So often, it’s a mental game of not being able/wanting to commit the time; or your stress and anxiety is too high to let you make any headway. Getting fresh eyes on the space, and eyes trained to see all the potential, can make all the difference.
Read MoreGetting it all done in a day’s work is pretty darn near impossible in the best of times, but when we add in an extra layer, of say, an impending family trip where packing “all the things” is required, it can be daunting, if not damn near paralyzing! Avoid the last-minute, late-night scurry to get it all done with our easy-to-manage schedule for packing it all in, pun intended!
3 weeks prior to trip: Go through yours and the kids’ drawers and closets and see what you’ve got and what still fits. Use this week to hit up your favorite spots (in-person or online) and get what you need. With three boys with zero interest in shopping, it’s easier for me to Target and Amazon (yep, I’m using those words as verbs) their stuff, have them try it on at home, and then I’ll keep/return what works/doesn’t. But you do you!
2 weeks prior to trip: Keep a running list in your Notes app, so it’s always with you, and jot down things you know you’ll be needing as you think of them — sunglasses, goggles, sunscreen, pool bag, wine opener, chargers, swim shoes, Tums, magnetic hooks, retainer cleaning supplies, visor, vitamins, et. al). Yes, this list will be long and random AF, but it’ll be a huge help to have it altogether when packing time comes.
1 week prior to trip: Be on top of the laundry so you’re not wondering where things are; and where possible, stage what you’re going to bring for easy transfer to a suitcase. When you lay it all out on a dresser, you’re able to see what you’ve amassed and decide over the course of that week, what you’re missing or aren’t actually going to need (the latter more likely, in my case). This is also the time to make sure everyone’s prescriptions are filled.
3 days prior to trip: Check the weather of your destination and make sure you’re prepared with ponchos, scarves or sandals. Assess your toiletry and travel meds situation — replace what’s running low or expired and always, always, always bring one of these. Pull together all your identification papers (passports, birth certificates, Covid negative test results, etc.) and place in your carry-on bag.
1 day prior to trip: Load up the suitcases with all the stuff that’s been laid out on your dresser, and, again with the Notes App, make a list of the last minute things you need to remember to throw in the morning of departure (contacts lenses case/glasses, daily serums, watch chargers, snacks, etc.).
Did we miss anything? What’s on your to-do list that didn’t make ours?
