Lista de coisas a fazer antes de ir de férias

Compiled from our own experience and excellent past posts, this list can help you remember everything that is easy to forget in the excitement of preparing for a trip of any length of time. Follow this list and we promise you won’t come home to a stinky house (and hopefully everything will be there, too).

1) Temporarily stop mail and newspaper delivery (or arrange for a neighbor to take care of it)2) Prepay bills that will come due while you are away3) Finish up (or toss) perishable food in your refrigerator4) Take out the trash and recycling5) Do the dishes6) Run your garbage disposal7) Leave a meal waiting in the freezer8) Unplug the coffee pot, computer and other appliances and electronics 9) Make sure any electronics left plugged in have surge protection10) Put the TV or radio on a timer11) Time your lights 12) Turn down the AC and heat (unless of course a pet sitter and pets will be there)13) Put on clean sheets (it's just nice to come home to)14) Water plants (or arrange for someone to water them)15) Close and lock windows and lower shades16) Let a trusted neighbor know you'll be gone and leave a number for emergencies

Ever didn't do one of these items and come home after vacation to disastrous results? Ever forget one of these and it wasn't a big deal? Let us know what items are on your "have to do" list before you leave on a vacation!

MORE LEAVING FOR VACATION ON APARTMENT THERAPY: • Checklist: 10 Things to Do Around the House Before a Trip• 5 Things to Do in the Kitchen Before You Leave For Vacation• Binge Cleaning Before a Trip• 10 Things to Eat When You Return From Vacation• 10 Tech Tips To Tackle Before Leaving For Vacation

Images: Top - Flickr member *Ann Gordon licensed for use under Creative Commons, bottom: Adrienne Breaux

Se bem que já estou de férias e ainda não tenho casa mas é possível que me vá dar jeito para o ano que vem.