It's summer and just the word "vacation" sounds relaxing. So while you're preparing for your special getaway, give some thought to leaving your home organized and secure - so you can take off knowing you've left all your worries behind.

1. ALERT YOUR SECURITY SYSTEM PROVIDER THAT YOU'LL BE AWAY.

You can give them the numbers to reach you while you're gone, or if you're unreachable, designate an emergency contact who has a key to your house. If your provider utilizes a car patrol, they can increase the number of drives past your house.

2. REROUTE YOUR LAND LINE CALLS TO YOUR CELL PHONE.

If you need to remain available, whether for business or personal reasons, have your landline phone calls forwarded to your cell phone. Check with your service provider as this service may not be an additional cost to you. Be sure to give your itinerary to a close friend or family member, so they'll know how to reach you in case of an emergency.

3. REVIEW YOUR HOME INSURANCE PLAN SO YOU CAN FEEL SECURE.

Your needs and your possessions may very well have changed since you first took out your policy. Consider insuring valuables such as jewelry, fine art, and heirlooms you may have acquired since first purchasing your insurance. I came home from a 5 day trip once to find the entire first floor of my home in several inches of water after the water line to the refrigerator burst.  Avoid worst-case scenarios of theft, fire, or flood with best-case coverage.

4. ARRANGE TO HOLD YOUR MAIL AND NEWSPAPER DELIVERY AT LEAST A FEW DAYS AHEAD.

The mail can be easily put on hold online at USPS.com. Restart service for the day after you return; that way if your flight is delayed, you don't have a telltale newspaper sitting on your front step all day and night.

5. KEEP YOUR REGULAR HOUSECLEANER OR SERVIcE ON THE JOB WHILE YOU'RE GONE.

They can bring in any packages or flyers that were delivered by services other than the post office, and turn on different lights throughout the house. Plus, it's always more pleasant to come home to a clean house.

6. SEE WHAT BILLS WILL BE DUE WHILE YOU'RE AWAY.

Nobody wants to come home to penalty fees. Skip the worry by calling service providers and asking if it's possible to set up your payments ahead of time.

7. HAVE THE LAWN MOWED AND TRIM GARDEN HEDGES THE WEEK BEFORE.

A well-tended exterior makes a home look more active and lived-in than one with overgrown shrubbery.

8. GIVE THE ILLUSION OF ACTIVITY.

Pick up some automatic timers and program them to turn lights on and off throughout the house at normal hours. Set a clock radio to play for an hour or so in the early morning and evening. Close any curtains that give a clear view into the house at night. Make sure all outdoor lights are working properly, and if you don't already have motion sensor lights, consider installing them before you go.

9. MAKE SURE ALL FAMILY MEMBERS HAVE ENOUGH PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION.

Do an inventory check and if anyone's supply is running low, have your pharmacy refill the prescriptions. Also check that you have sufficient over-the-counter drugs and remedies, as well as insect repellent and sunscreen.

10. CHECK THAT ALL SMOKE DETECTORS HAVE NEW BATTERIES AND ARE WORKING.

Unplug all appliances: toaster, microwave, computer, even stereo. It's safe, and saves energy as well.

 Click here for my *free* summer organizing tips report.