Please share you check list for vacation.

[DawnCt1]

I am getting over my inertia hump. I had the cortisone shot in my shoulder yesterday (OUCH!!!) so I am feeling optimistic that I will be "new and improved". The entire family is going to Hawaii for 18 days so I have printed out a short letter for my close and pleasant neighbors to take notice of any odd activity, who should have access to the pool and garage, our cell phone numbers and our blessing to notify the police of anything untoward. The painter will be starting our house while we are gone but will wait to do the windows when we get back. He will be the onlh one with access to the garage. What do you include on your check list of "to do's' besides packing, before you leave?

 

[Laurajean1014]

Set up our dog sitter to comfort Tucker while we are away - and to make sure Tucker doesn't invite any friends over to have a Bow Wow.

 

[UnderTheMistletoe]

In indivdual envelopes-
1) Kennel fees set aside (in glove box)
2) Airport parking (in glove box)
3) Tips for housekeeping (in carry-on)

-Turn up A/C if cats are staying here, off if no one in the house
-Go through fridge and empty anything that's dead or will be dead
-Empty trash
-Leave cats with enough food and water, clean box, etc.
-Unplug all electrical outlets
-Clean house (I hate coming home from vacation to a mess)
-Let neighbor know where we're going and how to contact us
-Check-in online

 

[DawnCt1]

In indivdual envelopes-
1) Kennel fees set aside (in glove box)
2) Airport parking (in glove box)
3) Tips for housekeeping (in carry-on)

-Turn up A/C if cats are staying here, off if no one in the house
-Go through fridge and empty anything that's dead or will be dead
-Empty trash
-Leave cats with enough food and water, clean box, etc.
-Unplug all electrical outlets
-Clean house (I hate coming home from vacation to a mess)
-Let neighbor know where we're going and how to contact us
-Check-in online

I didn't think of unplugging outlets. Is it important? (tv powersurg, etc?)

 

[shortbun]

I unplug all electical appliances except the frig and I turn an ice cube tray upside down in the freezer so I can tell if the frig has been off for long-no more ice cubes. Advise all the neighbors and don't forget the cans of tuna, lol!

 

[4nana]

Hope you find some relief with your shot and you are pain free for vacation.

Looks like you're getting some good reminders here ! A couple things I thought of: we leave an itinerary/phone/flight #'s, etc. with our with our kids - but, since yours are going with you maybe another family member along with the neighors you mentioned. Have you put your mail/paper on hold? Another idea, we have an automatic light timer to have certain lights go on and off making it look like someone is home. After being spolied on vacation, I agree with others coming back to a clean house, clean sheets and towels. We put anything of value, such as jewelry and paperwork in safe. Some do, other don't....maybe adjust thermostat, don't need to have house as cool while away.

Good luck and know you and yours have a wonderful time!! Haven't been there for yrs, but remember what a most beautiful place it is full of fun times!

Relax and enjoy!!

 

[shortbun]

I didn't think of unplugging outlets. Is it important? (tv powersurg, etc?)

Think lightening strike coming in and catching an appliance on fire. My friend's house burned because a TV got hit and no one was home.

 

[DawnCt1]

I unplug all electical appliances except the frig and I turn an ice cube tray upside down in the freezer so I can tell if the frig has been off for long-no more ice cubes. Advise all the neighbors and don't forget the cans of tuna, lol!

LOL, I bought the tuna in the foil packets, cans of tuna without the can! And squirty Miracle Whip in plastic.

 

[lucas]

stop mail - sometimes
tell neighbors we will be away - sometimes
put out trash and throw out food that might spoil while away
water plants one last time
give out our itinerary, hotel and contact #s to brother/parents/petsitter
give pet sitter # out to parents/brother
put on luggage tags - for cruises
clean out purse and wallet
charge cell phone
charge movie camera
tape tv shows that I will miss
confirm airline flights if necessary
clean ring
update copy of petsitter instructions and make copy of latest vet papers
get money ready for pet sitter
take sitter phone # with us
buy sitter gift - like to take her flowers, plant or candy beforehand
check/turn off: stove, doors, ac, printer/computer

 

[DawnCt1]

These tips are great. I have my word document running in the background and I am adding them as you all type. thanks,

 

[mrsltg]

-Turn off the water supply to the washing machine. A broken hose can flood your entire house.
-Set timers.
-Turn volume down on answering machine as low as possible.
-Double-check locks on all windows.
-Triple check all appliances to be sure they are "off" (I'm a worrier).

Hmmmmm... I can't think of anything else but I know my list is always about 14 pages long...

 

[DawnCt1]

OOOH!!! I almost forgot about the washing machine! Yikes. I just went back and wrote that one in CAPS!

 

[4nana]

Another thing I've learned over the yrs. and I like to do is have an easy fixin' meal or something premade frozen upon return. Last thing I want to do returning from a wonderful vacation is wondering what to cook!!!