Going on vacation? Take heed of these things not to forget and you’ll be able to completely relax while you’re away.

Nobody wants to turn their vacation into something akin to a military operation. But you’ll be able to relax and enjoy your time off with just a little preparation. Here, for example, are 20 really important things you should organize before you get away from it all.

20. Stop daily deliveries

You don’t want to come home to a huge pile of out-of-date newspapers – nor attract burglars – so remember to cancel your usual paper delivery. You can also take advantage of the Postal Service’s Hold Mail service, which enables letters and packages to be stored at a local Post Office.

19. Tell your alarm company

Obviously, when you’re off on vacation, you should make sure that your alarm system is set. But it’s also a good idea to let your alarm company know you’ll be gone and also whether anyone is allowed to enter your home while you’re away.

18. Tell your bank and credit card provider

When you’re on vacation, your normal spending patterns will change. And because you’ll be using your debit or credit cards in different locations, banks may suspend them if they’re not informed of your travel plans.

17. Set an automatic reply on your email account

If you’re not going to be checking your emails while you’re away, set up an automatic reply. That way, people won’t think that you’re ignoring them. Instead, you can compose a message informing recipients when you’ll be back and able to respond.

Image: Pexels/Kaboompics // Karolina — Image: Kaboompics/Karolina

16. Give your house keys to a neighbor or relative

Everybody wants a peaceful vacation, but what if there’s an emergency like a house fire or flood? If someone you trust has a set of keys, they’ll be able to deal with any unforeseen situations. And, if you lose your keys, you’ll be able to get hold of a spare set easily.

15. Arrange pet care

If you’ve a dog or a cat that’s staying behind, you’ll need to either put them in a kennel or arrange for someone to look after them. Smaller animals like hamsters can go to a friend’s home; just don’t forget to give the friend a thank you gift on your return.

14. Check your home insurance for vacancy rules

Most vacations won’t be long enough for this to be a worry, but it’s a good idea to check your policy for any clauses that deal with vacancy. If you’re going on a trip that will last more than two months, you definitely need to check with your insurance provider.

13. Check your health insurance cover

Check with your health insurance provider that you’ll be covered for any illnesses or accidents while you’re away, especially if you’re heading abroad. If you’re not covered, shop around to secure the best deal.

12. On meds? Make sure you’ve got enough

Carefully calculate how much medicine you’ll need while on vacation. If you don’t have enough, make an appointment with your doctor to get a prescription. You should also get a letter from them in case you’re challenged by customs officials about any medications you have.

11. Check if you’ll have cell phone reception

If you need to be in touch with family back home while you’re overseas, it’s a good idea to have an unlocked phone. This will allow you to insert a local SIM card on arrival and make it more likely that you’ll have reception. If your phone isn’t unlocked, check international call rates.

10. Adjust your thermostat

Turn down your heating system’s thermostat before you go, though if it’s really cold don’t switch it off altogether – you don’t want to come home to frozen or burst water pipes, after all. By contrast, if it’s warm and you have air conditioning, keeping it off the whole time could lead to harmful condensation build-ups.

Image: Flickr/Bradley Noe — Image: Flickr/Greg Wagoner

9. Arrange houseplant and garden care

If your vacation is short, give your houseplants a good watering before you go and they should be fine. For longer periods, however, get someone to come in and do it. It may also be a good idea for them to mow the lawn, as unkempt gardens can attract unwanted attention.

8. Check your car

If you’re taking your car on vacation, check all the essentials. Make sure, for example, that the tires have the correct pressures and plenty of tread. It’s also worth checking that there’s enough water and that the oil and coolants are at the right levels.

7. Double check window and door locks

One of the final things you should do before leaving home is checking that windows and doors are secured. Inspect them all, and make sure they’re firmly locked. Also, don’t forget the little window in the second bathroom, if you have one.

6. Clear out the fridge

The last thing you want to come home to is a fridge full of rotting food. You’ll have to dispose of anything perishable that you can’t eat before you go, though milk, meat and salad could potentially be offered to neighbors. As a last resort, perishables will have to go in the bin.

5. Remember to put out the trash

Another last-minute job is to put out the trash – especially if your kitchen bin contains anything that will rot. If the garbage truck isn’t due for a couple of days, leave your trashcan by the house and ask a friendly neighbor to put it on the curb on the right day.

Image: Pexels/Binyamin Mellish — Image: Binyamin Mellish

4. Leave some lights on a timer

Leaving your home empty, even for just a week or two, could attract an unwelcome visitor. Deter would-be burglars by using a timer, which will ensure that lights are automatically switched on for a few hours in the evening – making it look as though someone’s at home.

3. Remember your chargers

Chances are that you’ve accumulated lots of gadgets that need charging. And they likely all need a different charger. Don’t forget to pack them, which can be easier said than done if you use an electric shaver before rushing to the airport. Remember to pack an adapter, too.

2. Flying? Make sure carry-on luggage complies with regulations

Different airlines have their own rules about the size of carry-on luggage. There are security rules about what you can take aboard your flight, too. And in these security-conscious times, liquids or gels must be in 3.4-ounce containers – or less – and be carried in a transparent, sealable bag.

1. Check your gutters and storm drains

Check that your gutters and storm drains are free of leaves and other debris. A heavy rain storm could overwhelm them if water can’t freely pass through. Nobody wants to come back to a flooded home, so make sure your gutters are clear.