Prep for a Summer Vacation

So, you're ready to go on vacation. You've booked your trip, packed your bags and are ready to go. But have you made preparations for when you come back?

Often, when we plan for a vacation, we don't plan for what happens after vacation. For a smooth reentry back into your house and non-vacation life, do some simple housekeeping chores.

- Get a housesitter. Have your sitter pick up the mail, water your plants, feed your fish and turn your lights on and off to deter burglars.

If you can't get a sitter, there are some other ways you ways you can prepare:

-Stop your mail: put a hold on your mail at usps.com. You can also pick a day to resume the mail.

-Clean your house, even though it may be the last thing on your mind. When you enter your house straight off the plane or car, a messy house could put you into an insta-stressful mood.

-Lock doors, windows and ask a neighbor to watch the house for you from time to time, even if the neighbor won't be the housesitter.

-Protect your home. Put your lights on timers to deter burglars. Look for one that turns lights on and off randomly. Check out th Intermatic Random Pattern security timer at amazon.com.

-Save money and energy by unplugging. Even appliances that are turned off but still plugged in take up passive electricity. By unplugging your coffeemaker, TV and other small appliances, you not only save money, but you could protect your belongings from being ruined by power surges.

-Dress up your house. Make your home welcoming for when you come home by changing your sheets, leaving easy-to-reheat meals, and buying and not opening new movies for you to watch as you wind down from your trip.

-Leave a list. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in our vacation that when we come back home, we forget all the everyday responsibilities that need to be taken care of. Write up a detailed to-do list.

-Write up an emergency contact sheet. Create a list with information about your trip like hotel info, flight times and other important information and hand it out to friends and family.

-Set up fun things to do on your return. Coming back home can be a little depressing after an action-packed vacation. Plan a movie night or game day with your friends so you have something to look forward to.