A home pre-departure checklist is just as important as a checklist for your packing.  You’ve made all the plans for your holiday, but while you’re gone, you want your home to be safe too.

If you have pets, you will have to make arrangements for a pet sitter or find a place to board your furry friends.

Did you arrange for someone to water the house plants?  Will someone mow the lawn and take care of outdoor plants?  If you’re lawn grows long and shaggy, it could be a give away that you’re not home.

Did you stop the mail and the newspaper or arrange for a neighbor to pick them up?  How about any flyers or packages left at the door.  Again, a pile of newspapers weathering in the driveway signals the house is empty. (more…)