LEAVE YOUR WORRIES BEHIND

VACATIONS ARE A GREAT ESCAPE, BUT THERE IS MUCH PLANNING TO BE DONE BEFORE YOU CAN GET AWAY.

Not only do you need to book the trip and finalize all the details, you have to take care of business on the home front. Here are a few prevacation planning tips to make certain you have a smooth departure.

PLAN FOR YOUR PETS 1.

If your pets are not going with you on vacation, you need to find a safe and happy place for them while you are away. If you don’t know of a place, call your vet. They can typically give you recommendations or they may provide pet boarding themselves.

BE A RESPONSIBLE NEIGHBOR Grass grows rapidly in the summer. Just before you leave, make sure your lawn is cut and hedges are trimmed. You don’t want to come home to a suburban jungle and frowning neighbors. You may even inform your trusted neighbors that you will be away, and ask them to keep an eye on your home.

GET A HOUSE SITTER 2. 3.

Getting a house sitter can be a great idea. A house sitter can care for your pets, eliminating the need for boarding. They can check your mail so it doesn’t overflow the mailbox. They may even be really helpful and keep the lawn up. GET YOUR PRESCRIPTIONS FILLED If you have any daily supplements are medications that you must take, get these filled before your vacation nears. This will be one less worry when you are packing and planning.

TAKE THE GARBAGE OUT It is always a good idea to take the garbage out before you leave, otherwise you will come home to a stinky, critterinviting house. If you have a house sitter, make sure they know when neighborhood garbage day is.

SECURE THE FORT Be certain to pick up toys and valuables from public view and stow them away. Some even choose to leave an outdoor or indoor light on so the home is not completely dark. Turn on security lights and your home security system.

MAKE A HANDY LIST 4. 5. 6. 7.

There is so much to remember when packing for vacation. Inevitably, important must-haves get forgotten. But, that does not have to be the case. Sit down and plan out a complete list of everything needed for each family member. This will make certain you don’t forget a toothbrush.

PACK THIS! PAD Editor’s Pick

from KnockKnockStuff.com: “Whether you’re coming or going, the remedy for pretrip chaos and forgotten toiletries is here. An exhaustive checklist of everything you could ever need on a trip, this organizational tool will help even the most forgetful to arrive and depart fully equipped.”

Visit Knock Knock’s website for more fun and clever products!

Show us your packing list! Use #inspirehealthmag