Pre-Vacation Clean Up

Why? Because it is so nice to come home to a tidy home. It is good to know that there aren't chores hanging over your head that will need you immediate attention when you walk through the door. And finally, because you will be doing so much laundry when you first arrive home you will not have time to think about doing anything else. Stick to your normal cleaning and household routine as much as possible. Three days before you leave: Put your mail and paper delivery on hold. Alert a neighbor that you will be gone so that they can keep an eye out for your home. Two days before you leave: Make sure that the house is relatively neat, beds are changed, and the major household cleaning has been accomplished. While you are away from your home, the dust will still settle, but the overall appearance of your home should be tidy. The day before you leave: Clean out the fridge. Pick up toys, put clothes in hampers, do all the major tidying so that you are not rushing to pick up and find things on the day of your trip. The day you leave: Turn off the valve for the water going to your clothes washer, especially if it is indoors. Turn up or off the air conditioner so that you are not being wasteful. Take out the garbage! .

We're going on a trip

Where have I been??? In general, traveling around this wonderful state. How did I get blessed to experience so much of Spring Break so late in life?

I was having a conversation with someone recently regarding summer travel plans. She was lamenting that her husband wouldn’t decide on a vacation locale. He wants to go someplace new, but they don’t have passports and he isn’t motivated enough to even apply.

Now is the time of year to seal the deal. We talked a few weeks ago about the “who, what, when, where, and how” of going on vacation. This is the time to put it into action. Call the travel agent. Make the reservations. Book the flight, the cruise, the rental RV. Get it done now.

And moving right along to packing… Yes there will be a list involved. We know I love my lists. That comes later. (Stay tuned!) While packing for a weekend away for my family, it helps me to lay things out in outfits. I try to keep things mix and match and neutral. I do not lose sight of our destination plans. We do not need formal wear to visit a theme park, for example. We do need swim wear no matter what. Ah the joys of the Florida vacay! I also keep in mind that with a little one we will need some extra “just in case” outfits. I have also come to realize that in all of the fun in the sun (and water and –dare I say?- sweat) that one outfit a day is not sufficient for any of us. And lastly, I realize that we are not likely to wear any one garment more than once. This does not make for light packing, but it does make for a prepared family. Onward!

I am familiar with the places we stay. When I am unfamiliar I call ahead to find out about amenities. Is there a hair dryer and a coffee pot available in the room? How about a fridge/freezer and a microwave? Does the cabin have its own linens or do we need to pack? (Yep I’ve been on the “What do you mean we were supposed to bring our own sheets and towels?” vacation. It was not pretty.) Does “crib availability” mean that they have actual portable-cribs available? Or will they be bringing up a 12 year old death trap pack and play? These are all pertinent things to find out BEFORE packing.

More calls to make… Call the attractions and make sure they are open when you are planning to be there. It would be a shame to plan to go to a certain museum on Monday only to find out that they are only open Wednesday through Saturday. Finding their website is an ok alternative, BUT if it is not current or does not list special events then the phone call may be worth it. This will help you build a specific itinerary.

It will probably take you more than 15 minutes, so go make your calls. We'll save the packing list for next time.