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Getting your family packed and prepared for a family vacation can be stressful even for the most organized parents. There are so many things to remember and important things that can't be forgotten. Keeping your home safe and secure while your away can be made a little easier with this quick 10 point check list...
1. TELL GOOD NEIGHBORS YOU'LL BE OUT OF TOWN - Line up a good, trustworthy friend or family member to be your point person while your family is away. Give them a key to your home and the contact information where you can be reached just in case there are any emergencies that may need immediate attention. Make photos copies of your passports and the front and back of any credit cards you'll be taking and give this person the copies. If your passports or credit cards get lost or stolen while you're away this will speed the process of getting replacement. Speaking of credit cards, be sure to call the customer service phone numbers on the back of any cards you're taking and let the company know your travel plans. Otherwise, if the credit card company sees unusual or foreign transactions, they can place a hold on your card leaving you stranded for funds. Other neighbors you may want to include on this list are mail, newspaper delivery people and your security company.
2. PREPARE A LIST OF EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS- Make an updated written list of any emergency phone numbers you could possibly need such as doctors, pediatricians, pharmacy, vet etc. Make photo copies and keep the copies in your carry on bag and in your luggage. Make sure you copy down direct dial numbers because many toll free numbers do not work from foreign destinations. Familiarize yourself with how to dial overseas phone numbersif you're heading out of the country. Again if you're traveling overseas, this would be a good time to check with your cell phone company to double check your service options and coverage while you'll be away.
3. ARRANGE FOR PET CARE - Make sure every member of the family will be having a safe and enjoyable vacation. This is often a good task to get the kids involved with some of the preparation like shopping for extra food, packing a bag of pet toys and food dishes. Kids frequently get homesick for their furry friends so letting them make sure their pets are well cared for will certainly help.
4. SPARE KEYS - If you leave any keys under the doormat or in the flower pots, now would be a good time to remove them. No matter how clever you think your hiding spot may be, often times thieves are smarter than you think ...so why ask for trouble. Jot a note on your family calendar as a reminder to replace them upon your return.
5. LIGHTS, WATER AND HEAT - Move any light sensitive items out of the sun and double check the position of shades. Set some of your lights on timers a day or two before you leave to make sure they are working properly. Check thermostats or re program any automated ones to save energy costs while you're away from home. If you have a pool or sump pump in your home, be sure to double check them and make sure all systems are working. This is also a great time to double check batteries in smoke alarms.
6. CLEAN KITCHENS AND BATHROOMS - No one likes to come home to any nasty surprises or to find that some insects have taken up residence while you were away. Be sure you haven't left dirty dishes sitting in the dishwasher as that's often a spot that is forgotten when you're busy packing. A clean home will be far more welcoming and far less stressful upon your return.
7. LAST MINUTE DOUBLE CHECK - For wallet, money, credit cards, medications, PASSPORTS and TICKETS. These should all be kept with you in your carry on bag so it's easy to do a quick, last minute check right before you load the luggage into the car.
8. FINAL LOCK DOWN - Start at the far end of the house and walk thru EVERY room in your home. First double check all the windows. Unplug any unnecessary electronics. Be vigilant looking for things like last minute curling irons left in the wrong spot. Check to be sure the stove, oven and toaster are off and safe. Be sure to include less frequented areas of your home like basement doors, garages and sheds.
9. SECURITY - Make sure everyone is settled in the car and set your security alarm.
10. BREATHE - Relax!...you've done it. Everyone is packed and ready for vacation. Hopefully this list has given you some peace of mind knowing that all will be fine on the home front while you're away. All you need to do now is to enjoy a wonderful family vacation. Don't forget to bring your home a great vacation souvenir...Like a new family vacation photo to hang in the hallway.
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