A checklist so I don’t suffer from anxiety when leaving the house for an extended period of time.

I imagine this checklist would be much more expansive if you lived in a house, or have kids, but hopefully it can provide some inspiration. I took the frozen coin trick from a similar list I found online.

Items marked with ✈️ or 🌍 are only relevant when flying or leaving the country.

You can download it as a markdown file here.

Preparation

  • Check passport is where you keep it. 🌍
  • Check visa requirements for destination. 🌍
  • Check _______ still has set of spare keys.
  • Ask _______ to come and water plants if necessary.
  • Charge electric razor and portable chargers.
  • Check library due dates. Return anything due whilst away.
  • Put a small container of water in the freezer. Place a coin on the surface when frozen to know if the freezer loses power for any significant length of time whilst away.
  • Meal plan to consume perishable food that won’t freeze well.
  • Laundry — not fun to come back to!

Pack

  • Passport. 🌍
  • Travel adaptor. 🌍
  • Chargers. (watch, toothbrush, portable)
  • Electric razor.
  • Water bottle.
  • Mouse and/or controllers. (optional)
  • Swim trunks and/or towel. (optional)
  • Extra TSA lock and luggage label. ✈️

Don’t Pack

  • Pen knife and/or multi tool in carry on luggage. ✈️

Last things

  • Water plants.
  • Leave keys with _______ if watering plants whilst away. (optional)
  • Clean the kitchen, fridge, and take out the rubbish.
  • Freeze any perishable food.
  • Lock away valuables.
  • Add a luggage label to any checked bags. ✈️

Out the door

  • Check windows are locked.
  • Remember to turn the ceiling fan off.
  • Set thermostat to a level where pipes won’t freeze in winter. (optional)
  • Double check you have phone, wallet, keys (and passport).