Your coffeemaker comes with a user manual. So do your computer and car. Chances are, these booklets are in an accessible place so you can easily fix a printer jam or find out that your brake light needs to be replaced.

Why shouldn’t you have the same kind of manual for your family and your home? That way anyone who cares for your kids, your pets, or your house for a weekend or more will know whether to pack soccer cleats or ballet slippers, won’t fall for Fido’s starvation act, and won’t be stymied by the temperamental front door.

Start your own manual by filling out the following worksheets, noting critical information regarding your family and home. Put them together in a binder, then store it in a central location in your house.

It’s that easy. Once you’re done, you can enjoy that much deserved worry-free getaway you’ve been dreaming about — making sure your own needs are met for once.