Nothing is better than getting away for a week or two (or even a long weekend!), especially during the summer. While you may have created your packing list—and are checking it twice—we’re already thinking about your return home. Extend the rest and relaxation of your vacation by doing these 5 things before you head out the door.
Put Things on Hold
Nothing says “I’m not home” more than a pile of newspapers or mail by your front door. Contact your local newspaper to put a vacation hold on your daily delivery and also jump on the USPS website to request a hold on your mail. This gives you a little more time to ease back into reality without being overwhelmed by paper and envelopes.
Clean Your Fridge
To avoid coming home to a not-so-vacation-like smell, clean out your fridge of any perishable items. This is also a good time to just do a quick overall fridge clean (get tips here) and perhaps freeze a meal you can prepare on your first night back home. Do not forget to take out the trash once the fridge is clean–those wonderful perishable items you took out of the fridge will smell even worse after sitting in a trashcan all week.
Do the Wash
In addition to getting all you laundry done (including folded and put away), you also will want to wash your sheets. “We often don’t think about washing our sheets before we leave, but there’s nothing more inviting than a fresh bed after we get back from our weary travels,” writes PopSugar.
Unplug—Literally
While you are headed out to do a little unplugging of your own, be sure to unplug and turn off everything at home. This includes lights, electronics, computers and garage door openers. Yes, garage door openers—should someone break into your garage, they may also be able to get into your home. Click here for some tips on how to secure your garage door.
Toss Baking Soda Down Your Drains
BrightNest suggests sprinkling a little baking soda in your toilet bowl and drains before heading out the door to “avoid being greeted by the nasty stench of stagnant water” when you get home. In addition, flush vinegar through your garbage disposal before you leave.
Of course, the best way to transition back into the real world from your vacation, is to come home to a clean house. Consider hiring a cleaning company to do a fresh clean a day or two before your return–or, schedule it for your first day back.
Talk to us: What is the one thing you always do before you leave for vacation?
image courtesy of flickr CC/Thomas Beck