12 things to tackle 1 Week before locking up

Would it not be great if we could miraculously have everything ready and dealt with on the day we leave? Unfortunately things will not get done if you do not do them. So with one week ahead of us, here is a list to help us get from pending to done!

1. Empty Fridge: Incorporate as many of your already existing perishable items from your fridge in to your weeks meals. Also refrain from buying anything you can do without this week.
2. Pets: Double check with your pets caregiver that everything is ok; not only for your departure day but also for the time being that you will be away. We have booked our lab Hugo in to a doggy hotel that we have previously visited before hand to make sure that our best friend will be well looked after and comfortable while we are gone. This hotel will provide all his meals, baths and products that he will need during his stay. But if you are not sure of these details, this week is the the right time to call in, confirm your pets reservation and ask if you need to provide any relevant items that your pet may need. TIP: it is a good idea to provide an item like a toy or rug that your pet is familiar with to insure that he feels more at home.
3. Meds: If you or your child is currently on any prescription medication; this week would be a good time to make sure you have enough of your prescribed meds to be covered while you are away. Remember to have your Doctors contact information with you at all times. Prescriptions aside, make sure to take a painkiller and antipyretic (especially if traveling with children). A small emergency kit with a few plasters antiseptic may come in handy.
4. Weather: Check the weather of both your designated location and at home. Male sure you pack according to the weather conditions and prepare your home in advance. Example: if you are expecting rain at home while you are away; make sure that all gutters are clean before you leave in order to avoid blocking and flooding.
5. Look the part: if you want to look good in your holiday pictures take some time this week to do a little maintenance. Color your roots, get a wax, take the kids to get their hair cuts, visit the salon or parlor if necessary for a mani-pedi. 
6. Credit: This week give your credit card company a call and let them know you will be abroad. Let them know if you will be in more then one destination (even if only in transit). Some credit card companies may block transactions to avoid fraud if they believe that there is activity in any suspicious locations.
7. Plants: Have you found someone to water your plants and garden while you are gone? If you do not have an automatic watering system, now is the time to install one or to ask someone you trust to do this for you.
8. Security: Make sure that your home key is left with someone you trust and that they will be able to get in your house encase of any emergency. Secure your valuables while you are gone.
9. Washing & Dry cleaning: Make sure that you get to the bottom of your hamper this week. There is nothing like looking for that special item you wanna take with you just to find out that it has not been washed. 
10. Copies: Make copies of your important documentation (passports, ID's, reservations etc.) Just for encase something gets lost or stolen.
11. Bills: If you have Bills to pay; get them out of the way before your departure.
12. Budget: Do a little budgeting so that you ar in control of how much gets spent while you are on vacation. Make sure you have enough cash left over to get through the rest of the month once you return. TIP: include grocery shopping for when you get back as you are probably coming home to a somewhat empty fridge.

xoxo

Natasha Elena G.