A Difficult Move Made Easy

One of my favorite types of clients to work with are those who are moving.  It's part skill, part project management and part emotional support.  Every one of them are different - some have kids, some don't.  Some are upsizing, some are downsizing.  Some are moving willingly, others are moving because of a corporate relocation.
Because none of them are the same, I treat each one differently.  Some need more guidance than others.  Some want to do their own packing.  Some are skilled project managers, so they direct me more than I direct them.

I recently had a client who was moving from a furnished apartment to an unfurnished apartment.  Some of the furnishings were coming from his former residence, where his ex still lived.  The rest he was purchasing.  The move was made more difficult by the fact that he was out of the country the week of the move, returning late afternoon on moving day.

My job would be to coordinate the three-part move, shop for certain household goods and unpack and set up the new apartment.  This was all decided three weeks before the desired move date.  I met with my client at his new facility to tour the complex and apartment with the staff.  The week before the move, I met with the client to pick up the keys to the unfurnished apartment.  I also went to his former house to pack up what would be going from that location.  The day before the move, I packed up his personal belongings at the furnished apartment.

The day of the move, I was to meet the movers at the house to pick up load one, stop at apartment one for the second load, then follow the movers to the final destination where I would pick up the keys from the office to let everyone in. 

As it started happening, I was beginning to wonder if it would all come together...

What Went Wrong?

• The move was last-minute.  It took several calls before I could find a mover available at such short notice in the summer.
• On packing day at the house, the company forgot to bring packing paper, so I had to go out and buy some.
• The day before the move, the two furniture stores called to confirm delivery.  But they had the times wrong and wanted to come out first thing in the morning when nobody would be at the apartment yet.  The office wasn’t open to accept deliveries either.  One store was already closed by the time I could return calls.
  
• Moving day began with a 6a.m. phone call to one store. They were able to change their route and bring the furniture later in the day.
• The movers were late showing up at the first stop. 
• While waiting for the movers, the second furniture store called to say they were at the apartment with the delivery.  I told them they would have to come back later.  They made the mistake, they needed to fix it.
• The electronics store called to say they would be delivering the televisions after the cable company would be there to install them. 
• A call to the cable company (20 minutes on hold) said they would come as late as possible so the televisions might arrive first. 
• When the movers finally arrived at stop one, they pulled into the wrong driveway.
• GPS took the movers to the wrong location for the second leg of the move.  Another 30 minute delay.
• A car was parked in the driveway at the second location, so the movers couldn't pull up to the dock.
• The first furniture delivery arrived the same time we did at the new apartment.  Talk about juggling space in the elevator!
• The second furniture delivery arrived, but one of the pieces was the wrong color/finish!  It didn't match the second piece either.  They couldn't get another one out that day.  It was the bed, and my client was on his way home on a 16-hour flight.
• Comcast arrived two hours earlier than expected, but didn't call me as as directed.  They called the client, who was still in the air!  Comcast left without installing anything.  When I called them back, they said the soonest another technician could come out was four days later.  That being unacceptable to the client, the date was pushed out another three days by the time we called back again.
• I had a bloody nose during the unpack.  Luckily, I had found  the tissues already.
• The hanging file drawer converter I purchased didn't fit the drawer - because of the odd construction of the desk, not my measuring.

What Went Right?

After pressuring Comcast, they somehow found a technician to come out the next day.  Although they still called the client's phone to confirm instead of mine.  At least he was able to answer this time.  The client decided he liked the color/finish of the bed enough to have a new nightstand delivered instead.  It arrived the following day.

I finished unpacking everything that day, except for the things the client wanted to do himself.  I took away all the packing materials, leaving the client with a new, clean apartment.

So what is the lesson here?  Always have a Plan B in place.  Because it's inevitable that things will go wrong.  I didn't panic when things started falling apart.  I made some phone calls, adjusted some times, and pitched in wherever I was needed.  Having had an original plan in place helped - with all the contact names and order info written down.  I'd reviewed everything with the client before he went out of town so I knew where he wanted things. 

