Creating Quiet Time for Yourself This Summer

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Summer is full of busy calendars, travel plans, mission trips, family reunions, and constant activity. With the buzz of summer fun, many of us who long for the quiet time of summer past. That is the time to sit on a porch during a summer rain shower, watch fireflies in the evening, or talk with family during a reunion. Carving out quiet time in the summer is about time for reflection. It’s a powerful form of self-care that can bring clarity, rest, and reconnection.

Why Quiet Time Matters

Even just 10 to 20 minutes a day of stillness can reduce stress by having a slower pace.  You can support mental clarity by pausing to reflect. Having a moment to sit and think can help improve your emotional well-being by processing complex ideas and incorporating these into your values. With the unpredictability of home and work, a quiet time becomes an anchor to help you stabilize life.

Summer’s Built-in Opportunities for Stillness

Summer’s longer days and slower rhythms create opportunities for moments of rest. You can wake up earlier to sit with your coffee in the yard, or close your eyes in a hammock under the shade of a tree in the afternoon heat. There are natural pauses that are part of Summer. Here are a few ways to create quiet time this summer that blend into your everyday life.

  • Set your alarm just 15 minutes earlier to enjoy alone time. Start an early walk, write in your journal, or step outside in the morning air.

  • Start the day with a big glass of cold water with lemon, mint, or cucumber. Hydration helps you think clearly.

  • Take a morning or evening walk without headphones. Listen to the birds as you walk. Let nature pull you into the sounds of the season.

  • Turn off the radio and drive in silence. Allow yourself to think without hearing extra noise.

  • Set a family quiet time. With your kids or others during the day, set a visual timer and let everyone know it’s “quiet time”, that is a time for books, puzzles, or naps.

  • Give yourself permission for a nap. It will refresh and compose you.

  • Create a comfy rest or reading spot inside or out. Take a learning break.

  • Go tech-free for an afternoon.

For Busy Brains and ADHD

If you have ADHD, quiet time might not feel comfortable and be easy to avoid. You can use guided meditation or a timer to help you start this new routine for a reset. The rest will help you feel more focused. Embrace the idea that quiet has value for clarity and processing.

You Don’t Have to Earn It

Feel like you have to get enough done to have time to rest? Put away your perfectionism and permit yourself to start this new practice. Your future self will thank you.

Summer is the perfect time to start this new stillness practice. It is a gift to yourself.

From Screen Time to Skill Time: Lifelong Learning Through the Summer

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Summer is for more than just vacations, pool time, and downtime. It is also the perfect time to embrace lifelong learning, where, as an adult, you stretch your knowledge beyond book learning. Whether you’re eighteen or eighty, cultivating curiosity and being open to learning new things can boost your brain, improve your mood, and make life feel more vibrant. The best part is that learning can take place in a variety of ways. Summer is the time to think outside the box when it comes to how we learn, because we have the opportunity with more free time and exploration.

Why Lifelong Learning Matters

Lifelong learning keeps our minds active, improves memory, and even increases resilience as we age. More than professional development with a goal and specific use, learning is about discovering new hobbies, revisiting old passions, and staying connected to others. Studies show that people who engage in ongoing learning tend to be more optimistic, less stressed, and more socially engaged. Lifelong learning gives you the opportunity to make new friends, boost your mood by affirming what you love, and keep your brain power sharp.

For those with ADHD, lifelong learning can be a powerful and healthy alternative to falling into the trap of too many half-started projects or excessive screen time. Engaging in intentional learning with a structured class, a hands-on hobby, or exploring a new topic in depth can satisfy the brain’s need for novelty and stimulation in a focused, rewarding way. Rather than juggling scattered to-dos or getting stuck in the scroll, learning something new provides a sense of purpose, progress, and accomplishment. It’s a positive outlet that nurtures curiosity without overwhelming the mind.

Summer is the ideal time to try something new

The more flexible pace of summer opens up time and space in our schedules. That’s the time to capitalize on what you have been imagining. You might wonder what are some creative ways to try new learning?  Here are some options you may not have thought of as lifelong learning.

