Trains, planes and automobiles. The summer months are coming and many people are planning trips.
I’ll be the first to admit, I don’t like traveling. I am definitely a home body - BUT if I want to see family, I have to travel (vacations are nice too). I’ve done my best to curb my discomfort around traveling by creating a system that helps keep my head from spinning on all the details.
Since I began writing the blog and offering stories and tips about organizing, I realized just how much I learned from my mom. There are things she always did, that I now do, and creating a travel checklist is one of them.
As the trip is being planned, everything goes into a “Travel” folder so I can easily find the info I need. This includes plane ticket info, house/hotel rental info, car rental info, tickets for events, and general things of interest to do. I have a paper file and a file on my computer.
One of things that make it hard to go away is leaving Lula (our pup) behind. Even though we have a great place to leave her, getting her packed up to go (with food) takes some time. She also has medication for thunder storms and fireworks. I have an information sheet that I include with all the food that explains what she gets when, some of her quirks, the vet info and my cell phone number. After the first time putting it all together, I saved it so I can adjust as needed, but the main info stays the same and makes the process much easier.
Being organized and having a system can really help with your travel plans. I keep a checklist on my computer which includes things like:
Make sure I have a photocopy (or pic) of everything in my wallet so on the off chance it gets lost, I have the numbers and info I need to alert cc companies and get replacements.
Check that my phone is backing up so if I lose it, I still have access to the data.
Check on all auto deliveries and adjust dates so they don’t arrive while I am out of town.
Water plants, adjust thermostat And it has don't forget to pack items like: phone charger, vitamins & pillow.
I know some people who can easily “pack up and go”, but I am not one of them. Having a system relieves much of the stress of traveling for me, and lessens the ‘I forgot to’s’ once I’m on my way.
Leaving your home:
Even if you have a camera or security system, it's hard leaving an empty house.
Tell a neighbor or friend you are going out of town so they can keep an eye on your house. Does someone know where you are going and know how to reach you?
Depending on how long you will be gone, have someone pick up your mail (or put it on hold at the post office).
Before leaving be sure to lock windows (and doors) and turn off lights. Do a quick check of the kitchen to make sure all appliances are off. Turn off or set the HVAC to an appropriate temperature. Take out all trash so you don't come home to a stinky house. You might want to put a lamp on a timer.
I do not like coming back from a trip to a messy house, so I'll make sure there are no dishes in the sink, the counters are wiped down and misc. stuff is put away. I'll also do a quick pass with the vacuum.
I’ll be the first to admit, I don’t like traveling. I am definitely a home body - BUT if I want to see family, I have to travel (vacations are nice too). I’ve done my best to curb my discomfort around traveling by creating a system that helps keep my head from spinning on all the details.
Since I began writing the blog and offering stories and tips about organizing, I realized just how much I learned from my mom. There are things she always did, that I now do, and creating a travel checklist is one of them.
As the trip is being planned, everything goes into a “Travel” folder so I can easily find the info I need. This includes plane ticket info, house/hotel rental info, car rental info, tickets for events, and general things of interest to do. I have a paper file and a file on my computer.
One of things that make it hard to go away is leaving Lula (our pup) behind. Even though we have a great place to leave her, getting her packed up to go (with food) takes some time. She also has medication for thunder storms and fireworks. I have an information sheet that I include with all the food that explains what she gets when, some of her quirks, the vet info and my cell phone number. After the first time putting it all together, I saved it so I can adjust as needed, but the main info stays the same and makes the process much easier.
Being organized and having a system can really help with your travel plans. I keep a checklist on my computer which includes things like:
Make sure I have a photocopy (or pic) of everything in my wallet so on the off chance it gets lost, I have the numbers and info I need to alert cc companies and get replacements.
Check that my phone is backing up so if I lose it, I still have access to the data.
Check on all auto deliveries and adjust dates so they don’t arrive while I am out of town.
Water plants, adjust thermostat And it has don't forget to pack items like: phone charger, vitamins & pillow.
I know some people who can easily “pack up and go”, but I am not one of them. Having a system relieves much of the stress of traveling for me, and lessens the ‘I forgot to’s’ once I’m on my way.
Leaving your home:
Even if you have a camera or security system, it's hard leaving an empty house.
Tell a neighbor or friend you are going out of town so they can keep an eye on your house. Does someone know where you are going and know how to reach you?
Depending on how long you will be gone, have someone pick up your mail (or put it on hold at the post office).
Before leaving be sure to lock windows (and doors) and turn off lights. Do a quick check of the kitchen to make sure all appliances are off. Turn off or set the HVAC to an appropriate temperature. Take out all trash so you don't come home to a stinky house. You might want to put a lamp on a timer.
I do not like coming back from a trip to a messy house, so I'll make sure there are no dishes in the sink, the counters are wiped down and misc. stuff is put away. I'll also do a quick pass with the vacuum.
