Packing, Packing, and More Packing

Spring break is almost here!  

 Where are you going to celebrate?  :)

What are you going to wear and how many outfits do you need?  

How much laundry do you need to do before you can leave and have still have clean 

clothes to wear when you get home?  Is the car ready to travel?  

Do we need plane tickets?  What about a hotel?  Do the kids need anything special?  

Who will take care of the pets while you're gone?  

WHEW!  I'm tired just thinking about it all! 

So, let's take it piece by piece.  That's one of the benefits of good organization- it lets you take a large project, break it down into manageable pieces that are easier to handle without getting overwhelmed (and hopefully not forget important things).

Day by Day Agenda

 

Day 1- Get excited for vacation!  

• Think about your destination.  Are you going to the beach where it's sunny and hot or skiing in the snowy mountains? 
• Decide how you'll get there.  Is it close enough to drive or do you need to start shopping for plane tickets?
• Check the weather for the dates you'll be there and inventory your wardrobe for weather appropriate options.  If it's still a little farther away than you'd like, check the web for the average temperatures for that region's time of year.  At weather.com, you can click on "Today," then at the bottom-right you'll see a link to "Averages" that shows the averages for temperature, rainfall, etc..
• If your wardrobe needs updating, it's time to start shopping!  (Honey, I found a great deal on...)

Day 2- Where we're going & how we're getting there

• If you're driving, plan to have your car checked out for a trip.  The mechanic should check things like oil, air filters, tire condition, brakes, fluids, etc.
• If you're flying, be sure to check airline and TSA regulations for what items are allowed and what items you could unintentionally "donate" to them.  (What do you mean baseball bats and meat cleavers aren't carry-on items?!)

Day 3- Where are we staying?

• Hotels range from the ultra-luxurious to quaint Bed and Baths to affordable family overnighters.  Ask friends and family if they've stayed anywhere that they recommend, check the web, and always compare prices and reviews. 
• Sometimes you're lucky enough to stay with family or friends.  Do you need to bring any special accommodations like a play pen, pillows, or sleeping bags?  Make sure they have ample warning of your arrival.  Be sure to give a thoughtful "thank you gift" for their hospitality.  Maybe they'll ask you to come again!

Day 4-  What to pack?

•  How long you'll be gone helps to determine how much to pack.  I made a chart for each of my kids that outlines exactly what clothing needs to be packed and how many.  Now that 2 of them can read, I can hand them their lists and suitcase and say- "Go pack for vacation!"  It gets them so excited and packing goes much quicker.  

*Beware*- A parent still needs to inspect that all items packed are appropriate.  (Somehow a favorite shirt that's too small tries to sneak its way on vacation and take up precious space.)

Day 5- Pack, Think, and Be Excited!

• Take a day to think about everything so far.  Have you tied up all the lose ends?  Do you feel prepared or do you have that "I'm missing something" feeling? 

You're ready for vacation!  

Get even more excited, get on the road, 

and have fun knowing you've Got it All Together.