Try Mahjong

Mahjong is more than a game. In playing, you are using memory, strategy, and social connection. Learning this traditional Chinese game can be a fun mental workout and a way to bond with others. Look for local game nights or online tutorials to get started.

Explore art in new ways.

There are many ways to start learning a new art. Take a watercolor class at your local art center, visit a new museum, or start a sketchbook habit. Learn to sew at adult sewing classes. Visual learning sparks creativity and offers a calming, meditative experience. Not only is this a brain boost, but it refines your fine motor skills.

Learn a musical instrument or join a choir.

Even a few notes on a recorder or a casual community singing group can bring joy and connection. Music activates multiple parts of the brain, supports emotional expression, and builds confidence. Join your community choir this summer to get started.

Cook something new

Learning a cuisine from a different culture can be a flavorful and fun adventure. You are doing more than following a recipe, as you are exploring history, tradition, and new techniques.

Puzzle it up or play a new game

Assembling a tricky puzzle or playing logic-based games all count as brain-building activities that are also fun and relaxing. Host a game night for family and friends to join the fun.

 Take up a new sport

Wondering about the pickleball craze? Summer is a great time to dive in!

Stretch as needed

Is that technology being frustrating? Working harder at something that used to be simple? As uncomfortable as our daily tasks may be, these are also great learning opportunities. Unprecedented change has a positive side, too, if we take a learning perspective. Approach those difficult tasks with a sense of curiosity and resourcefulness.

Learning is for everyone.

Make it a goal this summer to build both your curiosity and skills. Keep active, engaged, and connected as well as cognitively together. Try something new for the joy of it. Don’t worry about being perfect at it. Include learning this summer as naturally as going on vacation.

Expert – Approved Clutter Solutions for your Home

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When  you think of decluttering, do you think of buying bins as the solution? That might not be the only solutions to corral clutter in your home. While decluttering is always the first best solution, surprisingly there are ways to alleviate the stress of clutter while not editing.  Sometimes finding the right product and labelling are the answer. Here are some of my favorites.

 

 

Clear plastic zipper pouches

Use this variety of sizes and colors for organizing while travelling or at home. Multi-size mesh zipper storage pouches can be used for pens, bills, tapes, and school supplies. Some sizes can be used to store travel items such as toothbrushes and jewelries. Some can be used to store toys, DIY gadgetry and diaper bag organizing pouches.

 

Clear small inside drawer organizers

These clear versatile drawer dividers trays are perfect for any place in your home. Fit all kinds of drawers, such as vanity, bathroom, kitchen, office drawers, craft room, cosmetics, makeup tools, hair accessories, jewelry, or utensils. Easily arrange the configuration to help you stay organized.

 

clear stackable drawers

 

Clear stackable drawers

The stackable design makes these containers compatible with cabinets found in bathrooms, kitchens, cabinets, closets, and offices. They make a great space saving option for cosmetics, makeup, jewelry, kitchens utensils, cleaning tools, and office supplies. Use these for medicines, jewelry, scarves, small purses or organizing any shelf or inside a cabinet. 

 

drawer dividers

 

Expandable drawer organizers

 

These drawer organizers can be installed in any drawer of your house or office. Because these are expandable, you can create any size area for the items you are categorizing. Perfect for organizing clothes, kitchen utensils, office supplies, makeup, bathroom clutter, and more. No more looking in a drawer and not finding what you need easily.

 

 

2-Tier Clear Under Sink Organizers and Storage

The multi-purpose organizer storage is a good helper to keep your vanity or bathroom countertop tidy. It can also be used as under sink organizer, kitchen organization, pantry organizer, refrigerator storage, cabinet storage. Perfect for storing cosmetics, toiletries, perfumes, cleaning supplies, snacks, bottles, or spice jars.

 

Notice that these clutter solutions are all clear. This way you can see what you have and it also makes for an attractive appearance. Remember to measure to be sure the product will fit in the space. A label maker finishes up your organizing! All products are available on Amazon and delivered quickly.