Plan A is your ideal.  Plan B is what happens after life gets in the way.  Be prepared!
    

Preparing For Your Vacation

Whether you’re planning to get away for spring break, or planning a family vacation this summer, here are some helpful tips to prepare for your vacation.

1.      Set a budget – And stick to it!  While it may be tempting to upgrade your hotel or room, or book reservations for fancy restaurant, you don’t want to run out of money half-way through the trip.  What will hotel, flight and car rental cost?  How much do you want to allot every day for meals?  Keep to that budget.  And if you come in under your budget, then you’ll have some extra so spend at the end.

2.      Make flight/hotel reservations – If you plan to travel during the busy season, call well in advance for hotel and flight reservations so you get what you want.  But be prepared to pay extra during the summer or over holidays when rooms and flights are scarce.  If you’re traveling during a slow time, it’s still best to make reservations ahead of time.  There may be an event going on in the area (like a conference), that might make finding a room more difficult.

3.      Check flight restrictions – If you’re flying, check the new security restrictions.  What can you pack in checked luggage?  How much can it weigh?  What can you take in your carry-on?  How early do you have to be there for the flight?  Checking these things ahead of time will mean less stress later.

4.      Pack according to weather – Look at the weather report before you leave.  While you may be expecting ideal weather, the area might be experiencing temperatures or conditions above or below normal.  Be prepared so you don’t have to buy clothes while you’re out there.

5.      Stop mail/newspaper delivery – Put in a delivery stoppage for mail and newspapers.  You don’t want them piling up at your house while you’re gone.  If you plan to have someone watching the house, then make sure you tell your sitter to check for papers and mail and bring them inside.

6.      Notify local law enforcement – If you are going to be gone, it’s good to notify your local law enforcement.  They can do a drive-by to check on matters and look for anything out of the ordinary.

7.      Make arrangements for house/pets – If you have pets, you’ll need to arrange for someone to walk/feed them, or you’ll have to board them.  If you’re traveling during a busy time, call sitters/boarders well in advance to reserve your spot.  If you’re going to have someone watch your house, give them the security codes/keys, etc. they will need, and make a list of emergency numbers for them at the house.

8.      Pay bills before you leave – Check to see if anything will be coming due while you are gone, and pay ahead of time, or schedule payments with online billpay.

9.     Confirm reservations – Before you leave, confirm ALL travel reservations.  Sometimes flights change last minute, or hotels lose your booking, or car rentals set aside a compact car instead of a minivan.  You don’t want to be caught stranded or inconvenienced.

10.   Clean your house/fridge – What’s better than coming home to a nice clean house after a restful vacation?  You’ll have enough  to do to catch up with laundry, mail, phone calls, etc., without having to clean your house, too.

11.   Don’t advertise on Facebook – I can’t stress this enough!! Don’t tell the world you are going on vacation for two weeks!  It is an open invitation to thieves.  Even if your posts are private, friends of friend of friends can sometimes see your posts through notifications.  Your address is public record.  Thieves will find you.

Finally, enjoy yourself!  And if something does go wrong, accept it and move on.  There is always a solution.

 

Who Knew a New Television Would Be a Complicated Project?

So we decided to finally join the ranks of people who own flat-screen televisions.  We’d been putting it off for various reasons, except the one right in front of our faces - the entire house would be thrown into disarray. 

Why is that?  Because it wasn’t just about buying a television. 

Our old 29” tube television fit snugly into our entertainment center.  The wall unit was eleven feet long, seven feet tall and consisted of five separate pieces.  The center unit housed the television.  The other four units were a combination of open and closed shelving.  In all, there were 26 shelves loaded with photos, books, candles, magazines and knick-knacks. 

So when my husband decided on a 55” flat-screen television, I wasn’t thrilled at the idea.  Where would it go?  His answer was simply, “We’ll get rid of this wall unit and buy a new TV stand.”  Just like that. Which is what we did.

