Here are our best tips for staying organized on a trip. Whether you're heading out for a weekend road trip getaway or a long international journey, we’re sharing some ways to keep your adventures simple and stress-free.
PRE-PACKING + PACKING
Make a list (physical or digital) with deadlines. If you’re traveling with friends or adult family members, create a shared checklist note on your phone to stay on the same page. Instead of letting all of the packing pile up the night before you leave, pace it out in more approachable chunks.
Catch up on laundry. Be sure to identify everyone’s must have clothing & accessory items for the trip and make sure they are cleaned and ready to pack. Choose your travel day outfits based on comfort. Pro tip: pack a pop up hamper to corral dirty clothes while on your trip & toss it in the washer when you get home.
Utilize packing cubes. These not only help keep similar items together, but you could use them to pack outfits together per day/activity that you have planned. Want your items to stay fresh in your suit case, place a dryer sheet in the bottom of your suit case.
Go-To bag: Designate one bag to keep on hand with your essential items like: wallet (with ID, cash, a/or passports), phone & charger (don’t forget your portable travel charger too!), hand sanitizer, wet wipes, chapstick, medications, headphones, gum or mints, and sunglasses.
This bag would be your personal item or carry on for a flight. If you are flying, be sure to keep one extra outfit and basic toiletries with you in case of lost or delayed luggage.
If you are traveling via car, check out our Amazon storefront list of organizing products for your car.
If you’re traveling with small children we recommend packing a couple lightweight zipper pouches with: emergency snacks, portable sound machine, packable toys, mini first aid kit, stickers or coloring items, change of clothes (packed in a wet dry bag), a couple of diapers, wipes.
Borrow trip specific necessities. Infrequently used items like luggage, universal travel adapters are items you could check with a friend for instead of purchasing. Borrowing a book can save some cash as well.
PLANNINg
Research. You can literally search “guide to visiting _______ with kids for 4 days” or a similar phrase pertaining to your specific trip in Pinterest and countless blogs and personal experiences will appear. Check the dates to ensure you’re reading the most relevant info. Google maps can also help guide you to restaurants and attractions near your accommodations. ChatGPT is also a wonderful tool to use when scoping out a new location. Ask a local. Social media is a great place to seek out any connections or input from folks who live in or have traveled to the area you are visiting.
Check the weather. And check it again, and again. Things can change quickly! A packable lightweight umbrella and raincoat are essential.
Be realistic with your expectations. Know what you (and the others on your trip) are hoping to get out of this trip. Open communication and shared hopes are essential to making the most of your time away. Are there schedule limitations you need to honor (toddlers naps), budget constraints to consider, or personal preferences that vary widely among the trip attendees.
TRIP TIME
Include other travelers in your planning & preparation. A group text or email thread can be a good place to share links and details for your upcoming trip. Build a loose agenda or itinerary to have a bit of structure to your days. If you have multiple willing adults, it can lighten the load to designate a point person for: lodging, activities, dining, routing and transportation plans, and logistics.
Prepare your home for your absence. Depending on when you leave and will return, asking a friend or trusted neighbor to keep an eye on your home is always a good idea. Unexpected packages, crazy weather, or any unforeseen events could happen. Turn your thermostat to an appropriate temp for while you’re gone. Make sure you’ve used or tossed old (or soon to be old) food from your kitchen, empty all trash cans, leave one light on, make sure your doors are locked, consider holding your mail. Check your calendar for any service providers that might be scheduled to come to your home reschedule accordingly.
If you love the idea of coming home to a spotless & orderly home, schedule a couple of organizing sessions with our team prior to your trip. You’ll be so glad you did!
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