Let Them: The Organizing Mindset Shift That Changes Everything

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Have you stood in the middle of a messy room wondering why no one else in your family seems to care? In every family, at least one member of the group feels this way.  With all the tidying and sorting, labeling, and putting away, there are still jackets tossed on the floor and dishes left in the sink. It’s frustrating and discouraging. However, what if the key to peace in your organizing journey isn’t about getting others to change—but simply letting them be?

This is where Mel Robbins’ powerful idea comes in: Let them.

Does it feel like you are giving up? Let them be messy? Let them ignore the system you carefully set up? Let them leave laundry on the floor? You are making choices to make your own decisions,  set boundaries, and apply your own values.

What Does Let Them Mean in Organizing?

The Let Them Theory, popularized by Mel Robbins, suggests that trying to control or change other people’s actions, thoughts, or reactions leads to unnecessary stress and is not necessarily successful in creating change in others. Instead, the theory encourages you to focus on your own decisions, reactions, and the boundaries you set.  Mel Robbins shares the idea that when people do things that bother us like show up late, fail to help, or ignore our advice, you can choose to stop chasing, controlling, or convincing. Instead, you let them. And then you decide what you want to do next.

 

Let Them Theory, your home and your organizing

In organizing, Let Them doesn’t mean we stop caring. The Let Them theory helps you release control and focus on your own values.

  • Let them leave their shoes in the hallway or dishes in the sink. You don’t have to pick them up every time. You can remind, or you can let the natural consequence happen. You no longer have to carry the emotional and mental load for everyone else.
  • Let them resist the new system. You labeled bins and created a color-coded calendar. However if your spouse or kids don’t jump in with enthusiasm, let them. Give it time. Keep modeling it. Your consistency might be more influential than any nagging ever could be.
  • Let them struggle with clutter. It’s hard to watch someone live with too much stuff and live in chaos. Addressing change before they’re ready doesn’t move others forward. You can offer support, resources, and inspiration. But the choice has to be theirs. Let them come to it in their own time.

 

Let me organize

By reclaiming your energy, you can continue to be a role model and supporter for those around you. By having less frustration around organizing, you can redirect your energy to focus back to what you can control which are your systems, your spaces, and your mindset. You choose how to respond with calm, clarity, and boundaries that protect your peace.

  • When applying this to your home, it means accepting that others may not always follow your organization standards. You might not be able to get everyone to put their shoes away or fold their laundry, but you can still create a functional and enjoyable living space for yourself. 
  • While you might not be able to change others’ habits, you can set boundaries and communicate them clearly. For example, you can designate areas as off-limits for certain items or have clear expectations about how shared spaces should be used. 
  • If your family is not cooperative with tidying up, you can choose to focus on organizing your own personal space, rather than trying to control everyone else’s behavior. You can also set boundaries, such as designating certain areas as off-limits for clutter or enforcing rules about where certain items should be stored. 

 

By embracing the “Let Them” mindset in your home, you can reduce stress, improve your relationships, and create a space that truly feels like your own. 

 

25 Tips for Summer Organizing: Simplify & Relax

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Summer is the perfect time to create a more relaxed and functional space at home. With longer days and a more flexible schedule,  you can use your time during the season to  simplify your home and make everyday life easier. With a less structured schedule, you can take self-care time too during the summer months. Here are 25 organizing tips to help you start summer on the right note.

Declutter for a Fresh Start

Letting go and editing is always the first step.

  1. Start with a quick Sweep. Walk through your home and gather items you no longer need. Grab stuff you have seen sitting around your home and creating clutter, put it in a bag and drop it off as strong start to decluttering. Throughout the summer do the same every Sunday.
  2. Sort seasonal items. With school ended, pack away winter gear that has been left out and bring out summer essentials for the backyard, patio or summer sports. Group items that are alike and store in labelled bins.
  3. Let go of winter gear that has not been worn. Donate clothes that have not been used in several winter seasons.
  4. Declutter Beach & Pool Gear. Toss broken floats, expired sunscreen, and unused accessories for a fresh start for summer essentials.
  5. Limit Paper Clutter. You may have gotten behind during Maycember and need to quickly recycle and shred paper and mail that is cluttering your counters.

Organize Room-by-Room

Work room-by-room to have a sense of accomplishment.

