We all panic a little before going on vacation. And while we're searching for shoes in the closet and our passport, there's that silent, almost existential dilemma running in the background: Did I turn off the stove? And then, once you're in the car, in the middle of the highway, or maybe already on the plane, comes the classic "mental trick": you're absolutely sure you've forgotten something. What exactly? It's not clear. But something. Maybe just that.
If you really want to travel this time without such mini psychological attacks, remember one simple trick that can save your vacation: Take photos of the stove (and anything else) before you leave home. Not for artistic value, but for your peace of mind. It's a digital tranquilizer without the side effects.
Why is a photo of a stove the best travel hack you didn't know about?
1. Prevents “what if…” attacks
Household fires are often caused by forgotten kitchen appliances. And while we don't want to panic you, let this suffice: the statistics are on your side. those forgettable onesBut hey, that doesn't mean you're one of them - it just means your mind will want to at least once during your vacation. you are. A photo of the stove (turned off, please!) is therefore a visual alibi for your inner prosecutor's office of doubt.
2. Your mind LIES to you (sometimes)
Humans are masters of mental sabotage. We are convinced that something we are not did, even though we did. Doubt grows like yeast in warm dough. So it's not about not trusting ourselves - it's about knowing your mind. And setting a trap for it. A photo is like a time stamp that says, "You went out. Here's the proof."
3. Micro routine with macro effect
So before you leave, create a mini ritual: look at the stove, turn it off, take a picture. It instantly becomes a new habit that won't take you more than 10 seconds, but will save you hours of worrying, Googling "what if I leave the stove on" with poor WiFi on the beach.
What else should I photograph before leaving?
Sockets and electrical appliances
If you have a love-hate relationship with your curling iron or hair dryer, then you know – “did I turn it off?” is among the top 5 questions on vacation. Click – a photo of a socket – and you’re on your way. The same goes for kitchen appliances, coffee makers, toasters and anything else that makes a noise and glows.
Thermostat
So insignificant until you realize you were cooling the apartment to 18 degrees while you were cooking at 35 in Tuscany. Set it to the permissible mode and – yes, you guessed it – take a photo. Less bad news about an overpaid bill.
Garage and front door
If you have a smart garage, you may wonder if you really closed it. No matter what technology you have – camera, app or super-sensor – nothing beats a good old photo of a closed garage. The same goes for the front door, back door and balcony door. Every extra photo = an extra minute of peace on the beach.
Open windows, balconies, awnings
If the weather isn't on your side while you're on vacation, you'll be glad you checked (and took a photo) your windows are closed. Don't let your home be a windy safari playground for your curtains. One click, one less worry.
Digital Zen, Not Digital Obsession
Taking photos of the key points of your home is not a magic bullet that replaces common sense – but it is its cool cousin. Don’t let yourself resort to the photo gallery too often on vacation, paranoidly reviewing all the evidence. Trust yourself and your new routine. The photos should be there “just in case,” not as a substitute for a relaxed vacation.
After all – life is too short to spend it wondering whether you turned off the stove. Life is about burn calories on the beach, not the house at home.
BONUS TIP:
Make a visual checklist and tape it to the inside of your front door: “Stove? ✔ Thermostat? ✔ Windows? ✔ Outlets? ✔ Sense? ✔ (if anything remains).”
