Pre-Vacation Checklist to Ease the Stress of Returning Post-Vacation

For a relaxing ease back into life after vacation, skip the last-minute rush to get everything together before you leave. Take these steps to reduce the anxiety of coming home and jumping back into work. Check items off throughout the week before your departure to spread tasks out over time.

Week before vacation:

• Collect all unwashed clothing, blankets, sheets and towels and dedicate a day to catch up on laundry.
• Empty everything from your refrigerator. Throw out any foods that will expire before you return and deep clean the inside of your fridge with a bit of bleach and water. Re-organize condiments and other foods that will be okay during the duration of your absence.
• Write down a list of essentials you want to take on your trip. For an ocean getaway, add sunscreen, sunglasses, waterproof phone case and bathing suit. A trip to the mountains will call for bug spray, thick socks and a precautionary tube of Hydrocortisol for any accidental brushes with poison ivy.
• Pack all the things you want to bring with the exception of the tools you use daily that can be packed last.
• If you are catching a ride to the airport, schedule your ride ahead of time. This will ensure someone is there to pick you up on time, especially for an early morning flight.

Day before vacation:

• Vacuum and mop floors, tidy up items stored on top of your dresser and check your mailbox.
• Clean any dishes and wipe any remaining water out of the sink. Any water left sitting can attract pests while you are away.
• Go around to each room of your house to collect all trash.
• If flying, double check your boarding pass for the time patrons are being seated. The departure time is different than boarding so don’t be late!
• Set out an outfit for the next morning. No more not knowing where your shoes or belt are because it is all laid out.
• Get to bed at a decent time so you fully enjoy the next day without feeling like a zombie.