  1. Start with an entryway reset to set summer essentials like sunglasses, sunscreen, and hats near the door. You can use a back of the door shoe organizer to help hold these items near the point of use.
  2. Organize your kitchen for summer-friendly foods, declutter the fridge, and create a snack station. Fill your snack station includes healthy fruits and veggies to encourage good choices. Evaluate all the water tumblers and keep your favorites only.
  3. Dig deep in your primary and auxiliary closets to let go of unworn items. Get your closet swap completed so that you can store winter clothing and organize summer outfits for easy access.
  4. Freshen up your bathroom for summer. Get rid of expired products and restock travel-sized toiletries for trips.
  5. Work in the early morning in your garage for a cleanup. Organize gardening tools, sports equipment, and outdoor games to find what you need quickly. If your garage has become a dumping group, sort out and let go of what has been discarded there.

Smart Storage Solutions

Storage solutions make it easier to stay organized.

  1. Make it easy to find what you need by using clear labelled bins for summer gear. You can keep beach towels, yard games, and picnic supplies in labeled bins.
  2. Create “grab and go” bags for both summer sports and impromptu summer outings. Keep your cooler and folding chairs handy with a bag stocked with ziploks and antibacterial wipes.
  3. Make it easier to access items with command hooks attached where items are easy to find. Hooks for towels and bags make it easy to keep the floor clear.
  4. Utilize outdoor storage bins for pool and outside items that are frequently used items. There are a variety of waterproof bins with lids to drop in toys.
  5.  Place a bin, basket or shoe rack at your entry to designate shoe, flip-flop and sandal storage.

Prioritize Self-Care

Now is the time to be sure you take care of yourself first.

  1. Because the sun comes up earlier, start each day with natural light and fresh air. Only 15 minutes outside at day break makes your day more enjoyable.
  2. Take the opportunity for walks each day. Even a 10 minute walk can have an impact on mood and well-being.
  3. Stick with your regular bedtime, no matter how late the time for sunset. Having a regular bedtime routine makes it easier to have a great night’s rest.
  4. Try new fruits and veggies that are in season. You will enjoy learning more about new ways to incorporate these into salads and snacks.
  5. Hydration is always important but especially in the summer due to dehydration. Use your travel tumbler filled with a squeeze of lemon to keep you hydrated all summer long.

Maintain an Organized Routine

Establish routines that maintain all the effort you have put in this season.

  1. Stay organized while you travel away from home this summer. Keep a dedicated space for packing essentials.
  2. Try out new ways to create team work with your family. Assign simple summer chores and partnerships for cooking to keep spaces tidy.
  3.  Keep your family meeting going to discuss upcoming events, why organizing matters and how everyone can be a partner in the effort.
  4. Keep clutter under control with quick daily resets and a weekly Sunday reset.
  5. Fight the urge to be perfect in all things organizing. Celebrate all the micro-steps of success!

By taking these small steps, you can create a home that feels lighter, fresher, and ready for summer fun. Happy organizing!

 

5 Calming Ways to Work with Anxiety (instead of Fighting It)

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5 calming ways to work with anxiety

 

Anxiety can pop up at any time, whether it is a big event or a worst-case scenario. It is common for you and for those around you. For people with ADHD, it is often a co-existing condition that seesaws in intensity. There are ways to fight anxiety focusing on strategies on how to work with anxiety when it happens. Here are some practical management strategies to feel more in control.

Name what you are feeling

Awareness is the first step in managing anxiety. Naming it helps you reframe and shift from panic to problem-solving. As Brene Brown says, this gives you space between the feeling and your actions. You can respond with intention after this pause.

 

Create routines and structure

Anxiety thrives in unpredictability. When you create a daily routine, you are providing structure and stability. Knowing what’s coming next helps reduce mental clutter and overwhelm. Start small with set wake-up and wind-down times, or create a short morning routine you can stick to.

Get moving

A physical response to anxiety can help. You can take a walk, do deep breathing, or do a yoga pose. Movement supports emotional regulation, one of the executive functions in our brain, and helps focus on something different.

