Are you plagued by a pre-vacation to do list which makes you start to wonder whether going on vacation is actually worth it?  I don’t know if this happens to you, but it does to me.  And given that it’s the summer, which is prime going-on-vacation time, I figured this was the perfect time to discuss this subject.  As a Mom of three children and four animals, homeowner and real estate agent, no more can I just pack my bag and jump on the plane or in the car and be on vacation….  Those days are over – replaced by a significant to do list, which ends up making preparing to go away on vacation quite a time-consuming effort.  Here are some of my pre-vacation to do’s (in no particular order):

• Send out necessary emails and do last-minute paperwork
• Find coverage at work for any showings while gone and coordinate logistics (i.e., keys, listing sheets)
• Communicate with clients to let them know you will be away and who will be covering for you
• Get weather forecast at your destination locale so that you can pack appropriately
• Pack for yourself and the children
• Make sure to remember essential items (i.e., cell phone charger)
• Make beds and tidy up house
• Wash and dry laundry as well as fold and put it away
• Water plants
• Feed animals
• Figure out the care of the animals while away and pack up their food, leash, treats, etc.
• Clean kitty litter
• Take out trash
• Turn down heat in the winter
• Turn down/off air conditioning in the summer and adjust windows in case of a storm
• Set appropriate lights to be left on
• Turn off electronics in the house
• Get cash
• Pay any necessary bills
• Fill car with gas (if you are taking a road trip)
• Get Starbucks iced tea for the trip
• Lock doors and windows

Phew….  Do you have a pre-vacation to do list too?  What are some of the to do items on your list that I may have missed?  I can’t wait to hear….  And in the meantime, Happy Vacation!