09 January 2014

How to prepare your space for a long vacation


We are leaving in a couple of hours to head off to the mountains for some much needed vacation after the busy holidays.  We have booked a room in a hotel lodge and I can't wait to write about it when we get back!  We were originally booked for just a few nights but I realized we only go up at least once a year, we might as well stay a bit longer and enjoy the cold weather.

Here are a few things I do to prepare our space for a (relatively) long absence to ensure a stress-free homecoming:

1. Wash the dishes
So, you decided to eat before leaving, make sure that you've washed the dishes and put them in your cupboards.  You don't want stinky dishes on your kitchen sink when you arrive from a holiday or worse, washing them when you should be winding down.

2. Get rid of food that will expire when you're gone
Top of the list would be milk and dairy products, fresh fruit juice, vegetables and fruit.  You don't want to open the fridge and get a whiff of expired food products.

3. Take the garbage out

4. Do your laundry  
Coming home from a long vacation, also means coming home with clothes that need to be washed when you get home.  So try not to overwhelm yourself by emptying your laundry basket and deal with your laundry days before you leave.

5. Change your sheets and make your bed
I think with any long trip, when you finally get closer to your home, you start imagining a relaxing rest after a long trip.  I certainly love coming home to a well made bed with crisp, clean sheets.  It feels like my bed just welcomed me back.  Haha!

6. A place to unpack
Coming home to uncluttered space after a vacation is so visually relaxing. Since, we have limited space, there is an area where we park all the stuff we've brought back from our trip and make sure we deal with them as soon as we get home.  Then, we can finally relax.  

7. Stock up on essentials
Make sure you have your basic home essentials stocked when you get home (toilet paper, laundry detergent, bath products, etc.).  Who wants to run to the grocery after a long trip after realizing you don't have certain home essentials at home?

8. Unplug and don't forget to switch off the lights
Unplug all your appliances before leaving the house and switch of all the lights before leaving.  I do second round to check before finally locking the door.   

9. Make sure your issued checks have funding and pay your bills on time
Go to the bank a few days before you leave to fund your issued checks and pay the bills that have arrived.  You don't want any unwanted surprises when you get home.  If you have enrolled your bills in online banking that is the best, paying incoming bills while on the road will make life so much easier.

How do you guys get ready for a trip?

PS - I'm leaving my online space for a few days but I am excited to tell you about new discoveries and old favorites when I get back.  In the meantime, you can follow my mini adventures on instagram @Tina.Villa

The weekend is almost here, I hope you all have a good one!   
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