Travel Tips II - Setting Yourself Up for a Positive Return Home
Travel Tips
Part II
In high school my best friend’s mom used to sweep the garage floor before we left on any kind of trip. I remember sitting in their van at 7:30 am, waiting to go to the beach, thinking to myself “couldn’t I have slept while you swept,” but now, NOW I understand! It’s all about heading off chores when you get home from your glorious days away. While vacations are SO FUN sometimes you get back and feel like you need a vacation from your vacation, am I right? Before we left for our trip to Germany I was already a little stressed about leaving my clients and work in a six hour time difference and I knew returning home with a pile of dishes or laundry would instantly end my feel good vacation vibes when we got back. So before we left I made a list of things that I would like to not have to worry about when we got home so I could quickly settle back into work. I've now adopted this checklist into our pre-vacation rituals, even when we're just going away for the weekend, so I can stay in my zen-mode all the way until Monday. 
Comfort + Convenience
Run Your Dishwasher
Before we head out I make sure our kitchen counters are wiped down, the dishes are in the dishwasher, and that baby is going. I’d much rather come home and unload a stack of clean dishes than deal with a sink full of crusted plates and bowls.
Vacuum or Sweep
We have a pretty fluffy Australian and she tends to shed. I really don’t like to see hairballs tumbling across the floor as soon as I swing the door open. A quick sweep before you leave can keep you from kicking those fur balls around when you get home, especially if you’re taking those furry friends with you.
Clean Out Your Fridge
I’ve made the mistake a time or two of leaving our veggies, leftovers, and fruits in the fridge only to come home and find them moldy and smelling.
Take the Trash Out
A fresh bag in your home's trashcan will keep your place from gaining any unpleasant smells while you're away. You don't want to be greeted by the spoiled scent of those fridge foods you just threw out. If you really want to make sure there's nothing unpleasant to come home to you can also get your neighbor or your friend checking your mail to put your exterior trashcan out. Just don't leave your trashcan out by the road - if it sits out when other cans aren't out that's a sign to anyone scoping a neighborhood that you may not be home.
Make Your Bed
I love walking into our bedroom and seeing that the bed is made. That small, perfectly neat section of our house makes me feel like our home is out of Home & Garden Magazine. If I have extra time I like to go ahead and change the sheets too. It sounds silly but climbing into bed with clean sheets after a weekend away is the most relaxing way to end a trip.
Turn your AC Down
This is more of an electrical energy saving than a personal chore but turning the AC down can save you some money while you’re off buying those $15 island margaritas.
Happy Hunting (and vacations!),
