And yet, there you are — pulling laundry out of the dryer at 12 a.m., wondering where you left your passport, and your flight leaves in 4 hours?

Sound familiar?

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If you’ve ever found yourself in a mild panic the day before departure, this pre-travel checklist is for you.

Let’s break it down into three key areas: your home, your essentials, and your baggage.

Before You Lock the Door: What to Do at Home

 Let’s start with your home base. Making sure your space is safe and in order can give you serious peace of mind while you’re away.

• Water your plants and double-check the windows. Whether it's your thriving fiddle-leaf fig or a few herbs in the kitchen, no one wants to come home to a sad, drooping mess.

• Unplug small appliances like toasters, kettles, and chargers. Not only is it safer, but it also saves on electricity even if the appliance was off.

• Take out the trash and clear the fridge. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than walking into a stale, rotting-smell welcome after a long flight.

• If you have pets staying behind, make sure their food, meds, and instructions are clearly laid out for whoever’s caring for them. Don't save this one until the last minute!

• Share a spare key and your travel plans with someone you trust. You never know when a neighbor or friend might need to check in or grab your mail. Let someone know where you're going to be staying.

If you have a thermostat, adjust it to a reasonable setting to save energy. Some people even set lights on timers for security. It’s a small step that makes your house look lived in, which can be a great theft deterrent.

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Your Travel Essentials: The Last-Minute Scramble

Here’s where things can fall apart if I’m not careful.

The essentials: those critical things that can’t be replaced if you forget them.

• Double-check your passport (and make sure it’s in your bag). Bonus points if you scan or photograph it, just in case.

• Review your itinerary, flights, and bookings. Don't be the person that shows up at the airport or the train on the wrong date.
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• Charge all your electronics. Then pack the chargers. (Also, do you really know where your headphones are right now?)

• If you haven’t already, download maps and travel apps. The offline maps, translators, and a few restaurant recommendations saved can really come in clutch.

• Print out or save digital copies of hotel bookings, boarding passes, and travel insurance. Wi-Fi can be spotty when you need it most.

• Speaking of insurance: if you haven’t purchased it yet, you can still do that the night before. It’s one of those things you hope you won’t need, but you’ll be glad you did if things go sideways. Most of the time, I don't buy travel insurance. But, there are those occasions where it's a really good idea to do it.

• Withdraw some cash, especially in smaller bills. Even if you mostly use cards, it helps for tips, taxis, or street markets. Also, if your credit card gets stolen or lost, you don't want to be completely without any money.

• And — this one’s important — make sure you’ve taken your prescription meds, have enough to last the whole trip, and pack a few extras in case of delays.

Baggage Reality Check: Are You Really Ready to Roll?

At some point, you have to face the suitcase. You might have the perfect travel wardrobe planned in your head, but can you lift it up stairs or roll it across cobblestone?

• Weigh your checked bags if you’re close to the limit — those surprise fees hurt.

• Measure your carry-on. Airlines have gotten stricter, and no one wants to repack at the gate.

• Check all pockets for items that could cause TSA delays. It would be a shame to lose your favorite pocketknife because you forgot it was in your backpack.

• Take a quick photo of your packed bag. If it gets lost, having a visual reference can speed up claims.
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• Make your bag easy to spot. A ribbon, a tag, or even some bright duct tape can make luggage carousels less stressful.

And finally… take a deep breath. Yes, really. You’ve prepped, packed, printed, and planned. Now all that’s left is to get a good night’s sleep (or at least try to).

No matter how seasoned a traveler you are, there’s always something to forget.

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Running through a quick checklist helps you minimize those surprises and sets yourself up for a smoother, more enjoyable trip.

And remember: most things can be replaced. As long as you’ve got your ID, wallet, phone, and travel documents, and anyone traveling with you, you’re already winning.

Safe travels — and don’t forget to enjoy the journey.