Illinois Travelers: Don’t Forget These Pre-Vacation Home Prep Tips

If you're traveling anytime soon, you know preparing for your trip can get pretty stressful.  I found a few pre-vacation tips that changed my life and I wanted to share them with you to make it a whole lot easier!

When you're a procrastinator like me, you probably wait until a few days before vacation to start doing anything; packing, cleaning, hiding valuables.  It's overwhelming, but once you get everything in order before you leave, coming home won't feel like a chore!

Read More: Why Rockford Is the Underrated Summer Getaway in Illinois

Here's everything I do before leaving for vacay so I know I don't have to do much when I get back.

These Easy Habits Make Coming Home Better

• CLEAR YOUR KITCHEN: Don't leave trash bags by the door, dishes in the sink, and clean all your appliances.  Your kitchen will thank you!

• SECURE VALUABLES: Put jewelry, important documents, and all your favorite electronics in a safe place.  If they're hidden well, they're less likely to get taken by intruders (if someone decides to break in).

• PAUSE ALL DELIVERIES: This includes mail, newspaper, and packages that will end up on your porch for days. If you have to get deliveries, ask a neighbor or family member to grab it for you!

• VACUUM ALL YOUR RUGS: When your house sits empty, it tends to collect dust with little movement happening.  Then, it could start to smell a little... old.  Add freshener to your rugs, vacuum them, and come home to a great smelling house!

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Sure, these might seem like they'd take up a lot of your time, but you'll feel safer, have less to clean later, and be happy walking into a tidy home!  Don't forget your luggage, too.  That would make me lose my mind!