How I keep my sanity while packing!

It occurred to me one day while preparing my hospital bag that I was procrastinating on the task of packing up.  I had made a list and was planning to pack a couple weeks before my due date, but somehow I felt myself pushing off the duty farther and farther.  I did not want to gather items at the last minute, but I certainly was not accomplishing the necessary milestones to avoid that pickle.  I just couldn't get motivated. 

So I asked myself, why was this so hard?  What part of this task was bothering me so much?  Eventually I hit on the sense that I dreaded gathering up all the toiletry items.  My clothes were not such a big deal, but the thought of measuring what we needed now, or leaving that until later really bothered me.  I HATE packing toiletries for any trip.

Then I remembered something I used to tell my clients: have a toiletry bag stocked for travel and refill it when you return.  Packing is so much easier when you can simply throw a pre-organized bag of personal products into your suitcase!  So I decided to take a taste of my own medicine and proceeded to curate a group of items that would solely be for travel.  Since that time I have packed in half the usual time for two trips and no longer put off the task with dread!

Here is what we have in our toiletry bag.  When we return from the trip I take ten minutes to be sure everything is refilled and then the bag is ready for the next vacation:

The contents of my toiletry bag...his and her supplies.  Some items I refill myself, others I purchase new when I run out.

While not the highest quality, this bag has plenty of interior and exterior pockets to keep items separate.

When packed this bag takes up little space and is always ready for a last minute trip!

Stress free vacations

There are so many areas of my life that are positively affected by being organized. One of which is preparation for a trip or vacation. I look forward to our family vacation every year. It is a chance for us to decompress and slow down. And I have learned that nothing delays that wonderful relaxation process like rushing into our excursions stressed and wondering if I have forgotten something. The chaotic feelings and approach to planning for a trip can especially cost you in the long run if your travels take you internationally. We will be leaving the US for the first time in a short week. Passports, tickets and other vital documents are so essential to making these trips memorable and easy, that forgetting them leads to last minute disasters and often panic. When packing I always use a list. It grows and receives additions depending on what the trip requires. However, I consistently include the articles of clothing, hygiene essentials and other items I cannot afford to forget. This makes packing go so quick and I have peace of mind knowing I have not left anything behind. If you really feel ambitious, consider including a short list of contents in the top of each suitcase. These are especially great for kid’s bags to ensure clothing is worn for the right occasion, not to mention that all clothes come back. No more confusion and outfits being used on the wrong day! Whether you create a printed list or a simple handwritten one try it out to experience another benefit of organization!