20 Things Everyone Should Do Before Leaving for Vacation

Vancouver Realtor-Carmen Leal

It’s getting to be that time of the year once again. The weather is starting to improve, school breaks are starting to take place, and seemingly everyone is beginning to dream about taking the long-awaited (and well-deserved) vacation.

If you’re about to head out for your vacation, then it’s important that you prepare yourself. Of course, you’ll want to make sure that you’re bringing everything that you need while you’re away from home… But, before you even set foot outside of your front door, there are some things you should tend to on the home front.

In the list below about 20 things that absolutely everyone should do before they leave on their vacation. Hopefully you already know to do many of these things, but even so it never hurts to have a friendly reminder. And, for all of you out there that always worry that you left the stove on or something of that manner, then these are definitely things you’ll want to take care of…

1. Clear Out Your Wallet 

It’s time to clean out that George Costanza wallet that you’ve been carrying around for all of these years!

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2. Need them All?

Do you need to bring every credit card you have on vacation? If not, it may be best to leave a few of them at home.

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 3. Hold the Mail            

When robbers see mail stockpiling in a box, they know that’s a green light. Get the post office to hold your mail before you leave.

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4. Photographs of Travel Documents

Protect yourself by keeping a few pictures of your travel documents on your smartphone.

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5. Email Them Too

In fact, in case you lose your smartphone, you may wish to email photographs of your travel documents to yourself too!

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6. Call the Bank

Especially if you’re traveling far away, make sure your bank knows. Otherwise, you might have access to your account suspended, which is never fun.

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7. Reading Materials

Don’t overpay for reading material at the airport! Head out to a magazine rack before you leave.

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8. Load Up Your Tablet

In fact, if you have a tablet, then there’s no reason to pay for physical books and magazines. Load that tablet of yours right up!

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9. Wash the Sheets

Give yourself a great home to return to by taking the time to wash your sheets and make the bed before departing.

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10. Settle the Bills

Nothing’s worse than coming home to find one of your utilities has been turned off… So, pay those bills before you leave!

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11. Automatic Payments

In fact, if you really want to make your life easier, then finally get around to arranging those automatic payments.

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12. Clean the Refrigerator

Coming home to a stinky refrigerator is the worst. Clean out everything that will expire while you’re away on vacation.

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13. Empty the Trash

Speaking of not wanting to come home to nasty smells, make sure the garbage bins are all empty before you leave!

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14. Unplug Appliances

Appliances still draw power when they’re off and plugged in. So, unplug those appliances while you’re gone.

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15. Switch It Off

Make sure that anything that can’t be unplugged is switched off before you leave.

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16. The Work Calendar

Get a jump on what you’ll be returning to when you’re done with your vacation by updating your work calendar before you leave.

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17. Automated Email Response

After you’re through sorting your work calendar out, it’s time to type up that automated email response that means vacation is here!

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18. Checklist Time

Want to make sure you don’t forget anything? Make a checklist of what you need to bring before you start packing…

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19. Check Your Checklist

And remember that checklist is only good if you use it… So, double-check yourself as you’re packing!

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20. Check the Stove

Come on, you did't really think I'd let you go without this time - old advice. Double-check that the stove is turned off!

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Are you interested in selling or buying your home in the next few months? Work with award winning realtor, Carmen Leal and her team that specialize in Real Estate Vancouver and have qualified Buyers that are looking for a home in your area!   604.218.4846 & www.carmenleal.ca

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      This communication is not intended to induce breach of existing listing agreement.

Best Wall Art for Your Home

Displaying wall art is a great way to have your home reflect your personality and taste. Mounting an old masterpiece or cutting-edge sculpture in your living room or dining room lets you show off your artistic prowess to friends and visitors. With so many styles and types of wall art to choose from, there are plenty of options out there you're sure to love. Here are a few tips for finding wall art that suits your needs.

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Choosing Art for Your Home:

The Great Painters

If your style leans towards the grandeur of the past, then reproductions of timeless masters, such as Claude Monet, Leonardo da Vinci, and Vincent van Gogh, are a great way to add artistic appeal to your home. Use wall paintings by da Vinci, Michelangelo, and other old masters to decorate your formal living room or personal library, or grace an elegant living room with the colorful Impressionist works of Monet. If your home decor is more trendy and modern, add a bit of Picasso or Kandinsky into the mix.

Because these reproductions are meant to last, consider buying paintings that feature fade-resistant archival inks or other preservation methods.

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Children’s Wall Art

Create a special kids’ zone for your child using children’s wall art. These art pieces often feature bright colors, simple shapes, and fun figures to appeal to the younger crowd. Hang a special gender-themed picture in your child’s bedroom to help customize it, or place a gender neutral piece in a playroom. Give your kids motivation as they get up each morning by choosing from a variety of wall pictures that feature inspirational sayings for children.

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Wall Photography

Attractive wall pieces are not just limited to paintings. Diversify your wall collection by choosing from among the numerous available artistic photographs. Framed wall pictures that feature images of nature or intriguing figures are great additions to a home office or hallway. Add either a canvas style photograph for a contemporary room, or choose a framed picture that complements the existing furniture color in the room.

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Contemporary Wall Art

Contemporary wall art ranges from abstract pictures to scenes from nature or city life. Some focus on the small and are a great way to highlight your love of detail and the little things in life. Black and white contemporary pieces keep the color concept of your room simple with stark contrast. Other wall art provides bursts of color that stand out among the simple, smooth shapes of your contemporary decor.

Consider adding an impressive canvas triptych above your couch or bed to add style to a modern living room or bedroom, or even a five-part piece to decorate a larger space.