 

Write it down

Journaling is a powerful way to process anxious thoughts. You can do a brain dump, write a list of what’s stressing you out, or even keep a gratitude journal to shift your focus. Writing things down makes your inner world feel a little more m

 

Make a connection

Processing anxiety by verbal processing can help your clarity. That connection can be a friend, coach or therapist who can be a mirror to your processing without judgment. For many, this processing creates clarity and promotes problem-solving.

 

Be proactive about your strategies for anxiety. Create a routine that starts when anxiety starts. It can be a combination of strategies such as prayer or reciting a mantra. Prayer gives you a higher power to connect to. Mantras are recitations that support strength and resilience. My mantra is “things tend to work out.” With this mantra, I know that this moment of anxiety will pass. Don’t be afraid to reach out for support in moments of anxiety. There is so much support around you.

 

Click here for more ideas on how to thrive in this crazy, mixed-up world.

Simplify Your Getaway: How to Create a Travel Checklist

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create a travel checklist

Planning a trip? Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a two-week adventure, a travel checklist is your secret weapon for a stress-free experience. It keeps you organized, saves you time, and ensures you don’t forget the essentials (like that charger or passport!) Here’s how to create one in just a few steps.

 

Start with the Basics
Include must-haves like identification, wallet, phone, medications, and chargers. These are non-negotiables. Then think of your required personal care items such as face wash, lotions,  medications, and supplements.

Consider Your Destination
Check the weather and itinerary. A beach trip will require very different items than a mountain hike. Always add a light jacket and umbrella to your bag.

Think in Categories
Think of how you prepare for your day. Create categories and use that context to be sure you include what you need. Break it down into groups such as clothing, toiletries, electronics, documents, snacks, and extras like books or headphones. This makes packing feel less overwhelming.

Use a Reusable Template
No sense in re-creating the wheel.  You can save your checklist digitally or laminate a paper copy to reuse each time you travel. Apps like Google Keep, Notion, or even a printable PDF work great. Choose the option that works with the way you think best.

Do a Final Review
Before you zip up your bag, run through your list again, look inside your bag, and carry on. Sometimes something small gets missed!

Creating a travel checklist takes just a few minutes, but it can save hours of stress.

Start your checklist here with this template.

Common Travel Fails for People with ADHD (and Solutions to Fix Them)

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common travel fails for those with adhd

 

Traveling with ADHD can be a thrilling adventure or a bit chaotic if you’re not prepared. The excitement and stimulation of new places and interesting spots can clash with ADHD challenges like weak working memory, emotional regulation, time blindness, and decision fatigue. Here are some real-life travel fails that often happen to people with ADHD and a few quick tips to dodge them.

1. Forgetting Important Documents

Fail: Leaving your passport or ID at home… or worse, losing it mid-trip.

Fix: Keep important documents in a brightly colored pouch and triple-check before leaving. Keep this pouch in the middle section of your carry on so you know exactly where to find this.

2. Overpacking Random Stuff, Underpacking Essentials

Fail: Ten books and no socks.

Fix: Pack by a context that works for you. That might be by category, not item—outfits, toiletries, tech, paperwork.

3. Missing Flights or Trains

Fail: Thinking you had plenty of time and realizing you don’t.

Fix: Apply time assessments backward to set a departure time for the airport or train station. Double the time that you think it takes to travel.

4. Losing Track of Reservations

Fail: Showing up at the wrong hotel—or forgetting you booked two hotels.

Fix: Consolidate your information. Use a single app or document to track every reservation (Google Docs, TripIt, or even a simple Notes app).

5. Last-Minute Panic Packing

Fail: Stuffing random things into a suitcase at 2 am and forgetting medication, chargers, or underwear.

Fix: Set your suitcase out a week ahead of time. Start a “staging area” a few days before the trip where you collect items as you remember them.

6. Underestimating How Long Tasks Take

Fail: Thinking you can pack, clean, and get to the airport in an hour. Here’s the reality of this. You can’t.

Fix: Double (or triple) your estimated time for tasks when preparing to leave.

7. Decision Fatigue Mid-Trip

Fail: Getting totally overwhelmed when you have to choose a restaurant, tour, or bus route from the many choices available.

Fix: Limit choices by having 2-3 flexible options each day so you don’t have to make too many on-the-spot decisions.

