What to do to get ready before you leave on vacation

DO AHEAD:

Confirm Airline Ticket

Arrange transportation to/from airport

Arrange pet sitting

Buy plenty of pet food

Get money/travelers checks

Pay mortgage/bills that will be due

Hide valuables

Do laundry

Iron

Clean house

Take out garbage

Leave phone numbers with someone

Tell tenant I'm out & leave number

Notify neighbors if packages are expected (or leave note for UPS)

Empty car of valuables if leaving @ airport

Change cat litter

LAST MINUTE

Leave pet/plant instructions

Fill pet food & water

Close blinds/curtains

Cover couch?

Close bedroom door?

Leave light on

Leave house/mail key with house sitter

Water plants

Adjust/check answering machine (change from 4-auto)

Run dishwasher

Turn heat down

Run water if freeze is possible

Turn off water to washing machine

Make sure home is pet safe (wedge open doors)

Bring food for flight if necessary

Check windows & door locks