Hey! How are ya?! Did I mention that I got strep throat and then got my wisdom teeth out two weeks later? Yep. It’s true. Good times around here, I tell you.
Anyway, this past weekend I was finally feeling up to a little trip that we had been planning on. It was nice to get away, but when I went to brush my teeth the first night, I realized that I had forgotten the toothpaste and the kids’ toothbrushes. Awesome.
When I got home, one of the first things I did was print out a permanent packing list. I laminated it and stuck it in my suitcase. The next time I go on a trip, I won’t be forgetting anything thanks to this little baby:
Since it’s laminated, I can use a dry erase marker to check things off as I pack them. Yay! No more writing down the same old list every single time! I even left some blank spaces… you know, in case I forgot anything. Ha!
And here’s the second random tip. I used to hate bringing jewelry on trips because my necklaces would get all tangled up. On this trip I really needed to wear this purple necklace. Needed to. So after a little thinking, I laid out a long piece of toilet paper (so classy, I know), set the necklace on top of that, then rolled the whole thing up, like this:
It worked like a charm! My necklace was smooth, tangle-free and ready to go. And I’m totally keeping that piece of T.P. in my suitcase so I can use it again.
So there you have it… two random tips to making packing for a trip easier.
Do you have any tips you’d like to share?
Comments & Reviews
Karin says
I write a list out like this each time – I love the laminated idea list. My two best packing tips are:
1. Buy a small toiletry bag and keep a toothbrush for each kid, a tube of kids' toothpaste, and some bandaids in there. It's always packed AND they don't dig through my stuff to find theirs.
2. Each kid has a drawstring bag that I made them. Their underwear and socks go into this bag when I pack. Since they all share a suitcase, it makes it easy to find the right socks/underwear for each kid. Bonus, if you are staying with someone and don't have an en suite bath, it's nice to tuck my own stuff in one of these when I'm walking too and from the shower.
Jennifer {The Craft Patch} says
Karin, what great ideas! I keep a spare toothbrush in my toiletries bag… I don't know why I didn't think to do it for my kids too. Thanks for sharing!
drakakoe says
I do the same as Karin 🙂 My son (11) has his own toiletry bag since he was 4, it's filled with toothbrush,toothpaste, shampoo, showergel, deodorant, hairgel, a comb, bandaids and alcohol swipes.
He goes to scouting camps, 3 times a year, and for our frequent weekend visits to grandparents,it's handy too 🙂
We use his at least once a month so why unpack,an repack within weeks…
Jennifer {The Craft Patch} says
That is SO smart. I guess it's time to round up some bags for my kids! Thanks for the comment, drakakoe!
Tharvey says
When we visit my in-laws we usually stay a few nights, and with two little ones we need to bring a ton of stuff! I keep a list like this on our iPad now, and we've learned that it is just as important to check off everything on the way back home so we don't forget anything.
Jennifer {The Craft Patch} says
Never thought of that… brilliant! I can't tell you how many times I have left things behind.