8. Forgetting to Check Local Details

Fail: Arriving in a different time zone, country, or climate totally unprepared.

Fix: Set multiple reminders to research local weather, currency, plugs, and customs before packing. Download city and tour apps to easily find information.

9. Over-scheduling and Exhaustion

Fail: Book tours, dinners, and shows back-to-back until you collapse from exhaustion.

Fix: Give yourself alternating days of well-scheduled and free time during your travel. Plan a few low-key evenings with earlier bedtimes to get sufficient rest.

10. Meltdowns Over Forgotten Items

Fail: Realizing you forgot something important and it spirals into a shame storm.

Fix: Remember that most items can be purchased that are necessities. Build “forgiveness” into your plan. You’re doing your best and you are on vacation.

 

Think about your travel as an opportunity to stretch your personal strengths and all the ways you are creating new memories no matter the glitches.

Graduation Joy: Celebrating Big and Staying Organized

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graduation celebrations organized

Graduation is one of life’s most exciting milestones. As a family, you are filled with pride and look forward to celebrating graduation. Whether it’s a high school, college, or other achievement, together you celebrate and recognize success, effort, growth, and a bright future.

However, celebrations include lots of moving parts, that being ceremonies, parties, and gifts. It is easy for the excitement to turn into overwhelm if you’re not organized. Here’s how you can fully enjoy the moment and stay organized every step of the way.

Celebrate the Joy

Take time to soak it all in for you and your graduate. That means giving yourself the opportunity to pause and reflect. Set aside some time for this early in the day so you can appreciate the meaning of the moment. You can appreciate and be grateful for your role, your graduate’s success, and the tribe of people who supported all of you.

Capture the Memories

Capture the memories but don’t let your camera or phone get in the way. Create a shared album so everyone can contribute pictures and videos. This way you can cheer on your graduate without having to film or photo each moment.

Celebrate together

Choose a celebration that means the most to you and your graduate. Whether it’s a giant party or a small family dinner, pick the celebration that feels right for everyone. Ask for help from your team to bring that celebration into reality. That could be delegating, ordering in, or any other way you can gather your team to assist in the party prep and take down. At the party, set up a simple table with photos, awards, yearbooks, and fun memorabilia to celebrate the graduate’s journey. Gather these items in the weeks ahead of time.

Give a gift with meaning

Your graduate will be receiving many thoughtful gifts. Writing a letter to your graduate many be the most meaningful way for you to share your enthusiasm. Your gift could be a reflection of your legacy such as a watch or time piece. Don’t worry about finding the perfect gift as your being a part of their celebration is what means the most.

Focus on Gratitude

Your graduate had lots of support. Thank the teachers, mentors, family, and friends who supported the journey. Handwritten cards acknowledging their roles go a long way. Include these supporters in your celebration as you feel meaningful.

Stay Organized

Create a graduation checklist that includes all the tasks for this time of year. Write down everything: cap and gown pickup, announcements, party supplies, travel logistics, thank you cards, and more. Confirm important dates, times, and details to make sure you know when and where exactly things are happening.

Use lists wisely

There are many lists you will want to keep either on paper or in an app. Keep a list of who you’re inviting to the ceremony and celebrations. As cards and gifts come in, jot down who sent what. It’ll make writing thank-you notes so much easier later.

Pack a Ceremony Kit

Graduation ceremonies are lengthy. Bring essentials like water, safety pins, tissues, bobby pins, a small snack, and backup makeup if needed. You will feel well-prepared for this event.

 

Graduation is a special celebration of growth, hard work, and dreams coming true. Be sure you have strong foundations to thrive at this especially busy time. By staying organized, you’ll give yourself the time and space to be present, enjoy the moment fully, and create memories that last forever.

 

25 Essential Tips to Get Organized, Plan and Pack for Travel

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Essential tips

 

Summer calls us to head out and travel. Travel feels most at ease when you are organized. Whether you’re packing for a weekend getaway or week long adventure, being prepared and ready makes everything smoother and more enjoyable. Here are 25 tips to help you get organized, plan effectively, and pack smart for your next trip.