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Vintage Wall Art

If you have a healthy nostalgia for the good old days, choose from a variety of vintage wall decor to keep the best of the past always in the present. Prints of vintage vehicles, flags, and drinks add personality and character to your workshop, traditional kitchen, or bedroom. You can even create a special “nostalgia” room for entertainment purposes.

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Metal Wall Art

Metal wall art adds both intrigue and variety to your collection, and it enables you to create truly custom displays. For contemporary style rooms, add metal wall hangings. These can vary from interesting, abstract shapes to intricate insects and trees. Large wall stickers add fun to a garage, game room, or entertainment room. For easy installation and removal, consider vinyl, self-adhesive stickers. When applied to clean, white walls, properly added vinyl stickers can even give the appearance of paint.

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Are you interested in selling or buying your home in the next few months? Work with award winning realtor, Carmen Leal and her team that specialize in Real Estate Vancouver and have qualified Buyers that are looking for a home in your area!   604.218.4846 & www.carmenleal.ca

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      This communication is not intended to induce breach of existing listing agreement.

12 Essential Products to Keep Dogs Cool in Hot Weather

Summer is the perfect time to hit the lake, beach and park, but pet owners know it's just not the same without bringing Fido along for the ride. These items will help keep your pet cool and safe through the extra-long dog days of summer.

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Drinks All Around

Taking your four-legged friend on the go is one of the best parts of being a dog owner, but it can present multiple challenges. Having to carry an awkward dog bowl around in a desperate search for convenient water sources is a big one. This water bottle with a built-in dog bowl lets you give your furball what they need without sacrificing your style or convenience. Perfect for hikes, runs or just a quick trip downtown.

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Creature Comforts

Because cars weren't made for dogs, they often end up wherever they fit best. To accommodate for their awkward size, they are dealt the short end of the stick when it comes to airflow. This product is here to offer them the same comfort you receive, no matter the season. This flexible hose installs easily on your car's air vent and carries the air all the way to your pet, keeping them cool in the summer and toasty in the winter.

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Fin-Tastic Safety Jacket

Some people find dogs in clothes adorable, while others find it, well...cringy. However, no one can deny that a dog in a life jacket is functional and cute as can be. Especially when that life jacket has a fin. That’s right! This doggy life jacket has a shark fin making your pup the bravest, safest and cutest pup in the water.

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The Perfect Hangout Spot

Dogs have built-in insulation which makes cooler environments perfect. However, in the warmer months, their coats harbor heat all day long. One of the best ways to counteract overheating is to ensure your pup is getting airflow on all sides. This breathable, elevated pet bed allows them to relax and chill inside or out, even in the dog days of summer.

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Pampered Pet Pool Day

Pets and pools can be a very fun combination. Once the excitement of jumping in the pool has worn off and it's time to relax, make sure your best pal has everything they need to succeed. Fresh, cold water, their favorite toy and this pup-approved pool float. Four out of four paws. Safety note: Monitored swim and a life jacket are a winning approach for pet pool days.

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Paw-per Protection

If you’ve ever walked across a hot parking lot barefoot, it probably goes without saying that you didn’t make that mistake again. The same could be said for hot sand or even just a boat deck. The truth is, if these hot surfaces hurt our feet so much, then they are hurting our pet’s feet as well. Give your dog the protection he needs from the heat with these breathable and skid-resistant paw protectors.

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SUP Dog

Stand-up paddle boards have exploded in popularity over the past few years and with good reason. They are relatively easy to master and don't require a huge investment to get out on the water. However, the best feature of a SUP board may be the ample space on the nose for a certain four-legged friend. Until now, the space was there, but the slick surface left your pup with little to hold onto. With this traction pad, a slip-free, self-adhering and water-resistant surface awaits them.

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The Cool Down

As usual, water is here to save your pet on a hot day. Only this time, no pool is required. Whether inside or outside, this cooling mat uses water to effectively cool your pet down while the orthopedic foam construction helps with arthritis, hip dysplasia and many other common issues. All this is made even better with a two-year warranty.

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Coolest Vest You've Ever Seen

You’re probably thinking, "Why would another layer on an already furry dog help cool them off?" It doesn’t make much sense at first thought, but once you consider that this vest reflects sun, mimics sweat’s cooling effect when wet with cool water and features a reflective trim to ensure your dog is as visible as possible, it's a no-brainer that this vest will make your dog the safest and coolest dog around.

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I Scream, You Scream

You thought you had seen it all, but now your furry friend can enjoy one of the best parts of summer right along with you. This doggy ice cream mix is specially formulated to work well with your dog’s digestion. Keep them cool with a fraction of the calories and fat of regular ice cream while still giving them the protein and nutrition they need.

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Have It Made in the Shades

Just like humans, dogs tend to develop eye problems as they get older. Damage from the sun and harsh elements can play a large part in your pup’s ocular health. This summer, as you slide your favorite shades on, don’t forget to do the same for man’s best friend. These "doggles" make it easy with elastic straps and shatterproof polycarbonate lenses that block out harmful UV rays.

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Your Dog's Never Looked (or Felt) So Cool

Keep your furry friend cool even when the sun is brutal with this cooling collar. Just saturate the fabric with water, and it's ready to go. For a maximum cooling effect, place the saturated material in the fridge before use. This one also features a built-in leash hole, so you can easily slip the cooling collar over your pup's regular leash collar.

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Are you interested in selling or buying your home in the next few months? Work with award winning realtor, Carmen Leal and her team that specialize in Real Estate Vancouver and have qualified Buyers that are looking for a home in your area!   604.218.4846 & www.carmenleal.ca

Vancouver-Realtor-Carmen-Leal

      This communication is not intended to induce breach of existing listing agreement.