Start a week early by making arrangement to have your home and pets cared for while you’re gone.

Plan outfits and try and stick with one or two color schemes to cut down on accessories that will be needed and set aside anything you can live without for the week.  This will cut down on laundry that has to be done before you pack. 

Three days before you leave check to be sure you have airline tickets, passports and any papers and directions you will need.  Two days before, get the laundry done and the house in order to make packing easier.

Begin packing your bags the day before you leave.  Allocate one bag for each family member.  Togetherness is good, but draw the line here for ease! Consider rolling clothing items to cut down on wrinkles and if you need to pack dressy clothes, put all of them in one hanging bag and keep them in the plastic from the dry cleaners.  This will keep them clean and neater.

Put any liquid or cream items in a gallon zip-lock bag to prevent leaks. I also like to use a smaller zip-lock for a handy first aid kit. Place your name, address and cell phone numbers on a luggage tag, but also INSIDE your bags, just  incase the luggage is claimed by the wrong person!

Lock your doors, take a deep breath ... and don’t look back.  You know what they say? ...  if you forget something important you can always get it at your destination.

 

Happy trails!