This post was written by me in partnership with Westbury Toyota.
The summer comin’… I’m the first one standin’ in line. Why, yes, yes I am quoting (actually singing) a line from the old 90’s song by Clint Black, Summer’s Comin’! That song gets stuck in my head every summer and this year it’s lodged itself in there early. I’m already anticipating the outdoor summer fun my family will have, our annual trip to the mountains, and maybe even a quick trip to the beach.
Along with the long-anticipated summer vacation comes the necessary – boring – uneventful preparation. You don’t want to get to your beach house and wonder if you forgot to take the trash out and worry that you’ll home home to a house that smells rotten. With all the excitement that comes with hitting the road it’s important to remember to tie up some loose ends so you can fully relax later. Remember the movie Home Alone? Don’t let that happen to you. No child left behind!
1. Bring skin protection
Pack sunscreen, bug repellent, sunglasses, first-aid kit (or at least band-aids), pain relievers, and a hat. Don’t forget the basics.
2. Stop the mail
This tip is particularly important for longer trips or if you’re someone who gets a lot of packages. The U.S Postal Service even has an online request form for the hold mail service that keeps your mail while you’re away.
3. Set up an OOO reply
Take advantage of your email’s auto-respond feature and set up a short and sweet out of office reply so that those who email you will know you’re away from your computer for a few days.
4. Bring your power chargers
Actually, it might be a good idea if you skip this one and intentionally leave all electronic devices at home. However, if you want to have a working electronic gadget, don’t forget and leave your charger at home!
5. Close your curtains
This keeps nosey neighbors from peeking in.
6. Don’t forget upcoming bills
You’ll want to pay any upcoming bills before you leave town. The last thing you want to find when you return from a relaxing vacation is a late fee.
7. Make copies
Make copies of all the important information you need to have on you. Possibly passports, credit card information, itineraries, confirmation numbers, insurance cards, and emergency medical information. Having a copy of important information can be helpful in case you run into problems. You might also want to give a copy of your itinerary to a close friend who might need to reach you in case of an emergency.
8. Tidy up before you leave
It’s a good idea to take out the trash and recycling before you leave your home. Making your bed, emptying the sink of dirty dishes, and straightening the house will be extra work now but it will allow you to walk in from your relaxing vacation smiling. There’s no reason to be stressed upon your arrival home!
9. Get your car a tune up
Go to your dealership and make sure your car is up to date. Make sure there aren’t any recalls and your oil is changed.
10. Fill up the tank
Last but not least, fill up your car with snacks and fill up your gas tank with gas.
Did I leave anything off? If I did please include it in the comments below.
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