Summer holidays are just around the corner. When planning your next trip, don’t forget about all the things you need to 
do to get ready at home. Enlist your nanny or babysitters in helping with the preparations. And use this handy check list to remember to get it all done!
Prepare your house:
_______Turn off thermostats
_______Set up timers on your lights
_______Water plants and put them in cool places
_______Take out the trash
_______Empty the dishwasher and washing machine
_______ Stop the newspaper & hold the mail
_______Unplug appliances (i.e. toaster) and computers
_______ Organise a pet sitter
_______Ask your nanny or babysitter to check on the house while you are gone
_______Leave contact details so you can be reached in emergency
Prepare your documents and services for the trip:
_______Make sure all identity cards (drivers licenses, passports) are up to date
_______Remove items from your wallet that you will not need when away.
_______Put the number for your airline in your phone as well as your ticket confirmation code
_______Tell your credit card companies and bank that you will be away
_______Write down the number for your credit cards in case they are lost or stolen
_______Take photographs of all your important paperwork so you have copies (like passports)
_______Ensure you have your medical insurance information
_______Check to see if your cell phone carrier has a package for the country of your destination
_______ Don’t tweet or Facebook a lot about your absence whilst you are gone
Prepare for your return:
_______Write down the place you parked you car in long term parking
_______Throw out fresh flowers, milk in the fridge – anything that will go bad while you are away
_______Put some readymade meals in the freezer so you have something to eat when you get home
_______Arrange to have your lawn cut when you are away
_______Sprinkle baking soda in sinks and toilets to avoid bad odours
_______Pay bills that will come due while you are away
_______Put fresh sheets on the bed
And don’t forget to have a great trip!