Leaving for a vacation is always a bit of a stressful time as you run around the house and get everything ready. Before you hit the road, it’s worth running through a checklist you need before you leave the home.
- Check-in with your Doctor and Insurance Company: Double-check that you have all of the proper vaccinations and that you have renewed all essential prescriptions. Also, if you have private medical insurance, as your provider if your policy applies overseas for emergencies. If it doesn’t, and you want to add extra coverage, consider supplemental insurance.
- Turn off your main water supply: Leaks happen. And they can happen while you’re away. Consider turning off all the water, but at least turn off the water supply to your to washing machines, dishwashers, ice-makers and toilets.
- Unplug all electronics: Even if they’re not on, your electronics are energy vampires. Unplug your TV, microwave, toaster oven, computers etc. — to save on your electricity bill.
- Pay all bills that will be due while you’re away.
- Check your Washing Machine: Make sure you have not left any wet clothes in your washing machine or drier.
- Sprinkle a little baking soda in the toilets and down the sink drains to avoid coming home to the stench of stagnant water.
- Water your plants. If you are going to be away for a long time arrange to have them watered periodically.
- Take out the garbage.
- Adjust your Thermostat: During the winter, lower your thermostat to between 50°F and 60°F. If you turn it lower than 50°F you run the risk of frozen pipes in cold weather. In summer, set the thermostat to 85ºF or higher. Don’t turn if off because it may cause your refrigerator to work too hard.
