Before You Go...

• Confirm your airline reservations 2 days before departure
  
• Stop deliveries (newspapers, mail, water etc.)
  
• Have Post Office hold mail
  
• Arrange for care of pets
  
• Plan for care of garden, plants, lawn
  
• Set up a timed lighting system
  
• Leave house key with trusted neighbor or relative
  
• Empty refrigerator of anything that may go bad
  
• Take out garbage
  
• Turn off lights
  
• Unplug appliances
  
• Turn down thermostat or turn off heat / air conditioning
  
• Turn off water heater
  
• Store valuables in safe deposit or safe place
  
• Lock all doors and windows
  
• Leave appropriate message on answering machine
  
• Learn how to retrieve messages from another phone
  
• Leave schedules, keys and instructions for housesitter
  
• Take measures to reduce risk of frozen pipes in the winter
  
• Set window shades, blinds or drapes for a lived-in look
  
• Only mention plans to people you completely trust
  
• Make good-bye calls
  

View more articles, lists, questions or destination ideas.