Travel Checklist: Important To-Dos Before Leaving Home
Prep • by Rita Tarnate • Sep 9, 2020 • 1 min read
You’re miles away from home enjoying your vacation when suddenly, it dawns on you. The garage door’s open and there’s expired milk sitting in the fridge, ready to welcome you home with its foul smell.
Parents are busier than ever, and sometimes our plans need plans. A little preparation before leaving home will help you stay sane and keep your home safe. Avoid the last-minute scramble and start your vacation off right with a pre-trip checklist.
House Prep
Taking a few precautions and doing some light cleaning will protect your house and make your homecoming more pleasant.
Childcare
Is your baby staying at home? Arrange childcare with someone familiar that you trust and leave a manual with basic scheduling and instructions. If you’re breastfeeding, go over breast milk handling to minimize waste and make the most of your freezer stash.
Pet Care
Don’t forget about your fur baby! Reserve a pet sitter or boarding stay and remember to stock up on food and other things your pet may need.
Plant Life
Tend to your landscaping and indoor plants before you go. If you’re going away for an extended period of time, ask a neighbor to check on them.
Money Talk
Set up auto-pay or prepay bills that are due when you’re away. Notify credit card companies of your upcoming travel to prevent fraud alerts and stay up-to-date on exchange rates if you’re traveling abroad.
Trip Details
Glitches happen, and bookings get lost. Confirm all of your dates and reservations to ensure a smooth journey. It’s also a good idea to leave a copy of your itinerary with family or friends.
Unwanted Guests
Safeguarding your home from intruders extends to social media. As tempting as it may be, wait until you return before posting any vacation pictures.
For minimal stress, we find it best to start going through your checklist early and spacing out tasks.
Pre-Vacation Checklist
What else do you do before you leave for vacation? Please share your routine in the comments below!
