Most people, especially families with children on holidays like to spend some time away from home (vacation); visiting locations in other parts of the country or outside the continent. Sure, everyone knows to pack all they will need and lock up their house before they leave for the trip, but there are a few other important things too that people tend to forget to do.

 

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Make a checklist of things you need and double check it

Before you start packing, it is important to make a list of all the things you need for the trip so you can check them out as you pack them in. The list should include things like passport, tickets, confirmation numbers, money, emergency contact numbers, prescriptions, itinerary, e.t.c. Take time (like a few days or even a week before the trip) to build up the list; that way you can remember all items needed.

Pay off your bills and schedule payments

You do not want to come back from the trip to a house without electricity, water, or even find a notice on your door. Ensure that you pay for any bills that may be due, that way you don’t have to worry about it while you are away. From Rent to Car loan Payments, Insurance, Internet Services and various other utilities, ensure you pay ahead or visit your bank to schedule automated payment.

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Make copies of important items

Even if you have a digital copy of your credentials, be sure to have paper copies of your passport and credit cards with you, in case you lose them on your trip or there is a need for you to leave your documents for some reason.

Alert your bank or credit card provider

Most people overlook this. It is important you call and inform your bank or credit card provider of your trip, especially if you will be travelling out of the country; so that they expect to see some international charges and they monitor your account and alert you when they see unusual activities.

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Clean out Your Wallet

Don’t just pack your wallet into your bag like that. Ensure you look through it, empty it and sort out the contents. Be sure to take out any extra credit cards, reward cards and cash you will be needing for the trip. That way, your wallet is nice and light and you also do not lose anything you did not even need to use during the trip in the first place if you lose your wallet.

Create an automated email response

This is very important for those who own businesses. Do not forget to create an automated email response or even a personalized voicemail telling people that you are out of town and even offering them an alternative means to reach you. Even if you plan on keeping up with correspondence, it is important you still set this response as it relieves you of the pressure to answer quickly and reduce the number of emails you get.

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Unplug and switch off all electronics

This is very important. To reduce the risk of any electrical accident, remember to turn everything off or even better, unplug them, to conserve energy and money.

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Clean out your fridge and dust bin

You really do not want to come back to a maggot infested dust bean or spoilt food in the fridge as you cannot be sure of power supply to the fridge while away. Depending on how long you are away, clean out every perishable from the fridge and empty your dustbin. Do not just tie it in nylon and leave it at the gate, ensure the waste management company picks the dirt bag up before you travel.

Turn off all water supply

Make sure you turn off every water supply to your washing machines, kitchen taps, showers, and toilets; that way you avoid possibilities of flooding while you are away.

Arrange a neighbor to keep an eye

No matter how well you lock your house and follow all safety measures, it is essential that you inform your neighbours you will be away and if possible, ask one of them to keep an eye on your property; either to help you take care of your pets and plants, to move cars in event of fire or other emergencies or to check doors, rear of the house occasionally to see if any unexpected packages or door hashtags were left.

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