Getting Organized Before the Trip

  1. Create a master travel checklist for you and your family. List everything you usually need (passport, chargers, toiletries, technology, medicine) so you can reuse the list for each trip. Use either the Notes app or paper to capture this information. Review the list after your vacation and update for when you travel next.
  2. Start your packing early. Pull out your suitcase and leave it where you can drop in items. Review and organize at least one day before departure to avoid last-minute chaos.
  3. Organize your travel documents using a travel app or folder. Keep flight details, hotel reservations, and itinerary info in one place either digitally or printed. Share that information with those at home so they know where you are and how to contact you just in case of emergency. Double check reservations to ensure everything is all set.
  4. Check the weather forecast for the 10 day period around your travel dates. Weather apps are fairly reliable but pack an extra light weight coat and umbrella just in case.
  5. Plan a capsule wardrobe that coordinates your clothes. Instead of tossing in random clothes, plan your outfits to mix and match, as well as shoes that go with all attire. It is easiest to choose a color palette and coordinate.
  6. Organize your charging cords by device. Use a pouch to be sure all the cords are with you, both going and returning. Look for small chargers that charge multiple devices. Keep that pouch in your carry on to charge at your airplane seat or car.
  7. Coordinate your pet and home care while you are away. Make a list of tasks that include setting up out-of-office replies, watering plants, and holding mail. Contact your pet care person and share a list of responsibilities.
  8. Ensure your safety by gathering important documents, Make photocopies of your ID, passport, and insurance card, and store them separately. Carry the copies with you at all times when away in case of emergency.
  9. Update transportation apps like Uber and Lyft to be sure these are ready to use when you land.
  10. Get organized with medication organizers and a small first aid kit. Fill a 3 times a day pill organizer with all medication and supplements to keep in your carry on. In your luggage, pack a small first-aid kit that include basics like band-aids, pain relievers, and any prescription meds.
  11. Plan for oops. Keep up to date on events as you travel. Permit notifications from your airline and hotel apps just in case of emergency.

Staying organized while on your trip

  1. Use packing cubes to subdivide your clothes into manageable units. These might be packed by a set of clothes per day or the category of clothes such as swim or underwear.
  2. Designate a “landing strip” for all papers, money and keys. This way there is only one place to look for items your need.
  3. Plan for laundry with a bag and pocket size detergent. You can wash as you go or save laundry until you return.
  4. Think ahead about healthy snacks and hydration. Bring protein bars for healthy snacks. Having an easy option snack makes you feel better as travel is fatiguing. If you are in the USA, bring refillable water bottles to be eco-friendly and hydrated.
  5. Use a hanging bag for easy access for toiletries while travelling. Having a hook at the top makes it easy for you to hang it near the sink and use less counter space.
  6. Set up a dedicated tech charging area. It is easy to store and charge all devices each evening. Be sure to bring a car charger as well for day travel.
  7. Bring a foldable small lightweight tote or backpack. This makes day travel easy to organize with snacks and water. It is also handy for beach outings, daily outings or carrying souvenirs home.
  8. If you pack for your family, use quart size ziplock to organize their clothes by day or outfit. It makes it easy to tell your kiddos what to wear that day.
  9. Regroup each night by picking up your hotel or vacation rental. Your reset each evening ensures that yu are organized the next day.

Smart Last-Minute Carry On Organizing

  1. Be sure to charge all devices fully the night before travel. This way phones, tablets, and power banks are at 100% before you leave.
  2. Download entertainment ahead of time. Save podcasts, books, or movies for offline use during travel. Carry some paper magazines you have not had time to read at home.
  3. Choose comfy clothes and layers for the flight or car ride. Pack an extra pair of undies in your carry on. Wear slip on sneakers with support for walking.
  4. Organize your carry on by pocket and with small zipper cases. Have what you need easy to find. Assign inside pockets for valuables and important paper work.
  5. Make your travel time a fun part of the vacation. Arrive early at the airport to relax. Follow airline guidelines for how early to arrive and depart without stress, rather than choosing your own time. Adding in the travel time extends the fun!

A little planning makes all the difference to make your trip smooth and memorable.