Planning ahead for vacation will make your trip more restful (no more “oh shoot, I forgot to…..”) and re-entry less stressful (it is shocking enough returning to the real world). Here are three things everyone should do before leaving for vacation.

1. Create a To-Do list.  Writing things down reduces anxiety and stress. Keeping a list on the computer is even more sensible because you can reuse the same list or tweak it each year. Things on this list will include items such as:

• Stop the mail
• Make arrangements for your pet
• Make arrangements for watering plants/yard
• Set timers on the lights
• Lock all doors and windows
• Pay bills
• Clean out refrigerator
• Take out garbage and/or bring garbage to the curb
• Turn down thermostat
• Set an automatic response for work emails

2. Make a packing list. Packing stresses me out but having a checklist makes it so much easier. Again, having your list on the computer will allow you to use mostly the same list each time. Just update any changes and print it out. This also works well for kids and teens who want to be independent and pack their own things. Just give them the list and let them pack the suitcase.

3. Prepare for re-entry. Most people return from vacation and hit the ground running. You’ve got mail, emails, and voicemails to go through and you’ve got a full schedule at work to catch up on. Add to that multiple loads of laundry and a completely empty fridge and you may be tempted to never return home. Straighten up before you leave for vacation so when you arrive home, you return to a relaxing environment. Also, fill the freezer with some frozen convenience foods. This will get you through a few meals before you have a chance to get to the grocery store once you return home. You can even freeze a gallon of milk in preparation for your first breakfast home. Ahhh…. that feels better doesn’t it?

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