Getting ready to leave
Photo: meesh from washington dc, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Getting ready to leave your home for a longer trip can require significant preparation.
If you have time to spare on the days before your journey, you can make both the transportation, the stay at your destination and your homecoming more enjoyable. Parting is such sweet sorrow
that I shall say goodnight till it be morrow.
CleaningIf you have time, clean the house. You will find it much nicer to come home to a clean house, and it makes things easier for anybody checking up on the place.
Household arrangementsCheck your home insurance policy.
Health and body careWhile a farewell party or "one for the road" might be enjoyable, travel with a hangover is usually a terrible experience.
PetsIf you have one or more pets, you will have to decide whether to take them with you or to leave them at home.
Local servicesFor a longer trip, consider stopping or suspending services:
Last-minute tasks" asked Mr."Alas!""Very well, young man," returned Mr." In hot weather, turn the air conditioning system off or to a higher temperature.
SecurityEmpty homes are often targeted by thieves. Contact your police department to let them know that you will be gone (if that is local practice). Consider putting lights on timers.
HousesittersA housesitter is a person who lives in your home while you are gone. It might be a friend or family member, a professional house sitter, or someone who is visiting your area.
Plan for your returnWhen you return from your trip, you may be tired and hungry. Before you go, make the bed, and make sure that you have some basic, non-perishable food in the house.
See also
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Getting ready to leave" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: meesh from washington dc, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons