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There’s nothing quite like the excitement of heading off on vacation—until you’re halfway to the airport and suddenly remember you left the stove on. No matter how carefully you prepare, there’s always something that slips through the cracks. The moment you relax into vacation mode, your brain hits you with a sudden wave of worry.
Did I lock the door? Did I turn off the lights? Did I leave food in the fridge that will turn into an unrecognizable science experiment by the time I get back?
Before you start panicking mid-flight, take a deep breath. These are the nine most common things people forget the moment they leave for vacation—and what you can do to avoid them.
1. Did I Lock the Door?
It’s a thought that strikes the second you pull out of the driveway: Did I actually lock the front door, or did I just think about locking it? This little worry has caused many travelers to turn the car around just to double-check.
With the excitement of packing and getting out the door, it’s easy to forget whether you locked up properly. The best way to avoid this stress is to make locking the door part of your final departure checklist. Even better, install a smart lock that allows you to check and lock your door from anywhere.
2. Did I Unplug the Appliances?
Nothing ruins the vacation mood like the sudden image of your toaster or curling iron left plugged in, just waiting to start a fire. Small appliances, hair tools, and even space heaters are common culprits for last-minute anxiety.
To prevent this, try making a habit of unplugging non-essential devices the night before your trip. If you want extra peace of mind, use smart plugs that allow you to control appliances remotely.
3. Did I Leave a Window Open?
While checking that all doors are locked, many people forget about the windows. A cracked window can invite security risks or allow bad weather to make a mess of your home while you’re away.
Before leaving, do a quick walk-through of the house and check every window. If you have security cameras, you can also use them to check from afar in case doubt creeps in.
4. Did I Take the Trash Out?
Returning home to a house that smells like week-old garbage is an unpleasant way to end a trip. Food scraps, coffee grounds, and anything perishable can turn into a disaster if left sitting for too long.
Make taking out the trash one of the last things you do before leaving. If you’re gone for an extended period, asking a neighbor to bring your bins to the curb on trash day is a smart move.
5. Did I Turn Off the Thermostat?
A common mistake travelers make is forgetting to adjust the thermostat before leaving. If it’s summer, your AC may be cooling an empty house, wasting energy and racking up your utility bill. In the winter, failing to set the heat to a lower temperature can be just as costly.
The ideal solution is to invest in a programmable or smart thermostat. This allows you to control the temperature from your phone, ensuring that your home isn’t wasting energy while you’re away.
6. Did I Set Up Pet or Plant Care?
If you have pets or houseplants, forgetting to arrange for their care can turn into a disaster. It’s not uncommon for travelers to remember mid-flight that they never confirmed with the pet sitter or that their plants will be bone dry by the time they return.
Setting reminders well in advance and double-checking with whoever is responsible can save you from panic later. If you’re worried about plants, self-watering devices or plant-sitting apps can help keep them alive in your absence.
7. Did I Leave Perishables in the Fridge?
Nothing says “welcome home” like opening the fridge to the smell of spoiled milk and rotten vegetables. Many people forget to clean out perishables before a trip, only to regret it upon return.
A quick pre-vacation fridge check can prevent this issue. Toss out anything that will expire while you’re gone, and consider leaving a box of baking soda inside to absorb any odors.
8. Did I Set Up Mail and Package Holds?
Mail piling up in your mailbox or packages sitting on your porch can signal to potential burglars that no one is home. Many travelers forget to pause their mail or notify delivery services, leading to a mess—or worse, stolen packages.
Luckily, you can request a mail hold with the post office or ask a trusted neighbor to collect your deliveries. Many shipping services also allow you to reschedule package drop-offs to avoid missed deliveries.
9. Did I Bring Everything I Need?
Despite careful packing, there’s always that nagging feeling that something essential got left behind. A passport, phone charger, medication, or even your entire suitcase—something is always at risk of being forgotten.
To avoid this, create a packing checklist and go through it before leaving. Placing must-have items like your wallet, ID, and travel documents in a designated spot ensures you won’t leave home without them.
Don’t Let It Ruin Your Vacation
Forgetting small but important details before a trip is almost inevitable, but that doesn’t mean it has to ruin your vacation. By creating a departure checklist, using smart home technology, and setting reminders, you can minimize last-minute panic and enjoy your time away with peace of mind. Taking a few extra minutes to double-check things like locks, appliances, and essential travel items can save you from unnecessary stress and an unpleasant return home.
What’s the one thing you always forget when going on vacation? Share your travel mishaps in the comments below!
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Latrice is a dedicated professional with a rich background in social work, complemented by an Associate Degree in the field. Her journey has been uniquely shaped by the rewarding experience of being a stay-at-home mom to her two children, aged 13 and 5. This role has not only been a testament to her commitment to family but has also provided her with invaluable life lessons and insights.
As a mother, Latrice has embraced the opportunity to educate her children on essential life skills, with a special focus on financial literacy, the nuances of life, and the importance of inner peace.