The Day You Leave For Vacation

All the little things to be done...

Things To Do The Day You Leave For Vacation. Lists for vacation preparations that need to be done just before you leave.

Lists for vacation packing and getting the house ready.

Heading out today? Use our Vacation Packing Checklists to get it all "in the bag".

Our list will get you gone, minus the stress. Out the door and off to vacationland for time away from real life.

Going on a beach vacation? Don't forget a beach bag and the beach bag booty to put in it.

Today's the day. Have a fabulous vacation!

• 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.

• Traveling 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

  
  

  If you're leaving pets behind, leave instructions for your pet sitter in an obvious or pre-arranged place.
  
  If they'll be staying away from home drop pets off at their kennel or caregiver.
  
  Be sure their crate (if that's the place they feel safe) along with favourite toys, blankets and snacks accompany them.

• Walk Through

  Take a last walk through every room of 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, timers and other systems as you walk out the door.

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