Ok Mom’s! Let’s be honest. Getting ready for a vacation can be exhausting! You are responsible for all of the people’s stuff, pet prep, the food, the sunscreen and the fun. It can really make you not even want to go! I’m here today to help make vacation prepping a little easier! It’s a prep a little each day plan and I love that it takes the stress out of vacation prep!
The Importance of List Making:
When I am getting ready for vacation I make lists. I make so many lists that my lists have lists. You may not be like me and lists don’t come naturally. However, I beg and plead for you to make a list for your vacation. You want your prepping to be stress free, but I can tell you if your family shows up at the beach without bathing suits, underwear or a favorite pair of goggles, there is going to be stress. I make individual lists such as clothes for me, clothes for TJ, food, beach items, pet prep, preparing the house, etc. But, if you aren’t a list maker, do a brain dump. Starting a week or two before vacation put a piece of paper on the counter and every time you think of anything vacation related, write it down!
What to Do First:
Decide what types of things you need. This goes hand in hand with the list making. Are you going to an all-inclusive resort and all you really need is clothes? Is the beach your final destination and the condo you’ve rented doesn’t have linens? Are you headed to a theme park and need a bag to carry and the important items to go in it? Do you have a small child and need ALL the gear? Make sure you know what you need and then make a list of what you need to pack and what you need to buy!
Make Your Wal-Mart (or Amazon) Run!
Make your Wal-Mart run. About 4-5 days from your trip go through your stuff. Does everyone’s bathing suit fit? Do you have a travel or theme park bag? Do you need sunscreen or travel size toiletries? Are their certain snacks you want to take with you? Make your list of needed items and head to the store. Stash these away so you won’t accidentally use them before your trip. But don’t put them away where you forget to pack them. I usually make a pile in the corner of my bedroom for all of the items I need to pack.
Pack (Start Early!)
Three days out start packing. Put a suitcase in every persons room. That way as they start to think of things they need, it can go straight in the suitcase. Pack the road trip bag for your children now too. I posted a blog with some great info on what to include and why you want one! Pack up the non-clothing necessities such as the snacks, sunscreen, bug spray, etc.
Laundry and More:
Two days out do laundry. You may have to do one more small load, but at least the majority of the clothes are washed and either put away or packed. Confirm plans for pets. Check vacation destination weather to make sure you have everything you need. Go by the bank if you need cash. Get any prescriptions filled you might need.
Finish Packing, Clean and GO:
The day before finish packing. I like to clean the house enough so it looks presentable when we get back. Nothing says your back to reality like a coming home to a messy house. Check in to your flights or hotel on-line if that is a possibility. Weigh your suitcase if you are flying. Pack your car as much as possible. And now relax! It’s time to enjoy your vacation!
I hope this guide helps! Preparing for vacation a little at a time makes the prepping for vacation so much easier! If you need help actually planning a vacation, use a travel professional like me!
