July 10, 2008
On the Road Again
Summer is here and for millions of people that means it's time to hit the road on vacation. Whether you're traveling by plane, car, bus, train or boat, being well organized will prepare you for the good...and sometimes the bad...that vacations can bring your way.
TIP #1 - CREATE A TRIP FILE: Label it with your destination and the date of the trip and keep it on top of your desk so you have a place to put relevant items as they come up - tickets, reservation confirmations, maps, articles, restaurant recommendations, etc. When it's time to leave, grab the file and off you go. Include an empty envelope in the file to keep receipts organized during your trip.
TIP #2 - DON'T STRAIN YOUR BRAIN: As a memory-jogger, create packing lists for every kind of travel you do -- short trips, long trips, beach trips, camping trips, etc. Keep the lists in a "Travel" file, preferably on your computer so you can just print them out when you need them. Check off items as they are packed. This will help you avoid leaving anything on your list behind.
TIP #3 - LESS IS BEST: You can always fix "underpacking" by purchasing whatever you need if you forget something, but "overpacking" creates problems that aren't as easily solved. Be thoughtful and ruthless as you pack. Do you really need 5 pair of shoes for a weekend get-a-way?
TIP #4 - BE SAFE NOT SORRY: It's getting more and more difficult to bring a lot of carry-on luggage onto a plane, but be sure you take a change of clothing, essential toiletries and anything you'd really miss if your checked luggage doesn't make it to your destination when you do. Also, try cross packing if you're traveling with more than one bag or with someone else. This is one of the rare times you get to break the golden rule of organizing: "Keep like things together". Mix all your items up so you have a good sampling of all of them in each of the bags.
TIP #5 - STAY IN THE KNOW: For up-to-date air travel regulations on the permitted and prohibited items you can carry on your flight, go to www.tsa.gov. This is one rule you definitely want to know before you fly.
TIP #6 - TRAVELING BY CAR: Get a complete pre-trip inspection of your vehicle done before you leave. This includes checking the spare tire, jack, tire pressure, oil, coolant levels and windshield wiper fluid.
TIP #7 - PACKING FOR SMALL CHILDREN: Use the 2-gallon size Ziploc plastic bags to pack each day's outfit for your child/children, including bottoms, tops, socks and underwear. It will make dressing them - or them dressing themselves - much easier. No more rummaging in the suitcase to find items and, with the air compressed out of the bags before sealing, clothes will wrinkle less, pack down more compactly and help save space in the suitcase. It will also get you out the door quicker every day to enjoy your vacation! If you're packing for more than one child, be sure to mark each bag with the appropriate name.
TIP #8 - COPYCAT: Pre-pack a toilet bag with duplicates of all the items you normally use at home and you'll be less likely to accidentally forget something.
TIP #9 - CHECK IT OUT: Inspect everyone's walking shoes before leaving on a trip to make sure that the shoelaces are still good to go.
TIP #10 - USE IT OR LOSE IT: Go through your wallet and remove any items you won't be using on your vacation such as library cards, department-store charge cards, Social Security cards, etc.
TIP #11 - TAKE A DEEP BREATH: Stay calm and be flexible when delays you can't avoid sidetrack you. Have a back-up Plan B if your Plan A goes amiss.
TIP #12 - JUST IN CASE: Put together an emergency kit in case you get stranded traveling. Include snacks, water, clean-up towelettes, fresh underwear, etc.
TIP #13 - SOUVENIRS: Before making souvenir purchases, think about where the items will go when you get them home and whether or not they'll really be used. Avoid bringing home "stuff" that will just end up as clutter.
TIP #14 - TRAVEL PHOTOS: To avoid photo clutter, edit, edit, edit. If you save photos on your computer, don't forget to back them up or you risk losing them if your computer crashes. Better yet, keep them on a CD clearly marked with the trip destination and date so you can find/view them easily or share them with family and friends.
TIP #15 - EMERGENCY CONTACT INFO: Always be sure to carry "In Case of Emergency" contact information regardless of whether you're traveling far away from home or just going down the block.
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MILLER ORGANIZING. All rights reserved.
14 Stuyvesant Oval
NYC, NY 10009