Today’s HOME Spun Wisdom - August 1, 2006 Before you head out on your summer vacation, read this list of things to do at home
RISMEDIA, August 1, 2006—A little research and planning before you go on a trip can go a long way to insure you’ll have a safer, more economical and enjoyable time when you’re away. A little preparation will also help to keep your property safe while you’re traveling. But, who can remember all the little details when you’re rushing to get away? The following list from www.freetraveltips.com can help you find the resources you need for planning and remind you of all those little details so you can relax and enjoy your travels.
ONE DAY BEFORE
Pay bills that will come due while you are away.
Walk around with your packed luggage to evaluate your comfort with the weight of the luggage.
Move houseplants away from direct sunlight, water thoroughly and wrap pots with plastic. Most plants can then live without further watering for two weeks.
Empty the refrigerator of items that might spoil.
Cancel or hold your newspaper delivery.
Fill the car with gas before you pack the car. Check the fluid levels and tire pressure, since your tire pressure will affect the ride and gas mileage you get on your trip.
You might want to turn your refrigerator to its lowest setting.
Set automatic light and radio timers. Check the bulbs to see if they will last for your entire trip.
THINGS TO DO THE DAY YOU LEAVE
Turn water heater down to the lowest setting.
Turn your air conditioner up in summer. You want to reduce your bills, but you may have to keep the house from getting too hot to protect your pets and electronics.
Turn your heat down or off in spring or fall. Be sure to leave the house warm enough in the winter. You may want to reduce your bills, but you may need to keep the house from getting too cold to protect your pets and water pipes.
Leave shades or drapes as you normally do.
Plug a cheap radio into a timer so you can have some noise in the house during part of the day.
Lock all doors and windows including basement & garage.
Unplug electronic items, such as, your computer to protect them if you have a storm while you’re gone. Remember to unhook your phone line from the modem. Unfortunately, you may have to leave it all hooked up if your computer is your only answering machine. Make sure your surge protectors are properly installed.
Pack the car inside the garage, with the door down, so people driving by won’t find out you’re leaving.
Disconnect the garage door. Unplug it if you can, don’t pull the fuse for the garage door until you verify the fuse isn’t hooked up to something that needs to stay on, such as, your refrigerator or maybe a freezer in the garage. |
