Things to do before going away on a trip
- Ask a neighbour to collect your mail, or have it held at the post office
- Organise security systems, eg. have a radio, TV and/or lights on automatic timer
- Work out what to do about plants (do they need to be watered?)
- Write a packing list
- Use up perishable food prior to your departure and then clean out the fridge on the day you leave
- Take photocopies of all documents and leave a copy with a trusted source who could fax or email them to ou in an emergency
- Pay as many bills in advance as possible so that there is less stress when you get home about the finances
- Put out rubbish (there's nothing worse than coming home to festering bins!)
- Charge phone, camera and laptop batteries, and remember to pack chargers and plug converters (if going overseas)
- Put clean sheets on the bed and fresh towels in the bathroom - it's lovely to come home to new linen.
..And what to do once you get back
- Unpack everything - put it away in the right spot or in the washing machine
- Buy groceries
- Water plants
- Fill car up with petrol
- Collect your mail and ensure all bills and urgent items are attended to
- Download, edit, label and circulate photos
- Send "thank you" cards or emails, if appropriate, for travel-related activities
- Get ready to go back to work.
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