Ultimate Checklist of Things to do Prior to Your Vacation

Are you counting down the days until your next vacation, but feeling the heavy mental load of getting everything ready at home? As a luxury travel advisor I spend my days planning amazing vacations for my clients. I know from firsthand experience that there is a laundry list of things that need to get done prior to you leaving. This makes not only the trip itself easier, but once you return as well.

7 Days Before Departure: The Logistics Sweep

• Start with the Suitcase(s)

  Don’t wait until the last minute to pack. Began packing now. If you realize you are missing a crucial item or that favorite outfit no longer fits, you still have time to fix it.

• Pre-Pay Bills

Pre-pay any bills that will be due the week of after your vacation so you don’t have to worry about it later.

• Confirm Pet Care

Double check drop off times and feeding schedules with your pet sitter/boarder.

• Pause the Mail & Deliveries

  Schedule a hold with USPS mail here. You can schedule the hold up to a month in advance. If you have any automated subscriptions with Amazon, pet food delivery companies, etc see if those can be paused. Ask a neighbor to pick up any deliveries that might have slipped through the cracks while you are on vacation. 

• Double Check Security Tech.

If you have a ring camera or other monitoring device, double check the batteries.

• Notify the Bank

If you are going out of the country, let your credit card company know.

• Finalize Airport Transit

  If you are driving, reserve your airport parking spot now. Or book a private car service to start the luxury experience right from your driveway!

• Refill Medication

Go ahead and refill any prescriptions you need. Bonus tip: If you are traveling internationally, make sure to check that country's laws regarding medication. If documentation is needed - go ahead and get that taken care of.

1 Day Before Departure: Preparing Your Home

• Staging Area

Put your suitcases and carry on items by the front door all together. This instantly clears the visual clutter from your bedrooms and ensures nothing is left behind in the morning rush.

• Top Off Your Gas Tank

  Fill your car with gas. Yes, even if you are flying and even if you somebody is picking you up from your house. This way it is once less chore you have to do the week you get back home.

• Schedule Welcome Home Groceries

Order grocery delivery from your favorite store. When you get back from vacation, the last thing you want to do is head to the grocery store for food. Bonus: order something that is pre-made that all you have to do is heat up for dinner.

• Complete the Laundry

If you have laundry a basket dryer go ahead and put it up. Chances are you will have additional laundry to do after vacation, and this is one load (or two) that you will need to put away.

• Dishwasher

Go ahead and empty the drying rack and dishwasher. If there are any dirty dishes on the counter, clean those as well. Since you are in the kitchen, go ahead and wipe down the counters and sweep the floor.

• Request Security Patrol

Call your local police station and see if they can setup extra patrols while you are out of own.

The day of Departure: The Final Steps

• Take Out the Trash 

Nobody wants to come home to a smelly kitchen or house. Starting with the kitchen trash, empty every trash can in your house. If you will be gone during trash day, ask a neighbor if they can take up your trashcan and bring it back down for you.

• Make the Beds

At a minimum – make your bed. If you have extra time, go head and put on fresh sheets as well. Even after a wonderful vacation, there is nothing like sleeping back in your own bed with fresh clean sheets.

• Lock It Down

Ensure that the windows and doors are securely locked. If you have curtains, keep them closed.

• Set Vacation Mode on the Thermostat.

Change the thermostat in your home to your ‘vacation mode’. If your thermostat has an app, go ahead and download it.

• Water the Plants

If you don't have anyone to water your plants while you're away then give your indoor plants a thorough watering, or set up your self-watering bulbs.

• Appliance Photo Hack

Take pictures of any appliances use that morning ‘off position’ or unplugged. Examples: The stove, toaster over, curling iron, etc. This way when you are on the way to your vacation you won’t have to turn around ‘just in case’.

Now, take a deep breath. Your home is secure, your return is prepped, and your only job now is to enjoy the journey. When you are ready to schedule your next vacation, click below to schedule a consultation.

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