1. Take Out the Trash Completely
Let’s start with the most important: empty your trash fully. Don’t leave the bag inside, even if it’s only half full. Check for leaks or stray crumbs, and if you want to be extra sure, wipe down the bin. Trust me, those extra two minutes are worth it.
2. Don’t Forget the Recycling
Recycling might not smell at first, but only for a short time! An empty tuna can, a half-used BBQ sauce bottle, or leftover wine can start to give off odors in just a few days—and flies love to visit. It’s best to take these out before you go.
3. Cut Flowers
They’re so beautiful you hope they’ll last until you’re back… but the truth is, they’ll either wilt and drop petals everywhere or their stems will turn slimy and moldy in warm water. Neither is appealing. Gift them to someone instead—you’ll get the vase back later.
4. Old Makeup and Travel Toiletries
Once you’ve packed your favorite makeup and shower gel, check what’s left at home. If you didn’t bring it, do you really need it? Use this chance to declutter: toss what’s unnecessary. Also, review your travel-sized items, especially if you haven’t touched them in years.
5. Piled-Up Mail and Flyers
Your mailbox might still be manageable now, but if you don’t do anything, it’ll double while you’re away. Spend a few minutes before you leave to cut down the pile—you’ll be glad you did when you get back.
6. Perishable Food
Check both your fridge and pantry. Fresh foods spoil quickly, and once mold starts, it brings a smell you don’t want to come home to. Open bags of cookies can dry out—or worse, attract unwanted critters. Gift what you can and seal the rest tightly.
7. General Clutter
Before you leave, you’ll check if you packed everything—but also notice what just annoys you. That swimsuit you never wear. The candle you haven’t lit in years. The company holiday mug you don’t even like. If you don’t need it now, you won’t after your trip—so why keep it?
8. Dog Poop Bags
If you have a dog, you probably have a little corner in the yard or near the bins where you stash used bags until trash day. Empty this before you leave—because in just a few days, that small pile turns into a real stink bomb that attracts flies.
