• Lock all windows and doors securely and remove any keys hidden outside the house.
• Tell neighbors that you'll be away and how they can reach you in an emergency.
• Turn on telephone answering machine. You may want to change the message on your answering machine at work to let your business contacts know you are out of town.
• Set lights and a radio on timers. Turn up the radio loud enough to be heard outside.
• Close blinds and curtains.

• Store food in your freezer to prevent running to the grocery store as soon as you return home.
• Remove perishable items from your refrigerator.
• Empty all waste baskets.
• Run the garbage disposal to eliminate the possibility of unpleasant odors.
• Wash the dishes. (You'll be sorry when you come back if you forget this!)

• Check your spare tire and jack to ensure they are both in working order.
• Check oil level, tire pressure, and coolant level.
• Fill windshield cleaner fluid bottle.
• Pack a first aid kit into the trunk.

• Schedule a medical check-up before the trip. Ask your doctor about necessary vaccinations, and have any medical procedures done before you go.
• Update any personal identification so that it contains current information and photograph.
• Pick up cash, change, and traveler’s checks at the bank.
• Get a telephone calling card and take it with you.
• Fill out and send in your tax return form if you will be out of town at the deadline.
• Fill out an absentee voter form if you will be out of town at election time.
• Tell your friends where they can write to you at your vacation or out-of-town address.
• Pay the rent and other bills. If you’ll be gone for an extended period of time, arrange for a friend or relative to pay the bills.
• Wash clothes that you’re not packing so that you’ll have a clean set of clothes at home when you return from your trip.
• Break in new shoes to prevent blisters.

• Make a "fun bag" for each child and include games, books, toys, a tape player with headphones, and snacks.
• Purchase postcard stamps and take with you.
• Print address labels of people to send postcards to. It’s much lighter to carry a sheet of labels than your address book.

MISCELLANEOUS

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