So one week before the new television was delivered, I taped up some boxes and started filling them with the contents of the wall unit.  As I emptied all the shelves, I went through the items.  Did we need it?  Did I still like it?  Was it timely?  I found some items to donate and others were trash.  Yet, I still filled 20 boxes.  And now, the boxes fill our spare bedroom

We took the old wall unit and television out to the garage.  (I made my husband park his car in the driveway for a week.  After all, he’s the one who wanted it, right?) 

When the new TV stand and television arrived in the middle of the Stanley Cup Semi-finals, he set it up.  All five shelves and two drawers of it.  It’s a great television, don’t get me wrong.  After all, who wouldn’t want to watch the Hawks and Bruins in the Stanley Cup finals in such clarity?  Patrick Sharp was life-size, for heaven’s sake!

And yet, where is everything going to go?  So far, I’ve organized my photo cabinets downstairs to make room for the photos.  We’re going to bring my lawyer’s bookcase into the bedroom to hold the books and some knick-knacks.  Baskets will hold magazines on the bottom shelf of the new stand.  Blankets will find a home on the rocking chair.  And eventually, dear hubby will put shelves on the empty wall space around the television for our framed photos and knick-knacks. 

Will all 20 boxes get emptied?  I hope so!  If not, we’ll donate what we don’t have room for.  After all, why keep something we can’t display and honor with the same respect and admiration we had for it when we purchased it? 

Happily, we found someone who wanted the wall unit.  He came and loaded it into his truck, along with the old television.  So hubby’s car is back in the garage.

It was a project, indeed!  Mostly on my part, even though I’m not the one who wanted that particular television.  However, if I have to be honest, I am looking forward to watching the 2013-14 Blackhawks season on it. 

Moving Yourself with Portable Containers

Moving on Monday

One way to save money when moving is to use portable containers, or pods.  These are units that are delivered to your home and you fill yourself.  They come in a variety of sizes and styles.  Some are made of corrugated steel, some are soft-sided, and others are wood. If you are moving a long distance, wood or steel containers would work best.

Some containers are small and only hold about 1 ½ rooms.  Others are 10-12 ft long and hold several rooms.  Companies can help you estimate the number of units you will need for your move.  You should make a detailed list of the furniture and contents of your rooms, including basement, garage and attic for an accurate count.  They will also need to know how many boxes you will be packing with the contents of your cabinets. 

Once you know how many units you need, you can set up delivery of the units.  Check with your local government agency to see if they have restrictions on the number of days a unit can be in front of your house.  You will also have to let the company know of any possible hazards, such as low-hanging wires, narrow streets or steep driveways.  This may limit the size of containers you can have delivered.

When the containers are dropped off, start filling them, using every inch of space so things don't move around.  Use bungee cords to hold your furniture against the sides of the unit.  Be sure to cover breakables and furniture with moving pads so they don't break or get scratched.  Place heavy items on the bottom, and lighter items on top.  Never put flammables or hazardous materials in the containers.

Once they are loaded, the company will pick them up and take them to the new location.  They can also hold them in storage for you if you won't be going directly to your new home.  After unloading them at the new house, the company will pick up the empty containers. 

While this is a money-saving option for you, it requires strength, patience and skill.  You will have to move all heavy furniture yourself—no experienced movers to help.  So be sure this is something you can handle before signing the papers.

Creating a Master List for Packing

Moving on Monday

One of the most frustrating things about packing is being able to find something when you need it.  Perhaps you started packing early so your house would show less cluttered.  But four weeks after packing up your formal dresses and shoes, you're invited to a wedding and you need the shoes and dress.  So you go looking for it. 

You come across several boxes marked 'shoes' because you've packed up the entire family.  There are also several wardrobes all taped up.   But which box holds the shoes you need, and where is the dress?  You could open all the boxes until you find the right one.  Or you could go out and buy another dress and pair of shoes.  Or, if you had created a list while you were packing, you'd be able to go directly to the box you need and find the shoes.

