You can already feel the water lapping at your feet, a gentle ocean breeze and the sound of children playing, this evening you will enjoy a gorgeous dinner and fine wine – oh the serenity. OK before we get too carried away you should remember a few things before you pack the car and head to the coast this Easter. Preparation; little tasks you should do at least a week before you go.
- Cancel delivery services (ie newspapers)
- Arrange for Pet Care
- Inspect all windows, screen doors and check they lock, if not get them repaired.
- Inform your neighbours and give them your contact details (if you aren’t having a house sitter).
- Check your regular medications, do you need to arrange refills/repeats
- Ensure your rent and other bills have been taken care of, either paid in advance or have them taken care of.
- Arrange to have your mail collected (including junk mail).
- The Kitchen area can end up a disaster zone if you don’t give it some attention before you leave.
- Unplugging any unnecessary appliances.
- Reduce the temperature in your refrigerator.
- Clean out and remove perishable items from the refrigerator (it’s good to do this the day prior to garbage day).
- Empty all garbage bins (again before your garbage is due to be collected)
- Store food in the freezer to prevent spoilage.
- Run water through your garbage disposal unit – this can be the source of some very unpleasant odours if left unclean.
- Wash dishes or run the dishwasher and put the dishes away.
Personal Preparation; a few things that may avoid some “uh-oh” moments while you are away!
- Break in new shoes; especially if you plan on doing lots of walking/shopping.
- Purchase stamps in advance if you plan on sending post cards.
- Print address labels of people to send postcards to (lighter than taking your address book)
- Do a spot check of clothes you plan to take, do they need dry cleaning or repair?
- Gather books you want to read.
- Check video camera, digital camera, video games for the kids are all charged.
- Put all items for “holiday” in the spare room (if you have one), everything you see or think of something you want to take, put it in the room.
If you are traveling overseas:
- Update any personal identification so it contains current information.
- Pick up cash, travelers cheques and put them in a safe place.
- Set international roam on your mobile phone.
- Pack your mobile phone charger and an electrical power adapter.
- List your travel plans on the government website http://www.smarttraveller.com.au/
Security, the last thing you need is to worry that you haven’t locked the back door.
- Lock all windows and doors and remove any keys hidden outside the house.
- Turn on telephone answering machine, but don’t say you are on holidays!
- Set an out of office notice on your Email.
- Set lights, radio and TV on timers, make sure they are loud enough to be heard outside.
- Close blinds and curtains so no-one can see directly inside.
- Advise your “back to base” alarm company that you will be away.
If you need any assistance preparing for your holiday, give the team at Blair Lifestyle a call.
1 comment:
Great tips here!
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