A Pre-Travel Checklist

You’re leaving for Disney World. As soon as you leave the house, you get that frantic feeling – did you remember to turn off the stove, set the alarm, feed the fish, etc?  If you’re anything like me, If I don’t write it down, it might not get done. So I’ve created an exhaustive checklist of things to do before you leave for a trip. Some of these are tasks you’ll want to start on a couple weeks ahead of time and some are things that can wait until right before. Download this list now so you can plan ahead:

• Check that you have the necessary forms of ID and they are current
• International travelers: make sure passport has at least 6 months left before expiration. Consider downloading the mobile passport app
• Refill prescriptions
• Arrange for someone pick up your mail or stop service
• Arrange for pet sitting or boarding
• Check that security system / cameras are working correctly
• Make sure someone has a key to get into the house in case of emergency
• If you bought new shoes, wear them around to break them in
• Print copies of reservations
• Print or screenshot dining reservations and Fastpasses
• Movies / music / books downloaded or purchased
• Pay any bills that might be due while you’re gone
• Notify banks and credit cards that you are traveling
• Get all laundry done
• Put clean sheets on your beds
• Clean out the fridge
• Program thermostat
• Program automatic lights
• Make sure windows are locked
• Water your plants
• Turn off water supply to the washer / disconnect hoses
• Put the trash out
• Fully charge your devices
• Unplug unnecessary appliances
• IF FLYING
• Check in for flights (24 hours ahead for Southwest)
• Print boarding passes
• Print coupons for airport parking
• IF DRIVING
• Car oil and filter changed, fluids topped off, tire pressure checked
• Buy snacks for the road
• Download driving apps like Waze and Road Ahead