In order to avoid this sort of issue, create a list while you are packing.  There are different ways to do this.  The easiest way is to write a detailed description of the contents of each box on the outside.  Instead of merely writing "SHOES", write Mom's dress shoes, athletic shoes, Susie's flipflops, etc.  on the box.  This will help the movers in taking the boxes to the right location in the new home, and will help you.  When you start unpacking, you can collect all boxes with your shoes, for example, and empty them all at the same time.  This will make it easier to put them away, as you will see how much space you have for what you own.  It will also give you a good idea of any similar items, like five pairs of black flats.  As you put them away, you can ask yourself if you really need them all.

Another way to create a list is to number your boxes.  Then create a spread sheet or use a spiral notebook.  Write down the number of the box on your list, then write down a detailed contents of the box.  For example, if box number '3' contains bakeware, write "2 cookie sheets, 2  pizza pans, and 3 rectangular glass baking dishes" on your list.  This will help you find something if you need it, and help you set out boxes when unpacking.  You'll be able to look at your list and see that you need boxes 10 through 12 for the cabinets near the oven. 

A combination of these methods is best, as you will be able to locate an item by either box number or contents.

How to Move A Fish Tank

Moving on Monday

There are some items in your house that need special handling during a move.  A piano and grandfather clock are two of these items.  Another is a fish tank or aquarium.  These are risky because the fish need to be transported alive, but can't travel in the tank itself.  The movers can't move an aquarium full of water.

Unlike dogs and cats that be placed into a crate, fish need to stay in their environment.  The closer your new home, the easier the trip.  But you still need to take precautions. The aquarium should be one of the last things emptied in the old home, and one of the first items to set up in the new house.

Ideally, you will want to take as much water with you as possible to lessen the stress on the fish.  Use clean five-gallon buckets with lids.  Use these buckets to hold the fish and plants as well as the water during transport.

Remove as much water as possible from the tank.  You may need to remove some of the gravel, depending on the size and weight of the tank.

Once you arrive at your new home, set up the tank as quickly as possible.  Start by attaching all the equipment, but don't turn on the heater or pumps yet.  Place the gravel into the tank, then the plants and other decorations.  Start replacing the water from the buckets, leaving enough for the fish.  If you don't have enough water to fill the tank, add de-chlorinated tap water. 

Finally, place the fish into the aquarium.  Let the tank sit for 30 minutes before turning on the pumps or heater.  Over the course of the next several weeks, replace 10-15% of the old water with water from your new home so the fish can slowly get used to the new water.

Items You Shouldn't Move Yourself

Moving on Monday

Moving can be expensive.  With supplies and packing and movers, the costs add up.  You may decide to save money by borrowing boxes and packing yourself.  Or you may decide to rent a truck or portable storage units you load yourself.  But there are some items you shouldn't move yourself because of their intricacies. 

One of these items is pianos.  Whether yours is an upright or baby grand, you should never move a piano yourself.  The inner workings of a piano are delicate and complicated.  Professional piano movers are skilled at knowing how to handle them.  They know how to maneuver uprights through doors, and disassemble and reassemble grand pianos without damaging the inner workings.

Another specialty item is grandfather clocks.  These should never be moved with the weights and pendulum intact.  Clock retailers often have staff who come to the house to disassemble your clock and pack up the pieces correctly.  Call well in advance of your move, as they may be booked, or only visit neighborhoods on specific days.  Schedule the reassembly at the same time.  Do not have the movers pack/unpack your clock.

Other items that should be left to the professionals are pool tables and fish tanks.  Pool tables must be disassembled in order to fit through the doors.  They are also extremely heavy, and if dropped can be destroyed.  Smaller fish tanks can be moved by you, but anything larger than 20 gallons should be left to professionals.  They must be emptied, the fish transported separately, then re-filled and the fish re-introduced. 

Anything expensive (like art) or extremely heavy (like exercise equipment) should be left to professionals also.  If you drop it, the item is a loss.  If movers drop it, then it is covered by insurance. Check with your moving company for adequate coverage.

While it may be tempting to do the entire move yourself, consider the consequences if something is damaged.

