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Before you travel

The before-you-travel checklist

Half the stress of going away is the day or two before, when you are trying to pack, empty the fridge, sort the pets and remember the passports all at once. This checklist covers everything to handle before a trip, working back from departure day, so you leave the house knowing it is all taken care of.

Read it here for free, then open it as a guided pack in OneHaus to get each task on the right day before you go, and pair it with the packing list to sort the suitcase too.

Before you leave

  • Arrange pet care while you are away3 weeks before

    A sitter, boarding or a neighbour.

  • Arrange plant watering or a house sitter2 weeks before
  • Put your mail and deliveries on hold10 days before
  • Check passports, tickets and travel documents1 week before

    Confirm names and expiry dates are valid.

  • Confirm travel insurance and emergency contacts1 week before
  • Set lights or timers and adjust the thermostat2 days before
  • Empty the fridge of anything that will spoilThe day before
  • Take out the trash and recyclingThe day before
  • Pack bags and a carry-on essentials kitThe day before
  • Lock up, unplug appliances and set the alarmOn the day
  • Departure dayThe day itself

    Have a great trip.

Want an editable, printable version?

Build your own with the free checklist generator, then print it or save a PDF.

In the app

Get the Holiday Prep pack in OneHaus

Open the Holiday Prep pack in OneHaus and set your departure date. The arrangements that need notice, like pet care and mail holds, are scheduled early, and the last-minute jobs land the day before, so nothing is forgotten in the rush.

  • Tasks timed back from your departure day
  • Early reminders for pet care and travel documents
  • Last-minute jobs grouped for the day before
  • Shared across everyone travelling
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FAQ

Holiday Prep checklist FAQ

Arrange pet care and someone to water the plants, put your mail and deliveries on hold, check your passports and travel documents, and confirm your travel insurance. Closer to the day, empty the fridge of anything that will spoil, take out the bins, pack, and lock up and set the alarm on your way out.

Start the jobs that need notice about two to three weeks ahead, such as booking a pet sitter, arranging a house sitter and holding your mail. The household tasks like emptying the fridge and packing are best left to the last day or two so nothing spoils and nothing is forgotten.

This checklist is about getting the house and your admin ready before you leave, like documents, pet care and securing the home. The packing list is about what goes in the suitcase. They work well together, and OneHaus has a free packing list tool alongside this checklist.

Yes. In OneHaus the Holiday Prep pack is shared, so everyone travelling can pick up tasks and tick them off. It is an easy way to make sure the pet care and the lock-up actually get done rather than each person assuming the other has it.

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