We just got back from being gone for a week to a horse show and I thought, this was the perfect time to share my top tips for preparing for a vacation. I have tips for preparing your home, packing, preparing arrangements for pets, garden prep tips and more. This list changes seasonally as obviously a summer trip tends to take more preparation for me than a winter trip on the garden front. Over the years, these tips have helped make my return to home and routine much easier. Here's how I get it all done.
Home
Cleaning - I clean my home periodically throughout the week, so it's usually not a huge mess before leaving town. I do make sure to wash the sheets the night before departure, so I come home to fresh-er linens and will not have to change the sheets immediately. I wipe down all of the counters, put out fresh towels, dust, vacuum and mop as needed. Staying on top of the cleaning on a regular basis greatly reduces my anxiety.
Laundry - The clothing I wear at work is not the same I wear on vacation. Some items cross paths, but generally I tend to all of the dirty laundry before departure. When I return, I have clean clothes for work and I only have the laundry from the trip to attend to.
Refrigerator - A week before leaving, I try to make a menu plan to use up any items that will go bad or expire while we are away. I do a refrigerator clean out on any remaining leftover items, so the refrigerator is fresh and ready for our return. I always make sure I have a quick fix meal in the freezer (pizza, skillet meal, etc.), so if we get back home late from vacation we have a plan for dinner!
Dishes - Turn the dishwasher on the night before departure and make every effort to put away those dishes the morning I am set to leave. At a bare minimum, run the dishwasher and crack the door ajar so that the clean dishes and dishwasher to not mold while you're away.
Trash - Do not forget to take out all of the household trash before leaving.
Mail and Packages - Arrange for the post office to hold your mail or have a trusted friend or relative gather these items for you. I try to stop ordering things right before we leave to avoid a wave of packages delivered in our absence.
Vehicle - If your vehicle will be at home or parked while you're away, fill it up with fuel before leaving. This makes your transition back to work on a "Monday" so much easier if you don't have to stop for gas.
Pets
Boarding - If you're boarding your pets or arranging for a sitter, make those arrangements in advance. Space tends to book quickly around the holidays.
Traveling w/ Pets - If you're taking your pets with you, I find it easier to pack their own bag. Include their food, collars, leashes, medications, treats, food and water dishes, and beds. Check with any place you may be going such as a hotel, state park etc., for any special requirements.
As always, remember to put a collar on your pet with your contact information or microchip them.
Livestock
As I have horses, I have to arrange for someone to stop by to feed and check on them. I install a timer on my water trough to turn on for 15 minutes a day to make sure they have water. The person stopping by will also check water, but should they forget, at least the water is filled. I also use a VERY large trough, so in the event the timer fails, they still have plenty of water.
Gardens
Vegetable Garden - I do a thorough wedding before leaving, so the weed pressure is not bad after I return. I also fertilize and do any routine insecticide treatment before leaving. As with the livestock, I put my garden water on a timer to make sure it's watered well while I am away. The person checking my horses, get free picking from the garden as an extra perk!
Flowers - The same routine is followed for the flower beds, except I do not have a timer for the beds. I water the flower beds and pots really well before departure. If the weather is really hot, I'll use a water globe in my potted plants for extra hydration.
Packing Tips
Packing Cubes - Packing cubes are a wonderful tool to keep your suitcase organized. They also help keep clothes tidy and wrinkle free. If you unpack in your hotel or RV they also make that transition so much easier.
Clothes - Always check the weather of your destination and pack accordingly. Count the number of days including travel so you'll pack the right amount of clothes. Consider any special outings and don't forget those special pieces (swimwear and coverups, formal wear, hiking boots, ski googles, etc.)
Heath and Beauty - I learned from Mix and Match Mama the beauty of taking a travel toothbrush and travel loofas. I find these items in the travel section of HEB or Wal-Mart. Use them on vacation and then toss them either on the last vacation day or when you get home. There's so much ick in a hotel room that I feel better tossing these items after use. Keep a list of items you plan to use the morning of departure (medication, contact lens cases, phone charges, favorite pillows, etc.) and don't forget to pack those items!
Food - If you're traveling in an RV or living quarters horse trailer as we often do, food to stock the refrigerator and pantry on the road is a must. I prepare some easy meals for the trip like chili and cookies so I don't have to cook and do as many dishes on the road. Items such as water, soda, chips, sandwich supplies, appetizers and more I order for curbside grocery pickup. I unload my curbside order directly into the horse trailer refrigerator! Easy peasy!
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