Before the Trip House Checklist

SBasic_Home_to-do-listEvery time we take a trip, I make a mental note of items I need to get done. Of course, I make sure the car is in working condition. (Check out my post here.) And one of them is to make a permanent check list for what I need to get done before a trip. Guess which item I never do.

This time, I’m making a pre-trip check list so I don’t forget. Are there any other items you would add?

The Week Before Leaving:

  • Clean house
  • Laundry
  • Note any bills that need to be paid while we’re gone (thanks e-checking)
  • Find or download a book for the trip
  • Sync the iPod for up-to-date music and podcasts
  • Charge camera batteries
  • Charge camcorder battery
  • Buy snacks for the trip
  • Buy entertainment items at dollar store for the kids
  • Put mail on hold for trip duration
  • Put newspaper on hold or arrange for a neighbor to gather
  • Make arrangements for pet care, if applicable
  • Make sure a neighbor or friend has keys to your house in case of emergency

1 Day Before Leaving:

  • Pack
  • Charge cell phone
  • Gas up car or confirm plane tickets
  • Pack snacks, drinks for the trip
  • Return library books or rented movies
  • Negotiate toys the kids can bring on the plane with them
  • Final pick up of house
  • Line up baby/booster seats near suitcases
  • Line up stroller near suitcases (wouldn’t want to forget that item!)
  • Water plants

Day of Trip:

  • Set lamp timers
  • Toss perishable food from fridge
  • Take out trash
  • Turn off water (We had a neighbor’s pipe burst once. Not a pretty scene.)

Walking Out the Door:

  • Set thermostat
  • Check locks on doors and windows
  • Unplug computer and TV
  • Make sure oven/stove is off (so I don’t ask myself later if I turned the oven off)

In addition to my check list, check out this Summer Travel Theft list. According to Allstate, computers, cameras and televisions are among the most stolen items when people leave their homes for vacation.

SUMMER TRAVEL THEFT INFOGRAPHIC

WHAT WOULD YOU ADD TO THIS LIST?

5 Comments

  1. Great checklist! I always try to make one before we leave on a trip 🙂

  2. Great list! We went on a 2 day trip and when I got back home realized that I didn’t lock the balcony door. Will definitely be pinning this for our next trip!

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