Alarm Service – inform service of travel plans, dates and contact name for emergencies
Appliances – turn all off or unplug them to save electricity
Bills – pay outstanding bills, prepay bills due while away, arrange for someone else to pay (if necessary)
Computer – back up computer and store in safety deposit box or off site
Credit Card Issuers – inform issuers that you are traveling and dates
Documents – leave with someone the following documents: photocopies of passport, birth certificates and travelers cheques; credit card numbers; detailed itinerary including airplane flights and hotel reservation info; lawyer’s and doctor’s contact info; location of will, power of attorney and personal directive; insurance company name and contact info
Doors and Windows – check to make sure all doors and windows are locked and secure
Drains – pour water in all drains so they do not dry out and create odor
Fireplace – secure
Flights – confirm flights and print boarding passes
Garbage – throw all garbage out
Growing things – arrange to have lawn cut, outdoor and indoor plants watered
House – arrange for someone to come into the house to check it, leave house keys with this person
Jewelery – take to safety deposit box
Legal Matters – give someone power of attorney, tell someone where important documents and wills are located
Light Timers – set up light timers to make it look like someone is at home
Mail – suspend or forward mail delivery or arrange for someone to pick it up
Newspaper – stop paper delivery
Pets – arrange for care for pets
Refrigerator – reduce/eliminate foods that will spoil
Ride to Airport – arrange for a ride or taxi to/from airport, or use airport parking
Sinks and Toilets – clean to make sure nothing grows while away
Snow – arrange to have someone shovel and leave footprints on sidewalks, stairs and driveways
Taps – turn all taps off and check for dripping
Thermostat – turn down, but if it is winter, make sure house is still warm (15 C) to prevent pipes freezing
Vehicles – cancel insurance if away long enough, maintain fire and theft