You know the feeling: no sooner have you gotten really settled in, than your holiday week is already over. That last morning in the chalet, holiday home, or hotel often feels hectic. The kids want to dash out to the playground one final time, someone hops into the shower, someone else is tidying up the kitchen – and suddenly that dreaded question hangs in the air: “Have we really packed everything?”
Well, that’s precisely why we created our leaving-for-home checklist. It helps you begin your trip home without an elevated pulse rate because you are so worried you might have forgotten a charger, ski gear, or a stuffed animal that’s flopped comfortably on a bed somewhere.
Things that are often forgotten
There are certain items that turn up with surprising regularity in our lost-and-found collection. First and foremost: chargers, which seem to love staying plugged into outlets. A close second: earphones, that happily burrow into gaps between sofa cushions; and sunglasses, still glistening on the windowsill long after their owners have hit the road.
Kids have their own classic: their favorite stuffed animal. Just because it went dutifully to bed last night doesn’t mean it will magically hop into the suitcase the next morning. Our tip: give your stuffed animal “priority boarding,” either straight into the car or at least tucked comfortably into a backpack.
Then there are the articles of clothing that tend to vanish into thin air. Shirts that disappear inside closets, socks that sneak into corners, and sometimes even that favorite jacket, left hanging in the entryway. Ski gloves, too, are masters at hiding, often abandoned in the ski room. Only once you are back home, while sorting laundry, do you finally realize that part of your vacation wardrobe decided to extend its stay.
Leaving-for-Home Checklist: The final walk-through of your vacation home
You’ll leave most relaxed if you take ten minutes before departure for a room-by-room inspection. Just imagine walking through your accommodations the way you did on the very first day – only this time in reverse.
- Kitchen: Take a look in the fridge. Half a liter of milk or food leftovers won’t fare particularly well in your travel bag. Remember to grab the things you brought from home like baking paper, Tupperware containers, or spices. Whenever you stay in a holiday apartment, it’s handy to know ahead of time what’s actually provided. A packing list for your stay in a holiday apartment saves you having to shlepp things around for no reason.
- Bathroom: Toothbrushes, shampoo, and razors love to get left behind. They wait patiently by the sink until you realize they’re missing.
- Bedrooms: Pull open every drawer. Single socks and forgotten t-shirts tend to hide there until you miss them back home.
- Living room: Headphones, tablets, and books have a habit of crawling in between the cushions.
- Balcony or terrace: Towels from the day before or flip-flops might still be hanging around outside enjoying the view.
Wrap up your holiday with a little teamwork. One person packs the bags, another gives the floors a quick sweep, someone else takes out the trash — and just like that, everything’s ready for a leisurely trip home.
Curious Items Left Behind
Of course, there are the typical things that almost everyone forgets at some point. But sometimes, real surprises turn up after guests have left. For example, a complete set of ski jumping equipment was once found in the lost and found box. And a beer tap was also left behind, presumably as a souvenir of a particularly sociable holiday home gathering.
And anyone heading off into winter will naturally think first of ski boots, helmets and functional clothing. A practical packing list for your skiing holiday ensures that you take everything you need with you. When it's time to leave, a quick check is usually enough to give you peace of mind before you set off.
Small tips to keep you from overlooking anything
A few simple tricks can save you a lot of stress:
- The collection point trick: The night before you leave, designate a table or the couch as a collection point. Everything that still needs to come with you goes right there. That way, everyone knows where to put stuff, and nothing gets lost in the mix.
- The cable bag: A small cloth pouch just for chargers, headphones, and power banks ensures these notorious escape artists are safely stowed away.
- The document check: IDs, cards, and wallets belong in a separate bag – one that’s always within easy reach while traveling.
A small consolation if something does get left behind
Even with the best laid plans, sometimes something does get left behind. Not to worry: we are experienced in sending lost items back to their rightful home. From stuffed animals to glasses to keys — most things find their way back via the postal service.
And if you happen to notice something missing while you’re still on the road, just contact the reception. Our teams will jump right into action, check your accommodations, and make sure the item makes its way back to you. More often than not, that favorite jacket or stuffed animal is returned faster than you might imagine.
Bottom Line: the right checklist guarantees a relaxed journey home
Departing for home may not be the most glamorous part of your vacation, but it doesn’t have to be stressful either. With a little planning and one last walk-through of your apartment, you’ll leave just as relaxed as when you first arrived. The nicest scenario of all is when 2 additional things accompany you back from your holidays: the memory of a wonderful time in the mountains and the eager anticipation of your next stay.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Leaving-for-Home Checklist
Not to worry: simply report lost items to the reception. In most cases, they’ll be sent back to you (at your own expense) by post. From stuffed animals to jackets, almost everything finds its way home again.
Please leave them “broom clean.” It suffices to give the floor a quick sweep, remove any major dirt, and take the trash to the designated collection points.
Ideally, start the evening before. That way, you can pack at your leisure and only have a few small tasks left for the next morning.
Give them small tasks, like packing their favorite toy or collecting their books. It turns the leaving process into teamwork and makes everything go far smoother.
Pack anything that’s non-perishable in your luggage. Perishables, however, should be discarded – ideally, give your fridge a quick once-over the night before.
Contact the reception right away. They will check your accommodations and, in most cases, send the lost item back to you without any further hassles.
Picture content © ALPS RESORTS
Lisa Gruber
Content Marketing at ALPS RESORTS
Gen-Z with a penchant for writing and being outdoors. Lisa enjoys discovering hikes and ski resorts for us and offers tips for the perfect vacation.
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