Taking vacation in August? Here are home checkups you must do
Things to declutter before vacation (illustrative photo: GettyImages)
Before the temperature drops significantly, August remains a vacation period. Whether heading to the mountains or a beach destination, it's important to carefully check some things in your home before you leave, according to Real Simple.
Beach equipment
Whether you're heading to a lake, a local beach, or going camping, you likely have a stock of necessary items you use every year, such as chairs, mattresses, or tents.
Make sure to take a moment to assess their condition. Are the metal parts rusted? Is the soft material damaged? If so, it’s time to repair or replace the parts or equipment.
Towels
Towels aren't eternal. If you have a stack of towels with holes, pulled threads, or that are rough and worn out, they are likely taking up too much space in your linen closet or garage.
If you don’t want to discard old towels, you can repurpose them for cleaning or for pets. If not, it’s time to dispose of them and pick up some new ones.
First aid kit and sunscreen
It can be difficult to track the expiration date of sunscreen, so always check the label.
However, keep in mind that heat can cause sunscreen to deteriorate before its expiration date on the packaging.
The same applies to your first aid kit, which is essential for any trip. If the liquid in the bottles has an unusual color, smell, or texture, it’s better to replace the medications with new ones.
Hygiene products
Tiny travel-sized shower gels lying around for years, small jars of cream bought for unknown trips - these mini items eventually need to be discarded.
Over time, substances can spoil and not perform their function properly. If the label is too small to read and you don't remember when you bought the product, it’s better to get rid of it.
If the bottle is new and recently opened, pack it in your luggage or place it on the bathroom shelf to use in the coming days.
Bags and backpacks
While you might still rely on a trusty weekend bag you’ve used for years, many elements of suitcases and backpacks wear out over time.
While one or two scuffs aren’t a big issue, there’s no point in keeping backpacks and bags that no longer function. If the fabric is hopelessly torn or the zipper can’t be replaced, it’s better to find a new backpack or bag.
Swimwear and sportswear
Like backpacks, sportswear and swimwear wear out over time: they stretch, fade, and of course, lose elasticity.
If the fabric of the clothing has lost its density and the sole of your sports shoes is cracked, it’s time to replace them.
By the way, we previously wrote about the 5 cleaning tasks you need to do in the kitchen every week.