Preparing and Packing the Car

Tips for Tuesday

Now that summer is in full swing, you’re probably ready to hit the road, whether it’s a family reunion weekend, a trip to the beach, or a road trip in the van with the kids.  Plan ahead, you will avoid the stresses associated with missing or forgotten items.

PREPARING YOUR CAR

·         Take car in for servicing—check fluid levels

·         Have oil changed in car

·         Check tire pressure, and condition of tires

·         Make sure all lights are working properly

·         Clean out unnecessary items from trunk

PACKING THE CAR

·         Extra water for the car only

·         Toolkit for roadside emergencies

·         Owner’s manual

·         Insurance card, vehicle registration, auto club membership info

·         Duct tape

·         Jumper cables

·         Extra fuses

·         Air pressure gauge

·         First aid supplies

·         Flashlight and batteries

·         Fire extinguisher

·         Extra car keys

·         Pillows and blankets

·         Travel games

·      Chargers for phones and MP3 players

·         Plastic bags for refuse

·         Pack items you will need during the trip (cooler, games, snacks, etc.) separately from suitcases

·         Snacks and drinks in a cooler

·         Moist towelettes for washing hands

·         Paper towels or napkins

·         Roll of toilet paper

Moving Cross-Country

Moving on Monday

Moving from one town to another can be difficult.  But moving cross-country is even more difficult.  Neighborhoods are unfamiliar, climates are different, restaurants and stores are all new.  So what can you do to make the move easier on everyone?

·         Research your new neighborhood.  What are the schools like?  Would your place of worship be nearby?  What stores are in the area? What is the demographic—young, old, children?

·         What is the cost of living in your new neighborhood?  Can you afford gas, utilities, food and clothing in addition to housing?

·         Hire a relocation expert to assist in the process.   They can help you find your way around your new neighborhood.  The cost will be worth it in the end.

·         Find the right movers.  Make sure they are insured.  Negotiate their terms if you can.  Also, check your homeowner's insurance to see what they cover that the movers may not.

·         Negotiate with your employer to purchase your home if it doesn't sell before you have to move.

Here's to a smooth move!

Don't Wait Until the Last Minute

Moving on Monday

These last few days I've been working with a client who is moving out of state this week.  The client is a single male who has no family in the area.  Working full time, he doesn't have time to pack on his own.  His company is paying for the packing and moving.  However, he needs to de-clutter and throw out the trash he's been accumulating over the years.  Who wants to move garbage to their new apartment/life?

So I've been helping him sort through his belongings and make decisions on what to keep and what to donate or trash. 

We started in the garage, filling one half with donations, one quarter with garbage, and one quarter with things he's keeping.  Inside, we designated a room on each floor for donations.  The room will be marked as "Do Not Pack". 

While the process is working well, we are running out of time. We still have to find a charity to pick up his furniture and other donations.  We're still not sure if we can put all his garbage out on the curb this week.  Packing will be the easiest part of the job.  Except for all his paperwork.  We won't have time to sort through it before he moves.  So the packers will just tape up the boxes and ship them to storage in his new location.  The problem will be if he needs something important.  How will he find it?

This is why I encourage people to start as soon as possible before the move.  In this client's case, he is taking a new job.  He didn't have much notice.  However, when he started looking for a new job, he knew the possibility of moving out of state.  So he easily could have started sorting when he started his job hunt. 

We are hoping for the best with all of my connections that everything will turn out okay.  But just think of the stress we could have been spared if the client hadn't waited until the last minute.

Discard and Donate Before Moving

Moving on Monday

If you are planning to move soon, that means you are busy packing boxes and making last-minute arrangements.  You've called the moving company and made your reservation.  Like most movers, they charge by the hour.  So that means every box they take out, every piece of furniture, is on the clock.  So I ask you, do you want to pay them to move boxes you haven't opened for 20 years?  Do you want to pay them to move a bookcase that will probably end up in the garage? 

So doesn't it make sense to go through your belongings BEFORE you move? 

