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10-30 Days Before Departure
- Packing List: Download or create a gear list appropriate for your trip and activities
- Pets: Arrange pet care; plan far ahead for pet boarding
- School: Prearrange absences for children
- Luggage: Ensure luggage is sufficient for the needs of the upcoming trip
- Vehicle: Schedule pre-trip maintenance
5-7 Days Before Departure
- Meetings: Reschedule appointments; notify others of your absence in advance
- Prescriptions: Ensure your supply matches or exceeds the duration of your trip
- Support: Leave a copy of your trip plan/itinerary with a friend
- Books: Pick up a guidebook, paperback some magazines and/or load your electronic device
- Bills: Check due dates for bills; pay early if payment is due before you return
2-4 Days Before Departure
- Deliveries: Suspend/postpone any scheduled deliveries
- Mail: Suspend mail delivery or arrange with a neighbor to collect it
- Yard: Mow lawn or arrange for it to be mowed (and plants watered)
- Trash: Arrange for a neighbor to put the trash out for you
- Lights: Set automatic timers at different times throughout the house
- Batteries: Charge rechargeables (for camera, laptop, headlamp, etc)
- Documents: Organize paperwork (tickets, passports, maps, permits, etc) in one location
- Reservations: Reconfirm reservations (plane, hotel, campsite)
- Weather: Check forecast for the destination, adjust packing list accordingly
- Begin packing: Organize what you can ahead of time
1 Day Before Departure
- Refrigerator: clear out perishables
- Office: Display a note for coworkers of your return date
- Computer: Set out-of-office automated response
- Check-in: Use online check-in for flights, hotels, etc
Day of Departure
- Plants: Water inside and outside
- Heating/cooling: reduce thermostat and water heater settings, raise air conditioner setting
- Electricity: Unplug any non-essential or idle devices
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