Worry-Free Getaway

Tackle these 6 to-dos before you leave and your great escape will be truly great

Some people call me paranoid. I've backtracked home more than once to make sure I didn't leave the oven on-even though I hadn't cooked in days. And while such detours have made me late for work on more than one occasion, at least as I sat in front of my computer, I had peace of mind that my house wasn't going to burn down.

My paranoia only worsens when I go on vacation. Incessant questions plague my mind: Did I leave instructions for the dog walker? Did I remember to stop the newspaper? Did I leave the garage door open?

Chances are you've experienced thoughts like these, too; it's natural to worry. But even one niggling "Did I …?" can haunt your vacation and prevent you from really relaxing.

The good news is there are steps you can take to help ensure a paranoia-free vacation. Here's how.

List It Out

OK, so making a to-do list is nothing new, but it's too important not to mention. Lists are imperative for making sure everything gets done before you go away. Instead of just jotting down the "what," also include "who" and "when." So rather than simply "Give neighbor a house key," write "John to give neighbor a house key Friday." Once complete, give copies of the list to your fellow travelers and let them take responsibility for their duties. Don't shoulder all of the going-away action items.

Make a Call-or Three

If you're going away for more than a couple of days, consider having your mail and newspaper deliveries stopped. Contact the paper's automated line and let them know you'd like your services suspended. You can temporarily halt your mail online at usps.com-just click the "Household" tab at the top of the home page. It's still a good idea to have a friend or neighbor check in, in case special deliveries arrive and to pick up any solicitations.

Also, give your local security patrol or neighborhood block-watch program a heads-up you'll be out of town so they can help keep an eye on your place.

Wrap Up at Work

Minimize the impulse to check your e-mail while away by making arrangements for backup. "Figure a way to shut things off, stall them or pass them along to someone else while you're not there," suggests Michael MacNair, president and CEO of MacNair Travel Management and author of The Power of Dream Trips (2009). "Establish procedures and cross-train other employees so that work can continue while you're gone, and you don't come back to a mess."

Tidy Up

Your house will likely get in a state of disarray while you're packing for a trip, but straighten it up before you leave. Coming back to an orderly home can help reentry seem more manageable. You don't have to polish the silver and scrub the floors before you go, just do some spot cleaning. Make the bed, put dishes away and clear off the countertops.

Also, consider scheduling regular cleaning, landscaping or home maintenance services for the day before you return. That way, everything will look nice when you get back.

Leave Information Behind

Give your house-sitter and a trusted friend or family member a copy of your itinerary and contact information in case they need to reach you. Make copies of your important travel documents, such as your driver's license, passport, flight information and hotel reservations. Take one copy with you and leave the other copy at home. If you should lose any of these items, you can call your house-sitter for the information.

Turn It Off

More than 80 percent of home water damage is caused by plumbing or appliance leaks, reports State Farm Insurance. Even a minor leak that starts while you're away can cause a big, wet problem. Turn off the water to your house, or switch off the flow at each supply line (near all the water fixtures). Don't forget the ones running to your washer and dryer.
-By Shelley Flannery