You may use a packing list when you travel. I do. But I have another list, equally important, of things that need to be done before we leave town for any length of time.

1. Stop mail and newspapers, or arrange for someone to pick them up. Piled up mail or newspapers signal that someone is away. Another thing I do is have a neighbor check my doorstep for any delivered packages...she holds them for us until we return.

2. Make it look like someone is home. Use timers (best are ones that can be set to vary the time they come on) to turn on lamps and maybe a radio.

3. Make pet care arrangements. Engage a pet sitter or make boarding reservations for your pets.

4. Move jewelry or other small valuables (or cash you're leaving home) to a safe or even to a safe deposit box.

5. Are there bills that will come due while you are gone? Can you pay them early or set up automatic payments?

6. For any debit or credit cards you plan to use on your trip, let the banking/credit card institutions know so they can indicate a 'travel alert' on your card. In doing so, it's less likely there will be a 'hold' placed on your card while you're away.

7. Be sure your electronic devices (phone, etc.) are charged before you leave. A small portable battery charger is nice to have along too.

8. Have an extra copy of your passport with you or on your phone if you are going overseas. While a copy will not get you on an airplane, it might make replacing a lost passport slightly easier.

9. Shut off exterior water faucets. We learned this the hard way when we were on vacation one year, and a neighbor called and told us one of our hoses sprung a leak and was flooding our yard...and theirs. While you're at it, pull plugs on any electronics at home...toaster oven, microwave, blender, etc.

10. Adjust the thermostat. We always get a pet sitter when we're away on vacation, so our pet stays home. We always ensure the heat or air conditioning is on an appropriate temperature for the comfort and safety of our pet.

11. Clean the house. This doesn't have to be an extensive deep cleaning, but it's always nice to come home to a fairly clean house. So before we leave for a trip, the trash is emptied, the laundry is caught up, the dishwasher and sink are both empty, and the beds have clean sheets. Water the plants or use a self-watering spike.

12. Be sure you have an appropriate supply of prescription medication for your trip, and always have your prescription numbers with you (take a cell phone photo) in case you run out or something happens. In doing so, you will likely be able to call your doctor and have him/her send a replacement prescription to a nearby pharmacy. (This being said, always put your prescription medication in your carry on (in the original pill bottles from the pharmacy), rather than your checked luggage which the airlines may lose.)

13. Tell a trusted family member and friend where you are going. It's always good that someone knows. That being said, it's probably not a good idea to tell the world you're going to be away...potential burglars always welcome that information.

14. Give away or throw away perishable foods. It's not fun to return to the stench of rotting fruit or leftovers long past their prime.

15. Check that doors and windows are locked, and blinds/shades are pulled closed.

16. Check-in 24 hours prior if you're taking a plane...and add a reminder to your cell phone so you remember to check-in 24 hours before your return flight.

17. Arrange for a ride to the airport or reserve a parking space if needed.

18. Go to the ATM and get yourself some cash for small expenses that you typically wouldn't use your cards for, like small tips or bus rides.

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Feature Article 20 ideas to help students get organized
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'Every person needs to take one day away. A day in which one consciously separates the past from the future. Jobs, family, employers, and friends can exist one day without any one of us, and if our egos permit us to confess, they could exist eternally in our absence. Each person deserves a day away in which no problems are confronted, no solutions searched for. Each of us needs to withdraw from the cares which will not withdraw from us.' --Maya Angelou

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