Going Out of Town For An Extended Period of Time?
We have some great tips to get organized before you head out of town.
Winterize your home
Make sure your filters have been changed and that your furnace is in good working order. Be sure to lower your hot water settings and to set your thermostat (preferably a programmable one) to a proper temperature.
Manage your mail
Forward your mail to your new location so you don’t miss any important correspondence. This can be accomplished either online or at your local United States Postal Service Office.
Consider going paperless
Even better than having your important papers forwarded to your new location, consider going paperless with monthly documents like bank and brokerage statements, credit cards, and other bills. When possible, choose a paperless option with the service provider and receive copies of these important documents via email to review and manage online.
Important phone numbers
In a binder, or better yet your phone, keep all phone numbers for your doctors, dentists, pharmacy, accountants, and lawyers. In addition, it’s good to have phone numbers for all vendors, such as your handyman, landscaper, and your snow plow help so they can be easily contacted while you are away if needed.
Leave the lights on!
It’s always a good idea to make your home look like someone’s home, so consider putting your lights on timers to come on in the evenings.
Make packing more efficient and worry-free
Consider leaving a packing list in your suitcase(s) that includes all belongings that you need (chargers, toiletries, medical items, and travel documents) each time that you travel, so you aren’t worrying about what you may have forgotten as you fly/drive out of town.
Gather all medical paperwork and prescriptions
Bring all health insurance documentation and prescriptions with you, along with all of your doctors’/dentists’ names and phone numbers. Coordinate with your pharmacy to have prescriptions refilled at your new location.
Secure important documents and valuables
Secure in a safe deposit box or bring along with you passports, bank cards, checkbooks, and any other banking information that you might need. Also, if you have valuable jewelry, ensure those items are deposited at the safe deposit box or take them with you. Never leave valuables in your house when you are not home for an extended time.