Nine Things to Check before Traveling for a Week

You’re going on a trip, and it can be exciting. You’re finally going on that well-deserved vacation, and while your thoughts are occupied about finally lounging under the sun beside the sea or that life-changing trek you’re sure will change you, it is important to remember the things you will be leaving at home. No one wants to come home from a blissful getaway to find the house in a mess or with bills unpaid or, worse, having a home ransacked by thieves.

Face it. No one wants that. There are a lot of things you need to keep in mind so you can enjoy your adventure without worries. Here are essential things you need to check before going on your adventure.

Give/Throw Away Perishable Items

It may not be something of a priority for many people, but do you really want to come home and find your fridge filled with rotten food? If the answer is no, then give or throw away perishable foodstuff like leftovers and even fruits and veggies that will go bad in a week’s time. Better yet, plan to completely empty your fridge before you leave so you can turn it off completely to save electricity.

Have Someone Keep an Eye

It’s always good to make friends with neighbors, not only because it’s a decent thing to do but also because you can ask them to watch your house or apartment for you. You can even ask them to collect or hold all your mail for you.

If you’re really good friends with them and you have pets, you can even ask them to look after them as well. Be sure to leave your contact information in case they have to keep in touch with you.

Unplug Everything

Remember the fridge? Do the same thing for all your appliances as well. Make sure to double-check so you can leave your home without worries. Consider doing this to your water and gas line too.

Check for Leaks

It’s also a good idea to check for water leaks in your bathroom and any room that has a faucet in it. If you’re using ancient toilet fixtures and you feel like you’re trying to resolve problems with it for forever, consider getting a macerating toilet like Sanibest Pro. Upflush toilets have a discharge system that includes a macerator or grinder that breaks down solid waste. You’ll never have to deal with overflow or leakage again since these toilets use less water than standard ones do.

Clean/Take Out the Trash

Do not go home dreading the laundry and dishes after a wonderful vacation, so clean your place before leaving. Make sure you take out the trash when you’re done. While it’s a part of cleaning, you’re also making sure that pests aren’t making themselves at home while you’re not.

Close Windows/Curtains/Doors

If you don’t have a friend who will house-sit for you, it is wise to keep everything closed. Do this especially for rarely used or hard-to-reach windows and other entryways. Double-check all possible entry points in your home or apartment to make sure that nothing is unlocked.

Photocopy Important Documents

This pertains to all travel documents you will be taking with you on your vacation. If you’re going to a place that needs a visa and you need to photocopy a passport, for example, you don’t need to find a copier machine because you have copies on hand. Additionally, leave a copy of your itinerary to a trusted friend or a family member.

Secure Important Items

If you’re taking a long flight or a road trip and you expect to sit somewhere for a really long time, it is highly likely that you will need a separate bag other than the luggage where you store your clothes and toiletries. A separate handbag, carry on, or a weekender bag is perfect for this.

If you’re a frequent traveler, consider investing in a leather weekend bag because it’s spacious, sturdy, and stylish. You can expect to use it again and again for its purpose on its own for when you’re traveling for just a few days or as a separate bag to keep all your in-flight items and personal stuff.

Check Weather and Alerts

It’s good to be vigilant all the time, so make it a point to check the weather and look out for any alerts in the area you will be visiting. If worse comes to worst, a canceled trip is better than a dangerous one.

Double-Check Everything

If you are living alone, it’s best to double-check that everything is secured and you have everything lined up for your trip. It is recommended to make a checklist so you won’t forget anything.

What are your priorities and the things you always need to do before traveling or being away from home for a week? Share your advice in the comments.

Photo URL: https://unsplash.com/photos/VVgVlH1D10U

Olivia Watson

Olivia is a world traveler who has been to 27 countries in just over 15 years. She loves to share her knowledge of traveling to help others travel safer, cheaper and have more fun.
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