Good Packing Makes Good Vacations
The unofficial start of summer has arrived! With our first 3 day weekend now a memory it’s time we look forward…to a vacation!
Like so many things in life, we have a choice when we talk about a vacation to go on. In fact, we can plan everything to the last detail or just wing it. Of course, there are infinite degrees in between. While either can be enjoyable, there are certain things you should plan before you leave for your getaway in order to make your trip less stressful. Today, we’re going to talk a little bit about properly packing.
Pack What You Need, Leave What You Don’t
Don’t Forget Anything!
Do you suffer from packing anxiety? I used to wait until the last minute to pack before a trip because I always found it so daunting. Why? I always worried I’d forget something. Ironically, not planning ahead tends to be the factor that makes us more likely to forget something.
So, here I preach my frequent sermon:
- Make a List!
- Make a List!
- Make a List!
Write down all your good ideas and plans.
Can I get an Amen?
If you have time, begin your list long before your trip when you’re not worried about completing the final details. Start thinking about the things you do every day or every week:
- Brush your teeth.
- Shower.
- Do you take medications?
Figure Out Everything You Need!
Figure out what items you will need to do these things and write them down. These are among the most important items to write down because you may be using them up until the day you’re leaving so you can’t necessarily pre-pack them.
That being said, if you can pre-pack them, do so. There are many travel items available in places like Target, Walmart, online, and even CVS that are built to make a trip easier. These items can be smaller portions of everyday products specifically designed to pass airport security checks to items designed to give you extra protection to avoid a spill in your luggage.
Some of the easiest items to pre-pack are items you specifically have bought for your vacation. Get all of these items in one place to make packing easier. But don’t pack them yet. Why? You want to come up with an intelligent plan with how to pack your luggage before you put it all in. You can save yourself some trouble by not putting yourself in a position that you have to repack later! To paraphrase a more famous axiom: Plan Twice, Pack Once.
As you pack items, check them off of your list
Also if you do forget something, relax. It’s rare that you can’t find something comparable at your destination. Don’t let it ruin your fun.
How Do I Pack?
There are a lot of good articles and videos on efficient packing. Some we will be posting on our Facebook page. But there are always a few basics to keep in mind.
1. Pack for convenience
– Have what you need readily available. Put snacks, first aid, trip entertainment, and other items you will need during the trip in an easily accessible pocket. If you’re on a plane or other mass transit, this should be your carry-on.
– Items you might needs while waiting for a room to be ready at a hotel should likewise not be at the bottom of a suitcase. Keep items like toiletries and bathing suits in a spot where you can quickly reach them while waiting for a room.
2) Pack for Safety
– Make sure however you’re traveling the items your carrying is approved for your method of transit.
3) Keep it Clean
– Any items that might leak should be placed in a separate container within a suitcase. That way if you do have a problem, you don’t have to clean everything and lose valuable vacation time.
4) Spread the Wealth
– This one is probably obvious but don’t put all your heavy stuff in one place. This is bad for your bags and for your back. Plus you can sometimes get a surcharge for overweight luggage.
Don’t Come Back to a Dirty House
Do you know what’s worse than the vacation is over blues? Having to deal with it at the same time as a chaotic house.
Much of what we’ve already discussed will contribute to a more pleasant return from your trip.
If you are throwing everything together at the last minute, you tend to make a mess. So planning as we’ve discussed will help you to avoid that. YOu may even want to plan a major cleaning/organization day the week before you leave. Coming back to a nicely decluttered home is a way to extend those good vacation feelings just a little longer. And if you need help, you know who to call!
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