Water plants before leaving home or arrange for a neighbor to care for them while you're
away.
Unplug any appliances sensitive to power surges, such as computers, microwaves, and
television sets.
Dial your thermostat up or down to match the temperature of the season.
Stop all home delivery services (mail, newspaper, milk, diapers, and so on) or arrange
to have item picked up by a neighbor.
Arrange for pet care at a kennel or in your home.
Mow the lawn if necessary.
SECURITY
Lock all windows and doors securely and remove any keys hidden outside the house.
Tell neighbors that you'll be away and how they can reach you in an emergency.
Turn on telephone answering machine. You may want to change the message on your
answering machine at work to let your business contacts know you are out of town.
Set lights and a radio on timers. Turn up the radio loud enough to be heard outside.
Close blinds and curtains.
KITCHEN
Store food in your freezer to prevent running to the grocery store as soon as you return
home.
Remove perishable items from your refrigerator.
Empty all waste baskets.
Run the garbage disposal to eliminate the possibility of unpleasant odors.
Wash the dishes. (You'll be sorry when you come back if you forget this!)
GETTING YOUR CAR READY
Check your spare tire and jack to ensure they are both in working order.
Check oil level, tire pressure, and coolant level.
Fill windshield cleaner fluid bottle.
Pack a first aid kit into the trunk.
PERSONAL PREPARATION
Schedule a medical check-up before the trip. Ask your doctor about necessary
vaccinations, and have any medical procedures done before you go.
Update any personal identification so that it contains current information and
photograph.
Pick up cash, change, and traveler’s checks at the bank.
Get a telephone calling card and take it with you.
Fill out and send in your tax return form if you will be out of town at the deadline.
Fill out an absentee voter form if you will be out of town at election time.
Tell your friends where they can write to you at your vacation or out-of-town address.
Pay the rent and other bills. If you’ll be gone for an extended period of time,
arrange for a friend or relative to pay the bills.
Wash clothes that you’re not packing so that you’ll have a clean set of
clothes at home when you return from your trip.
Break in new shoes to prevent blisters.
SANITY SAVERS
Make a "fun bag" for each child and include games, books, toys, a tape player
with headphones, and snacks.
Purchase postcard stamps and take with you.
Print address labels of people to send postcards to. It’s much lighter to carry a
sheet of labels than your address book.
