Go Nomad features Twelve Good Things To Do Before You Leave for Your Trip.  I sure can relate to the first one.  Several years ago, we prepared for a two week trip to France with a group of students.  I was walking around the basement making sure that everything was unplugged that needed to be. 

When we returned after those 14 days, the house smelled very bad.  Oh the smell…you don’t want to know!  We discovered that I had unplugged the chest freezer that had a quarter of beef we had just purchased at the local butcher shop.  It was clear full.  It was a terrible feeling tossing out all those beautiful steaks, roasts, hamburger, ribs and more.  The inside of the freezer smelled bad for a long time.  We read the best way to get rid of such a bad smell was to pour ketchup all over the inside. We did and it worked.  More information about preparing to leave for extended travel is explained on the link above.

Step #1: UNPLUG

Step #2: OUT WITH THE TRASH (EVEN THE FRIDGE)

Step #3: RECRUIT WATCHFUL NEIGHBORS

Step #4: EMPTY OUT STILL WATER

Step #5: MAKE SURE OVEN AND STOVE ARE OFF

Step #6: CANCEL NEWSPAPER AND MAIL

Step #7: DOUBLE CHECK WINDOWS AND DOORS

Step #8: LOCK THE BIKE UP

Step #10: CLOSE GAS & WATER TAPS

Step #11: LEAVE GAS BOTTLES, PROPANE TANKS, AND GAS/OIL LAMPS OUTSIDE

Step #12: LEAVE A KEY WITH A FRIEND

Some thoughtful planning will prevent most disasters while you are away from your home.

JEB