The essential pre-trip checklist of house chores

You're wrapping up last-minute work tasks and racing to finish packing before traveling- all on top of your day-to-day demands.

Do you want to return to comfort and calm? Or will you find a disaster zone?

Cue the pre-trip, house prep checklist.

You don't have to be a professional organizer to make or execute such a list The key is taking a minute to make the list, and considering it as essential as grabbing your phone, wallet and keys.

Here's what to put on your checklist.

1. Tell a friend, family member or neighbor you're leaving

Pick a point-of-contact to keep an eye on things while you're gone, and make sure they have access to your place.

For Luis Vargas, founder and CEO of the travel company Modern Adventure, that's his Portland, Oregon, neighbors.

"They have a spare key, so they have the ability to check on the house, potentially water the plants, checking for packages," he says.

2. If you'll be gone a while, hold your mail

For long stints away, take a few minutes to stop your mail online to avoid a pileup.

3. Set up simple security tech

You don't have to turn your place into Fort Knox, but you may want to buy a few gadgets beyond an alarm system to protect your home while you're traveling. Like a mechanical timer (about $7 online) that can turn your lights on and off at programmed times to make it appear as if you're still at home.

 They also recommend investing in a camera that also monitors for gas leaks and pollution.

4. Fool potential burglars

Vargas's low-tech security tip is to park his car in his driveway instead of in the garage, another signal to potential intruders that someone could be home. Or make blinds look lived-in: not wide open or fully shut.

In the case a break-in does occur while you're traveling, don't keep your valuables in obvious places.

If you're forgetful, or in case of emergency, you may want to tell a trusted loved one where you hide your prized possessions.

5. Throw on fresh sheets

One of the nicest things you can do for your future self is making a hotel-fresh bed with clean sheets for your return. It's not the biggest deal in the world, but it's a luxurious touch.

6. Clean out the fridge (but not too much)

Head to your kitchen and look for any items that may spoil while you're away, particularly animal products and produce. That milk may last for a weekend trip, but not your two-week vacation.

7. Run the dishwasher

Don't give dirty dishes the chance to turn into a science experiment — run your dishwasher before you leave.

8. Check for fire hazards

To avoid that dreaded "did I turn the oven off?" panic on your way to the airport, make an inventory of your fire hazards (Iron? Hair straightener? Candles? Turkey deep-fryer?).

9. On your way out, take out the trash and recycling