How to Prepare Your Home with a Flight Travel Checklist

Traveling by air offers a great opportunity to explore new places, unwind, and experience different cultures. However, before you board the plane, there are a variety of things to consider, and ensuring that your home is prepared for your absence is essential. Whether you're going on a short business trip, a long vacation, or a spontaneous getaway, having a checklist to get your home in order before you leave is crucial. Not only does it provide peace of mind, but it also helps prevent problems from arising while you're away.

In this article, we will break down an extensive flight travel checklist to help you prepare your home before your trip. From securing your home to managing your bills and taking care of your pets, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to do before leaving.

Create a Detailed Travel Checklist

Before diving into specific preparations, it's important to create a general travel checklist that captures everything you'll need for your trip. This will serve as the foundation for your packing list and any tasks you need to complete at home.

Flight Travel Checklist

• Tickets and Passport: Ensure your flight tickets are confirmed, and your passport is valid. Take a copy of your passport in case of an emergency.
• Travel Insurance: Review and confirm your travel insurance to cover potential mishaps during your travels.
• Emergency Contact Information: Share your travel details with a trusted friend or family member, and exchange emergency contact info.
• Accommodation Details: Make sure you have your accommodation booked and confirm check-in times or any special instructions.

This checklist can evolve based on your destination and the duration of your trip. Now, let's dive into home preparations.

Secure Your Home

Securing your home should be your top priority before any trip. The last thing you want is to worry about your property being vulnerable while you're away. Here's what to check:

Lock All Doors and Windows

Ensure that all doors and windows are securely locked. Don't leave any windows open, even if it's just for ventilation. If you're unsure about the security of your windows, consider adding extra measures like deadbolts or security bars.

Alarm System

If you have an alarm system, make sure it is activated before you leave. Test it to ensure everything is functioning properly. Set up alerts that notify you (or someone you trust) if the alarm goes off while you're away.

Motion Sensors

Consider installing motion detectors or smart cameras around your home. These will alert you to any unusual activity, giving you peace of mind while you're away.

Neighbors or Trusted Friends

Notify a trusted neighbor, friend, or family member about your trip and ask them to keep an eye on your home. They can pick up mail, take out trash, and notify you if there are any issues.

Timer for Lights

Install timers for your lights so they turn on and off at different intervals. This gives the illusion that someone is home and deters potential burglars.

Manage Utilities and Appliances

Leaving appliances or utilities running while you're away can lead to unnecessary costs and even potential hazards. Here's what to do:

Turn Off Major Appliances

Before leaving, turn off all major appliances like the dishwasher, oven, washing machine, and any electronics you won't be using. Unplugging devices that draw standby power (such as chargers, TVs, and computers) can also save energy.

Water Systems

Turn off water valves to prevent any potential plumbing issues while you're away. If you're going on an extended trip, consider shutting off the water supply completely. You can also check the condition of any hoses, pipes, or sprinklers to ensure they aren't at risk of leaking.

Thermostat

Adjust your thermostat before you leave. In the winter, lower the temperature to save energy, but ensure that it's not so low that pipes could freeze. In the summer, raise the temperature to avoid excessive cooling costs, but leave the house cool enough to prevent humidity buildup.

Fridge and Freezer

If you are going away for an extended period, check the contents of your refrigerator and freezer. Dispose of perishable items that may expire while you're gone. In some cases, you might consider defrosting your freezer, particularly if you're leaving for a month or more.

Trash and Recycling

Take out the trash and recycling before you leave. You don't want to come back to a stinky house filled with leftover food and clutter. Arrange for someone to take out the trash on a weekly basis if you'll be away for longer periods.

Care for Your Plants

If you have indoor or outdoor plants, they will need attention while you're away. Here's how to ensure they survive without your care:

Watering Schedule

Set up a watering schedule or ask someone you trust to water your plants. If you're traveling for an extended period, you can also invest in a self-watering system or watering globes for your indoor plants.

Outdoor Plants

For outdoor plants, consider setting up a drip irrigation system to water them automatically. If you're leaving in the summer, ensure your plants are well-watered before you go.

Take Care of Your Pets

If you're leaving pets behind, planning their care in advance is essential. There are several options for ensuring they remain well cared for in your absence:

Pet Sitter or Boarding

Find a reliable pet sitter or boarding service to care for your pets. Schedule a meeting to ensure they understand the care routine, feeding schedule, and any special requirements. If your pet needs medication, make sure the sitter is prepared to administer it.

Pet Travel

If you're traveling with pets, make sure they have all necessary documents, such as vaccinations and health certificates. Consider their comfort during the flight and book a pet-friendly airline if necessary.

Notify Your Bank and Credit Card Companies

Before you leave, it's important to notify your bank and credit card companies that you'll be traveling. This will prevent them from flagging your accounts for suspicious activity.

Fraud Alerts

Set up travel alerts with your bank and credit card providers. This will notify them of any purchases you make while you're away and ensure that your cards aren't blocked.

Cash and Local Currency

If you're traveling abroad, make sure you have access to enough cash in local currency. Consider ordering some currency before you leave or withdrawing it at an ATM upon arrival.

Online Payments

If you have ongoing subscriptions or bills, set up automatic payments so you won't miss any due dates while you're away. Review your payment schedule and make any necessary adjustments before your departure.

Prepare Your Documents

Before heading to the airport, ensure that you have all necessary documents for your trip.

Travel Documents

Have your passport, visas, and any necessary tickets ready. Keep a physical and digital copy of all important documents. For peace of mind, store them in a waterproof folder or an encrypted digital file.

Medical and Health Insurance

Ensure you have travel insurance that covers both health and emergencies. Bring any necessary prescriptions with you, and make a list of emergency contacts in case something happens while you're abroad.

Clear Out Mail and Packages

One common sign that a home is vacant is a pile of mail or packages left on the doorstep. Ensure that your mailbox is cleared, and packages are either held or forwarded to a trusted friend.

Hold Mail

Contact your postal service to place a hold on your mail. This will prevent it from piling up and alerting others that you're not home. Alternatively, you can ask a neighbor to collect it for you.

Package Deliveries

If you're expecting packages, arrange for a neighbor or friend to receive them on your behalf. Many shipping companies also offer delivery instructions, allowing you to reroute packages to a more secure location.

Prepare for Emergencies

No one wants to think about emergencies while traveling, but it's essential to prepare for them. Having a contingency plan can save you time and stress if something goes wrong.

Emergency Contacts

Leave a list of emergency contacts with a trusted friend or family member. Include your flight details, accommodation information, and any other relevant travel information.

Backup Plans

Consider potential situations that might arise, such as a flight delay or missed connection. Have backup plans in place, including contact information for airlines or accommodation providers. In case of an emergency at home, ensure someone you trust has access to your house keys and can act on your behalf.

Final Walkthrough

Before you head out the door, take a final walkthrough of your home. Double-check that all appliances are turned off, windows and doors are locked, and everything is in order. A last-minute inspection can prevent mistakes and offer you peace of mind during your travels.

Conclusion

Preparation is key when it comes to traveling, and ensuring that your home is secure and well-maintained during your absence should be a priority. By following this comprehensive checklist, you'll reduce the risk of problems and enjoy your trip without worrying about your home. Whether you're traveling for business or leisure, these steps will give you the confidence to leave your house in the best possible condition. Safe travels!

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