Saturday, June 13, 2009

Get organized for your summer vacation

Now that summer is in full swing, you’re probably ready to hit the road, whether it’s a family reunion weekend, a trip to the beach, or a road trip in the van with the kids. Here are some checklists to help make your vacation a relaxing and memorable time. By planning ahead, you will avoid the stresses associated with missing or forgotten items.

This is the first of a series of blogs on getting ready for vacation. The first step in getting organized for a vacation is taking care of everything at home:


BEFORE YOU GO—THE HOUSE
· Notify post office that you will be out of town—complete a Hold Mail form
· Notify newspapers to hold delivery
· Arrange for someone to watch the house, pets and plants
· Notify local police that you will be out of town—many towns offer a vacation watch service
· Put your house in order, change the bed linens and do the laundry—you’ll appreciate returning to a clean house and clean clothes
· Print out driving directions (www.randmcnally.com)
· Buy snacks and drinks for the road
· Give itinerary to at least one family member and friend/neighbor
· Place some lights on timers
· Unplug small appliances
· Set air conditioner to higher temp, or turn off
· Make sure freezer door is closed

BEFORE YOU GO—THE CAR
· Take car in for servicing—check fluid levels
· Have oil changed in car
· Check tire pressure, and condition of tires
· Make sure all lights are working properly
· Clean out unnecessary items from trunk

Check in next week for part 2--Packing

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