6 Essential Things To Do On The Day You Leave For Vacation
You waited a long time for it, and the time has finally arrived! Time for vacation. I don’t know about you, but I am ready to grab my bags and run out the door. But before you do, make sure you perform these 6 essential things before you leave for vacation.
These 6 essential tips for things to do before you leave for vacation should take you less than 15 minutes in total time. I recommend that you do them on the day that you actually leave, rather than ahead of time like my other post on planning for vacation.
So here you are, 6 things you should do before you leave for vacation, in no particular order:
Make Sure Your Dishwasher Door Is Slightly Open Before You Leave For Vacation
That way the inside won’t get musty from not being used for a few days. No one wants to come home to a smelly kitchen. I also recommend putting some white vinegar in the bottom of the dishwasher to help with the smell. If you have pets that are staying at the house while you are gone, then I say you should close the door completely if you choose to put vinegar in.
Flush Your Toilets And Make Sure They Stop Running
It is the same principle as the dishwasher. You will be glad you did. Trust me, I know! I generally flush the toilet, quick run the toilet brush around the rim, flush once more and make sure that the toilet stops running. The last thing you want to do is come home to a flood if your toilet continues to run.
I also take the time to add thick Clorox gel to the toilet before closing the lid. It will help with any lingering odors and prevent mold growing in the stagnant water. Easy peasy.
Finish Packing Up Your Car
If you are driving and use an E-Z pass, put it in your car now. Hook up your GPS and make sure you get a satellite signal. The last thing you want to do is have a GPS that won’t help you get to wear you want to go.
Place any snacks you will need within easy reach, have a small plastic bag handy for trash, and add a box of tissues to your car. Traveling with little ones? Make sure you have their entertainment within easy reach in the car.
Do one final check to make sure you have your registration, your insurance, and that you have your driver license.
Make Sure You Have Your Necessary Travel Documents
There is nothing scarier to me than to forget something important like our passports or travel paperwork. Our airport that we fly out of is about 90 minutes from home, and forgetting important papers is the absolute worst. It isn’t a quick run to go grab them.
In order to combat that, I have a great binder that I use that I put our passports and important documents in, along with pens for filling out immigration forms on the plane. I check it one last time, and then put it in my husband’s bag. I make him responsible for them, so I can take one less thing off of my plate.
Before You Leave For Vacation, Unplug Any Unneeded Appliances
The only one that we don’t is the computer desk. We have our wireless router that is plugged into our lighting system, so we can turn the lights on and off, just like we do when we are home.
But things like your coffee pot or other small appliances won’t be needed and leaving them unplugged will prevent any damage to them in the event you have a storm and there is a power surge.
Check Your Window & Door Locks One Last Time
I am always doing this, even though I already know that I have done it. And then my husband will follow behind and check again. And then we will ask each other one more time if we locked up. This step is essential because it will help you relax and enjoy your vacation.
Also, make sure your garage door completely closes before pulling away. We have left, got part way there, and then turned around just to make sure that it actually closes. I have also been known to text my next door neighbor to do another check of the garage door as well.
I hope these tips will help you to get ready to leave for vacation on departure day. They are easy to do and will help make your time away relaxing, knowing that you have all the bases covered. Grab your suitcases, your travel binder, and go enjoy your time away!
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