The Genius Reason You Should Take A Picture Of Your Stove Before Going On Vacation

Vacations are meant to be a time to relax, unwind, and distance yourself from the ongoing stresses of daily life. Still, preparing for a vacation can sometimes be anxiety-inducing, given that there is so much to do. Those hours just before leaving for a trip are often a hassle, whether you're packing plane food, getting your flight information in order, or running a few quick errands. And if you're someone who cooks often, it's even easier to feel a sense of anxiety when you leave your home, given the various kitchen appliances you often put to use. The National Fire Protection Association reports that unattended cooking is the leading cause of house fires.

Thankfully, there are a few ways to alleviate that pre-vacation tension and prevent any worries from interrupting your downtime. One of the best ways to ensure that you have a carefree trip is to make sure any loose ends are tied up in your home before you leave. For starters, you should always take a photo of your stove. Hear us out.

Picture this: You're enjoying a few tiki drinks on a faraway beach when it hits you: "Did I leave the stove on?" The last thing you want to think about on vacation is whether you've created a fire hazard in your home when nobody is there to check. One solution can give you peace of mind: Take a photo of your stove prior to stepping out the door, Lifehacker recommends. This way, any time that self-doubting fear creeps in, you can look at the photo to know you've indeed turned the appliance off, and you can go back to relaxing in peace.

The trick also works well with other tools and appliances, such as slow cookers or curling irons. And if there are certain windows you tend to keep open when there's nice weather, it doesn't hurt to take a photo of those to make sure you've closed and locked everything up prior to leaving. Now, you can head into vacation knowing you can truly unwind.