It's arrived, Departure Day, the blessed vacation,
the much anticipated time away from real life!
Today you travel ~ to vacationland.
On the Day You Leave For Vacation our list will get you gone, minus the stress.
Water ~ Turn water heater down, set auto sprinklers if leaving water on, turn water valve off at property line if accessible and if no one will be in the house
Air Temperature ~ In the winter set your heat at 65F or 18C if you're not leaving pets.
Summer, turn air conditioning to 72F or 21C and close drapes or blinds in most windows. Leave front drapes as usual.
Spring and Fall turn heat and air conditioner off and leave most drapes open with the front window coverings left as usual.
Travelling Clothes ~ Wear your heaviest or bulkiest clothes if you can . Your clunkiest shoes and that long denim skirt. It'll lighten the load a smidge. Tie your sweater or light jacket around your waist or over your shoulders.
It's easier to wear it than carry it most times. At the same time dress comfortably. Of course, if it wasn't comfortable you wouldn't be taking it.....right?
Set Timers ~ Set radios, lights even TV's (if you trust your surge protectors) to go on and off and foil would be thieves.
Lock up ~
Check every door and window in the house including basement, garage, sunroom, upstairs to ensure that they are locked
Electronics ~ Unplug Televisions, computers, stereo equipment and the like in case of power surges from electrical storms. Ensure that electronics that must be left on such as answering machines, fax machines and sometimes computers are adequately protected with surge protectors.
Stay hydrated ~ Don't forget to drink fluids and eat fresh fruits while travelling. Check with your airline about what you can carry on to the plane. Fluids have recently become an issue.
Pack the Car ~ Keep the garage door closed while you pack your luggage in the car to keep from advertising your departure to people driving by.
Garbage and Recyclables ~ Remove all garbage and recyclables from the house.
Instructions and Emergency Info ~ Leave instructions, emergency numbers and photocopies in a pre-arranged place for your house sitter or other.
Pets ~
Drop pets off at their caregivers with their favourite toys, blankets and snacks.
Walk Through ~ Take a last walk through the house. Check coffee pot, iron, curling iron, etc. Make sure nothing is left on and nothing is left behind.
Home Security ~ Set alarms, home security cameras and other systems as you walk out the door.