3. Do a Load of Laundry
Chances are, you’ve brought home a bag full of dirty laundry. Even if you’ve bought new clothes, they should be washed before being worn. So, do a load of laundry as soon as you unpack to have fresh clothes ready to wear. Add any linens or towels you brought back from vacation, too.
4. Change the Bed Linens
If your bedsheets have been sitting for over a week, now’s a good time to change them out for a clean set. Indoor dust and dirt can make even clean sheets feel a bit dingy. Reset with freshly cleaned linens for a good night’s sleep.
How Often Should You Wash Your Sheets? Plus, Care Tips
5. Clean Out the Fridge
Chances are, you have some perishable food items in the fridge that need to be tossed. Whether facing long-forgotten leftovers or recently expired food items, cleaning out your refrigerator is an ideal post-vacation task. Check labels and take stock. Wipe down any spills on shelves or drawers.
6. Go Grocery Shopping
As soon as you finish thinning out the items in the fridge, stock up on fresh grocery items you’ll need for the week ahead. Shop for fresh produce, vegetables, dairy products, seafood, and meats to set you up for success. Buy groceries sooner rather than later to avoid ordering several takeout meals in a row.
7. Restock Essentials
You might have run out of everyday essentials while on vacation. Perhaps you used up all the toilet paper or dishwashing liquid before leaving and didn’t have a chance to replenish it before going away. So, stock up on toiletry items like toothpaste, moisturizer, shampoo, conditioner, and shaving cream. Don’t forget to refill medications that have run out as well.
8. Check the Mail
If you’ve been away for an extended period, a stack of envelopes and junk mail awaits your return. Sort through any packages, mailboxes, or post office boxes. Pay bills, read notices, and shred any unused offers with your private identity information.
9. Read Your Bank Statement
Let’s face it, vacation spending can be hectic. Ensure that you weren’t double-charged and that all charges on your card are legitimate. To stay on budget, go through your transactions and address any charges you don’t recognize. Exchange any leftover foreign currency or put it away as a keepsake.
10. Vacuum the House
After being away from home for a while, it’s likely your house will need a quick cleaning. Give surfaces a light dusting and vacuum the floors to remove accumulated dirt and dust. Of course, sweeping and mopping are adequate alternatives. Slip into cozy socks or slippers to enjoy the benefit of your labor.
11. Open Windows
After your home has been closed up for so long while you were gone, let some fresh air in. Weather permitting, draw the curtains and open the windows. Almost instantaneously, rooms will feel less stuffy and smell less stale. Avoid artificial room sprays that mask odors without truly eradicating their source.
12. Turn On the HVAC or Plumbing Systems
If you turned off the plumbing, water heater, or HVAC system, now is the time to flip the switch back on. Each of these systems and appliances needs warm-up time before use, so restore power as soon as you arrive home. Also, remember to adjust the thermostat temperature to the correct setting if it was on an energy saver mode during your trip.
Here’s What Temperature to Set Your Thermostat When You Go on Vacation
13. Adjust to the Time Zone
Returning from a vacation with a significant time difference can significantly impact your body and sleep schedule. Give yourself grace to readjust to your home time zone. Take naps whenever necessary to get your circadian rhythms back to normal. Ease your way back into a healthy sleep routine.
14. Listen to Your Body
Not every vacation is relaxing. Traveling can be exhausting and stressful. It’s essential to listen to your body after a vacation. Drink plenty of water to rehydrate, get lots of sleep, eat a healthy diet, and exercise regularly. Your immune system could use a boost, too, so pack meals with nutritious vegetables and vitamins.
