If you’re traveling to be with family this Thanksgiving, there are a few things to do before you hit the road. The items below will help you close the door before you head to the airport with a sense of peace that everything’s squared away. We have a few safety and security tips, as well as a few smaller suggestions to help you come home to a neat and tidy house – a great feeling!
Secure Your Home
Your home’s security will certainly be your first priority. Start by making sure all the windows and doors are locked. And don’t forget less obvious entry points like the garage door, basement windows, or any side gates. If you have an alarm system, now’s the time to double-check the app on your phone and see if all your cameras and motion sensors are working properly. Smart locks, video doorbells, and motion-sensitive lights are great ways to keep an eye on your property from anywhere in the world.
Don’t Broadcast Your Vacation
Continuing with the theme of security, don’t share your vacation plans on social media. Public posts about your upcoming trip will only alert bad actors that your home will be empty. Only tell your trusted friends and wait to share the good news with others until you get back home again. Also, make sure you either stop your mail or have a friend or neighbor stop by to pick it up every day. Nothing screams, “I’m not home,” like an overflowing mailbox or Amazon boxes piling up at the front door.
Set Your Thermostat and Lights
While taking a vacation is usually expensive, there is one way to save – your electric bill! Set your thermostat to an energy-saving mode to avoid heating or cooling an empty house. If you’re going somewhere in the wintertime, one thing to consider is setting your thermostat high enough to prevent your pipes from freezing. Lighting can also deter thieves. Again, smart plugs are a great investment so you can monitor them remotely. But simple timers on a few lamps will also do the trick. Program them to turn on and off at times that mainly mimic your usual routines.
Unplug Unnecessary Electronics
This could be another opportunity for a small cost savings. It will also eliminate the risk of any power surges or electrical fires. Things like your coffee maker, TV, and gaming consoles don’t need to be plugged in when you’re done. For devices that need to stay running, like your fridge, consider installing a surge protector.
Clean the Fridge and Empty the Trash
Speaking of the fridge, try to tackle that before you go, too. Nothing’s worse than coming home to any strange smells in the kitchen. Give it a good cleaning, and throw away any perishable items that might go bad while you’re gone. Empty all the trash cans and take out the garbage before you leave, too. If you end up gaining momentum, clean the whole kitchen! It’s a nice feeling to come home to a neat and tidy house.
Check the Plumbing
You don’t need to do anything too in-depth here. But checking under your sinks and around certain appliances like your dishwasher or washing machine can provide a little peace of mind. Now’s the time to spot any signs of leaks. As an extra precaution, you can also shut off the main water valve to prevent any of these potential disasters.
Prep Your Plants and Pets
Double-check all your arrangements for your fur babies. Will you have a pet sitter come into the house, use a boarding service, or have them stay with friends or family? Be sure to write down clear instructions about their food, walks, and any medications they take. As for your plants, give them a healthy dose of water before you go, or ask someone to come in and keep an eye on them. You can also set up a water system with self-watering pots or water spikes if you are gone for more than a few days.
Double-Check Your Travel Essentials
Take one more look in your bag and double-check that you have all your travel documents. That includes your passport, ID, any tickets you might’ve printed out, your itinerary, and any medications. Keep them in an easy-to-access part of your bag so you’re not scrambling last minute at check-in or on the security line. Make copies of your important documents, as well – both physical and digital. That way, if something gets lost, you’ll have a backup and know your ID numbers.
Pay Bills That Aren’t On Auto Pay
The stress of an overdue payment never sits well. If you don’t have anything on auto-pay, consider setting that up now or paying the bill completely before you go. Whether that’s rent, utilities, or even a credit card, having everything squared away will help you relax during your much-needed getaway. If you’re expecting any routine deliveries or maintenance workers, make sure they’re all rescheduled for when you’re back. The fewer the loose ends, the better.
Stock Up Your Car
If, instead of flying, you’re taking a road trip, make sure your car is ready to hit the road. Check the oil, tire pressure, and coolant levels. Pack an emergency kit, too, with essentials like a flashlight, jumper cables, and a first-aid kit. Then, create a space for all your snacks and drinks. Now’s also the time to see if all your entertainment options are lined up so everyone can have an enjoyable trip. And, if you’re a road tripper like us, check out these 15 iconic U.S. road trips!
Do a Final Walkthrough
Right before you leave, do a final walkthrough. Double-check that all the doors and windows are locked, the appliances are unplugged, and the lights are set to their timers. Test your alarm system and make sure all your security cameras are coming up on their apps. The main point of a final walkthrough is to give you an added dose of peace of mind.
Plan for a Stress-Free Return Home
Coming home to a fresh, clean house will feel like a million bucks. You’ll be coming home with laundry, trinkets, and all kinds of things to unpack, so this part will help you feel better. Do any laundry that might be sitting in the basket. Change your bed linens for a clean, cozy sleep after that hot shower you’ll probably take once you’re all settled in. Stock up on non-perishable items like water so you don’t need to rush out to the store first thing.
Happy Trails to You
And there you have it! With these to-do items checked off your list, you’re in position to have a peaceful and happy vacation. A little bit of planning can prevent a whole lot of unwanted surprises. Lock those doors and set those timers so the only thing left to do is have a blast!
Wherever you’re headed next, it’s likely we have a destination guide in our library to help you craft the perfect itinerary. Give it a look and see what you’d like to add to your travel plans!