Things to do:
RECEIVING MAIL WHILST ON THE ROAD
MAIL REDIRECTION SERVICES
There are several companies providing mail redirection services such as Landbase Australia, Mailaway Redirection Services, Mail to Follow, Pass the Post & Post Haste Australia, SOS Mail Solutions, Keeping You Posted, Trail Mail and Viking Mail Service just to mention just a few.
It is important you check out the Terms & Conditions applicable.
There is a fee for the service and non payment may result in mail being returned to sender.
Some of these companies offer a 30 day money back guarantee on the plan fee if not completely satisfied and even discounts to customers who return for a second time.
Other people feel confident using a friend or relative to forward their mail.
PAYING THE DREADED BILLS
Alternatives:-
Pre-pay your bills with the provider of the service.
Have your regular bills debited directly from your bank account organised by the provider of the service ie. local council, electricity, gas or water supplier.
Organise a wireless internet connection to your computer and set up an automated service or pay the account when it is due (providing you can get service).
Renting House
If you are intending to rent out your house, inventory all of your possessions now. Determine what can be sold and what can be donated to charity or hold a garage sale.
Clean or repair any furniture, curtains, or carpets that need it.
If you need it, arrange for storage.
Check your house to make sure you have turned the water/electricity off when leaving and that there are no appliances still running.
Lawn and garden Services
If you are using this service, get estimates from different companies and choose the one that is best suited to your needs.
Medical Records
If you have a pre-existing medical condition, get copies of your records from doctors to keep with you when travelling.
Obtain any necessary repeats and reserves of medications you require.
Another alternative is you can register with eHealth which makes health care even more accessible all the way around Australia. It is great for when you're travelling as you can decide who accesses your medical records. If you have allergies or medication which you need regularly and you need to visit a doctor you don't know, ehealth will assist that doctor as it keeps your records in one secure online file. Visit ehealth.gov.au for more information.
Personal Papers
Get car license, registration, and motor vehicle and medical insurance in order and keep in a sealed package or container for safe keeping whilst on your holiday.
It is also a good idea to make photocopies of your documents, credit card details, birth certificate, wills, registration and insurance. Leave a set of copies with a family member while you are travelling.
It is also a good idea to create a contact list, whether manual or on your computer or telephone of your family and friends before you leave, so you have their details on hand for sending any greeting cards, postcards and well wishes.
Closing Accounts
Cancel any direct deposit or automatic payment arrangements on bank accounts. This is especially important, if you are no longer using service, you will be surprised how many services still try and charge you for a service you no longer have.
Services could include: medical insurance, electricity, gas, telephone, Foxtel or Austar, magazine subscriptions, newspaper deliveries and mail redirection service.
Library
Return library books and any DVD’s.
