Things To Do Before Going On Holiday
There are many things we need to do before going on vacation. This is especially so if you are planning a long trip and will be away from home for some time. Some of these things will ensure that we return to our homes the way we left it.
We often think of what we need to pack for our vacation. Equally important are some of the things we need to do before going on holiday like paying your bills and getting someone to collect your mail, etc.
This is the list of the ten things to do before You go on vacation. You may check it our.
1. A Checklist Of All Last Minute Errands
Very useful travel tip before you go on vacation
Checklist I find a check list really useful. There are so many things to do before going on vacation that some are bound to be forgotten.I usually compile the list just the day before I am going on vacation. The things that go on my list include last minute things to pack as well as last minute errands to do before leaving.
2. Pay All Outstanding Bills
Avoid disruption to some essential services
Bills paid Paying all outstanding bills is one of the important things to do before a vacation especially If you are going away for a week or more These bill include the utility bills and credit card bills. This will ensure that there is no disruption in the services.
I always make sure my mobile phone bill and credit card bills are up to date especially when going abroad. I can be sure that I can use the services any time I need it.
3. Empty The Refrigerator Of Perishable Foods Before You Go On Holiday
Important thing to do to avoid food spoiling in the fridge
Rotten fish I had a bad experience with spoiled food when my family were away on holiday for about five days. There was perishable food in the refrigerator and also meat in the freezer compartment. There was a very bad storm on the first day that we were away This had triggered the circuit breaker in the house causing a disruption of the electric supply to the house. The circuit breaker has to be turned back on manually.
So for the whole time my family was away, electric supply to my refrigerator was off causing the perishable food to turn bad. The stench from the rotten food was really terrible. What a welcome home! Cleaning up the refrigerator after a tiring journey back is the last thing I wanted to be doing.
Since then I always made sure my refrigerator is empty of perishable meats and other foods before going on holiday.
4. Have Someone To Check The House
Good safety precaution
Checking mail box When going away for more than a week it is a good idea to ask a friend or neighbor to just check on the house while you are away. This is more of a precautionary measure. It will mean that if the circuit breaker has been affected by any storm, then it can be turned on again ensuring electric supply to the house is not disrupted.
The person can also help bring in the mail. Mail that is not collected for several days is an obvious sign to any possible intruders that the residents are away. Cancel the delivery of your newspapers. A pile up of the papers on the front porch is a sure sign of an empty house.
5. Clear All Perishable Rubbish
When going away for more than a week it is best to empty all the perishable kitchen waste before leaving. This will eliminate any foul smell in the kitchen when you return home. It will also discourage any pests like cockroaches and ants from crawling around the trash can. I also like to wash all the dirty dishes leaving the kitchen sink as clean as possible. Putrefied food on plates are not a welcome sight when you come home from a vacation. Well, I find it an unpleasant sight!
6. Settle Your Pets At Their Boarding Homes Before Going On Vacation
Dog on holiday If you are not taking your pets along for the holiday, it is best to send them early to where you intend to board them. You can then have more time to get them settled in their temporary home. It is less stressful for both pet and owner. It also means you have more time to attend to other matters related to your holiday.
If you are leaving your pet at home make sure they have an automatic feeder and you leave enough food and water to last them till you return home. It is a good idea for someone to drop by and check that everything is well with your pet.
7. List Down All Emergency Numbers
Important list for someone looking after your home
Telephone book One important thing to do before your vacation is to give a list of telephone numbers to your neighbor or whoever you have asked to take care of your house in case of emergencies.
This is especially so when you are going abroad for your holiday. The list should have the contact numbers of someone close to you that your neighbor or friend can call.
8. Get Someone To Start Your Car
Ensures a ready-to-drive car when you return
woman driving a car When going for a long holiday make arrangements for someone to start your car and run the engine. This will ensure that you will have no problems starting and running your car when you return home. I hate it when I am back from a long holiday and have to spend time and money to recharge my car battery.
9. Lock All Doors And Windows Before Going On Vacation
Safety precaution against intruders
locked doors This can be forgotten in the rush to leave so make sure it is listed down in your check list. Locking all doors and windows will prevent any break in by intruders. Draw the window curtains close as well so that intruders are not able to look into the house.
10. Unplug All Electronic Items
It is advisable to unplug electronic items like the TV set, stereo and computer. This is to prevent any possible damage should there be a bad storm. It is not enough to just switch the items off as the electric current can travel through the telephone line. My computer's mother board was damaged during a bad storm some years back even though it was switched off.
