The "List"

As promised, here are a few things to put on a list when you have to prepare to be gone for an extended period of time. This has been a good exercise and hopefully will shorten our list of last minute crisis.

1. Updated wills and a Power of Attorney so someone can handle problems if they arise.
2. Put all our important information in a file and leave copies with family members and our attorney.
3. Passports renewed.
   
4. Visa requirements met so we can get into the country.
5. Arranging with our local bank for money transfers, etc.
6. Setting up all the automatic payments needed because we will not get our local mail in a timely manner (if at all).
7. Getting someone to pickup and check our local mail that we will not get.
8. Suspending newspapers and magazines.
9. Making sure that Health Insurance coverages overlaps.
10. Getting phone and other utilities set to the minimum charge.
11. Setting up Internet phone service (Skype) and making it work before we leave. This will allow for free or very low cost phone calls.
12. Making sure that arrangements are made for property taxes to be paid.
13. Making sure that I am removed from jury duty, which I am serving on for the next year. How’s that for timing?
14. Getting all the outside things winterized.
15. Arranging for the yard work.
16. Renew licenses that will expire during our time away.
17. Make sure that banks and credit card companies know that we will be away.
18. Getting the shipping dates, timelines and weight allowances.
19. Deciding what to ship.
20. Make an inventory of each packed box contents.
21. Get an International Driver’s Permit from AAA.
22. We will need 30 passport type photos.
23. Get copies of prescriptions including eyeglasses.
24. Get a copy of application for absentee ballots.

That is our start at our “to do” list. I better not show it to my wife quite yet; it could be a full time job for the next few months.