Vacation Checklist - Before you go

You’re finally on that vacation you’ve been dreaming of all year and here you are scuba diving at 60 feet or looking down on the Grand Canyon when you begin to wonder if you locked the front door, or maybe you forgot to leave your neighbors a key so they could feed your pet. How difficult will it be to enjoy the rest of that moment?

A vacation checklist may help to prevent some of those anxieties that come up when you’re supposed to be having fun. Of course, everyone has different needs, but here is a sample checklist to get you started:

You can print this checklist using your normal print commands. You can also select the check boxes for the items you have already complete. This form will not remember your selections once you exit.

Arrange pet care.

Make reservations with a local pet “hotel.”

Deliver pets to the hotel as scheduled.

Arrange for a neighbor to care for them.

Give keys (or pet) to neighbor with pet-care instructions.

Give a copy of your travel plan (where you’re going, how to reach you) to:

If you have a monitored security system:

Make sure your emergency backup is not going with you on the trip.

Verify that your backup has the correct security codes and passwords.

Submit an “Authorization to Hold Mail” (PS Form 8076)

· Many zip codes are now eligible to complete a mail hold online at: https://holdmail.usps.com/duns/HoldMail.jsp

· Pick-up form at local Post Office, complete and leave with carrier or PO.

· Or save a trip to the Post Office and print form at http://www.usps.com/forms/_pdf/ps8076.pdf

“Cancel” newspapers (Many papers will donate your papers to a school or library, offer credit or deliver your saved papers upon your return.)

Contact Credit Card companies of the cards you are likely to use while on vacation. Let them know of your travel plans and ask about fees for currency conversion. You can find out about ATM locations where you can access your account without additional fees.

Install light timers as needed (It is not a good idea to leave lights on all the time if you do not normally do so, especially outside lights. This can be a signal that you are not at home.)

Water all indoor plants (Leave instructions if this is an item someone will be taking care of for you.)

AS YOU ARE JUST ABOUT TO WALK OUT THE DOOR!!

Set the water heater to the lowest setting (Some will have a setting labeled “vacation.” Setting it the lowest setting will keep you from having to relight it when you return.)

Turn off the water to the inside of your home (This will prevent major damage should a water leak occur inside your home. DO NOT turn off the entire water supply to your property, as your landscaping will not receive any water. Also be aware that if you turn off your electricity; your irrigation timers will also be affected.)

Lock all the doors and make sure everyone and their luggage is in the car and the garage door shuts when you drive away.

_________________________________________________________________

One last thing ….. NEVER pack your keys in any luggage that will be checked by airlines, etc. Should this luggage get lost or delayed you will find it extremely difficult to use your car or get into your home upon your return. Treat keys as you would prescription medications and any valuables.