Are you planning a summer vacation? Amy has some packing tips to help ensure a stress free organized enjoyable vacation.

Plan Ahead

• Reduce decision making as much as possible during the trip by planning ahead
• Know in advance what activities you will be doing so you can pack accordingly
• Know what is provided at your destination. Information may be provided on line if not call
• Know how available shopping is
• Gather packing lists & information ahead of time. Use a pre-printed packing list for kids and pets – update for each trip

Pre-Work

• Catch up on laundry prior to trip, this will save time and stress when you return
• Pack snacks and drinks for road trips to save money along the way
• Keep a toiletry bag pre-packed – add only daily items that are too expensive to keep duplicates of

Ziplock Bags

• Use for toiletry items that may leak
• Keep outfits together for kids – shirt, shorts, socks, underwear – write the day of the week on the bag
• Keep necklaces from tangling by zipping the latch outside of the bag
• Keep a trash bag handy to separate dirty clothes from clean ones
• Use for wet items during the trip

Other Packing Tips

• Clean out your purse or wallet before you travel – pare down to essentials only in case you lose it or it’s stolen
• Take a photo of the credit cards you are traveling with, for easy replacement later
• Roll clothing and items in your suitcase to save space
• Think through where you will use each item & when to pack accordingly
• Pack one bag per person
• Make your luggage stand out – buy a bright suitcase or put fun ribbons on to