head out for some much-needed R&R time.
Here is a quick list of everything you need to handle before going out of town!
1. Create a packing list
Make a packing list with all the items that you will need for the entirety of your trip. Be sure to include last-minute items, such as your phone charger and medications. But don’t forget about restrictions if you are flying on a plane or going on a cruise.
2. Forward or put your mail on hold
If you are going on an extended vacation, you might think of forwarding your mail. Otherwise, you can put your mail on hold. Simply go to the post office or online to complete the process.
3. Find a pet or house sitter
Be sure to find someone to watch your animals. If you forget, your furry friends might be taking a road trip with you. You may also want to invest in a house sitter to keep a close eye on your house, especially if you are gone for an extended period.
4. Contact your bank
If you are going out of the country, be sure to notify your bank. Let them know the countries that you will be visiting and the length of your stay. That way, your transactions are not flagged as fraudulent.
5. Check the weather
Before you pack, check to see what the weather will be like the week you are traveling. This will ensure that you have the proper attire and will not have to run to the nearest store to buy a rain jacket or pair of shorts.
6. Pay your bills
If you have any bills due while you are out of town, pay them in advance. Then you won’t have to worry about doing it while relaxing on the beach or in your hotel room.
7. Throw out old food & trash
Coming back to a smelly house is not what you want after a trip. Be sure to throw out any produce or dairy products that will go bad while you are gone. Take the trash out along with it, so you don’t have to worry about it when you come back home.
8. Clean the house
After a vacation, there is so much to do. It takes time to unpack, do laundry, and get everything situated. To make life easier, clean before leaving on a trip. It makes coming home less of a hassle. After all, unpacking is hard enough.
9. Unplug appliances
A great way to save money while you are gone is to unplug appliances. It also ensures the safety of your home. It will help prevent power surges and electrical fires.
These few things are the first steps to having a great vacation. If you are prepared, you won’t have anything to worry about while you are gone. Then you can focus on yourself and get the much-needed rest that you deserve.