How to to Prepare Your Home Before You Leave on Your Trip

• Water your houseplants and garden plants.
• Inspect your yard and secure any tools or ladders.
• Clear out your fridge and pantry of perishables.
• Ensure your pets have fresh food, water, and safe surroundings.
• Set timers for lights and notify your alarm company if you have a security system.
• Throw out the garbage
• Write down all emergency numbers, codes and important information for your housesitter 

Home Security:

• • Share your travel plans and a house key with a trusted neighbor or friend.
  • Program your thermostat (heat to prevent freezing pipes, AC to 85°F).
  • Unplug appliances and close blinds or curtains for security
  • Lock all windows and gates 

Trip Essentials:

• Double-check your boarding passes and itinerary to avoid date mix-ups.
• Pack your travel essentials, including chargers, toiletries, and travel-sized hair and skin products. 
• layout comfortable clothes to wear the day of your trip including shoes and compresssion stockings
• Charge up your cell phone, computer, e-reader and make sure you pack an extra cord. 
• Pack your keys, sunglasses, contacts and/or glasses, wallet, credit cards, ID and passport.
• Check your car’s gas level and fill up your tank the day before 

Finances and Documents:

• Notify your bank about your travel dates to prevent any issues with your cards.
• Photocopy important documents (passport, ID, travel insurance) and keep them separate from the originals.
• Set up an out-of-office email response if you use email for work.
• Pay any bills online. Setup Automatic payment of bills.

Health and Comfort:

• Get a good night’s sleep. Go to bed early so you are fully rested when you wake up. Shower the night before. 
• Keep hydrated 
• Don’t drink alcohol 
• Set your alarm with a backup second alarm so you don’t oversleep. 
• Set your coffee maker for fresh coffee in the morning 
• Set out your clothes, and pack compression stockings.
• For international trips, leave at least 3 hours early, depending upon your travel time to the international airport. This allows for unpredictable events such as highway construction, accidents, lack of parking, and other unforeseeable events. You can spend the unused extra time relaxing at the airport reading up on your exciting trip!