MWH Travel Tips: 1 - Home Checklist

We'll be traveling to many wonderful places, returning on the 27th. I packed all the necessities yesterday, and unfortunately, the computer wasn't one of them. That means that for the next two weeks, you'll be reading updates that are pre-scheduled. This does mean that I won't be able to respond to comments. But don't let that stop you! I'd love to read tons and tons when I get back, and reply to them!

Because I won't be the only one traveling this summer, I'm sure, I've prepared some travel related Minutes Worth Hours for yo. Regular Wednesday and Sunday series will still run.

Today, I start with number one: the home checklist.

Going on a trip means our apartment will be unattended for two weeks. (I feel safe saying this here, since most thieves won't fly all the way to China for some clothes and chipped plates, I'm sure).
Since we like to save as much energy as possible during that time, and keep our apartment in the best condition possible in this humid weather, we usually prepare a checklist to go through before we lock the door.

• Think of all the appliances that are usually on in your house (or plugged in) that you don't really need. Can you disconnect any of the them?
  
• Is there something that you could store away to keep it safer? Our computers are an example of this. During these humid months, I like to store them on top of some rice-filled cloth that can absorb any moisture in the vicinity.
  
• Which plants/animals require care? Have you made arrangements for this? Don't forget to water plants before you leave.
  
• Leave a spare key with a trusted friend. Just in case you lose your baggage, or run into a pick-pocket, you have a back-up plan.
  
• Disconnect the gas. Turn off the boiler(s). Turn off your power strips. This is all quite self-evident.
  
• We try to make sure all the doors in the apartment are open, so that air can circulate and prevent mold. This is especially important for bathrooms and kitchens! But it also goes for the fridge/freezer if you've decided to empty it and unplug it. It will prevent mold from growing inside.

As you can see, there's plenty to think about before you leave your home. To make sure you don't pass out on these money-savers or time-savers, make a checklist that you can always go back to before you leave your home for an extended period of time. You'll thank yourself later!