Vacation here we come! So you’ve been counting down the days for your day in the sun, but before you put your vacation party pants on, you might want to make sure everything is checked off this list!

(Click image to download printable checklist.)

The week before

• ask someone to take care of pets (don’t forget to give them the key!)
• ask someone to pick up your mail
• call bank and credit cards to advise of travel plans
• make copies of passports to put in checked luggage
• print itinerary
• charge camera batteries and erase memory cards
• pay bills that are due while you’re gone
• mow the lawn
• set light timers
• refill prescriptions
• set up email/voicemail vacation messages

If you’re feeling super organized

• put dinner in the freezer for when you get back
• do the laundry
• change the sheets
• put dishes away in dishwasher
• wipe down counter
• pick up room by room
• vacuum

 Bon voyage day

• leave food and water for your pets
• empty out things that will go bad in the fridge
• take out the trash
• run the dishwasher
• run the garbage disposal
• water your plants
• raise or lower the thermostat (depending on the weather)
• lower shades
• shut down the computer
• unplug small appliances (toaster, coffee pot,
• lock all the doors and windows

NOW put your party pants on and go! And send me a postcard.

Travel series

Travel part 1: Before vacation checklist
Travel part 2: Light packing travel clothes for mom
Travel part 3: Light packing travel clothes for toddler boy
Travel part 4: Luca & Adri’s trip to Italy
Travel part 5: What NOT to do traveling overseas with a toddler
Travel part 6: Plane pack list for toddler & baby

Cover photo: Freepik