Start with big items.  Take a serious look at all your furniture.  Does it have a place in the new home?  Is it in good condition?  Will you have to replace it soon?  If you can do without it, then donate it.

As you pack for the move, do a quick evaluation of what you are putting in the boxes.  How many sets of sheets do you have?  How many do you need?  How many towels are you packing?  How about coffee mugs?  Do you really need every can cooler you received as giveaways at fairs or parades?  Think before packing everything.  Get rid of doubles, and throw away items that are broken or missing parts/pieces. 

Finally, open those boxes that have been sitting for years!  Chances are, if you haven't opened them in a while, you don't need what's inside them.  Donate it all for a tax deduction.

Move lighter!  Move cheaper!

Useful Moving and Packing Tips

Moving on Monday

When moving, we're pretty familiar with the basics—pack heavy items in small boxes, light items in large boxes, notify everyone of your new address, etc.  But there are tips we don't know without having experienced them.  Here are a few things to keep in mind for your move this summer.

·         Pack a full set of linens and blankets in a dresser drawer so you don't have to look for that box to unpack upon your arrival.

·         Bring your old phone book with you in case you have to contact someone from your old neighborhood.

·         If moving a refrigerator, place a sock or nylon filled with baking soda or charcoal inside so it smells fresh upon arrival.

·         Bring irreplaceable valuables with you in the car.  Don't leave them in the hands of the movers.  And never leave them in the car if you stay at a hotel.

·         Have your children write their name and address on their boxes of belongings so they can practice writing their new address.

·         Let your electronics sit and acclimate to room temperature before plugging them in.

Where Can I Get Free Packing Materials?

Moving on Monday

Whether you hire a mover or rent a truck, expenses for moving can add up.  Packing supplies is one of these major expenses.  There are boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, etc. to buy.  While tape can't be re-used, the rest of these items can be had for free if you know where to look.

1.       The best source for finding free boxes and packing items is Craig's List.  Create an account, find your city, and start looking.  Do a search for "Free boxes" or "Free moving boxes."  Or create your own posting, asking for free packing materials.  Often, people who moved themselves have plenty of boxes sitting flattened in their garage, just waiting to be picked up.

2.       Visit Free Cardboard Boxes online.  You can post a listing looking for/or to get rid of used boxes.  Just keep in mind that they may not be in great shape.

3.       Ask friends and family who have recently moved or will be moving before you.  If they use a mover, then they might have to return the boxes for a refund.  If not, ask if you can have them.  They may also have bubble wrap and paper for you.  Ask around before they move, so they don't throw anything away.   

4.       Start collecting materials months ahead of time when you know you are moving.  Whenever you get something shipped, save the boxes and packaging.  Keep small ones too, as they are good for packing delicate or small items inside larger boxes.

5.       Visit your local grocer or liquor store.  The produce and liquor boxes are very sturdy and great for books and dishes.  Always check for insects in any boxes you pick up from your grocer, as they may have come in with the produce.

6.       Look around work—either your own employer or friends/family's employers.  Companies often get office supplies or other items shipped to them.  Ask if they will put aside boxes for you.

7.       Make your own packing materials.  Save your newspapers for stuffing boxes, but don't use for wrapping anything that might get dirty from the newsprint.   When you shred papers, save the shredding in plastic bags.  Use the shredded paper for cushioning your breakables like platters, casseroles or lamps.    

Should I Move Myself?

Moving on Monday

Moving is both stressful and expensive. Therefore, it's logical to want to save money wherever you can. Sometimes it's finding free boxes and packing materials. Sometimes it's using friends and family to store extra furniture for you. And sometimes you decide to save money on movers and move yourself.

There are advantages and disadvantages to this. First, let's look at why it's a good idea.
• You save money – on labor, insurance.
• You will be more careful with your items because they are yours.
• You work on your own timeline. Sometimes movers wait until they can fill a truck before they will complete a move. But when you move yourself, you fill your own truck or pod on your own schedule and move when you want.
• If your move is only a short distance, then it's probably worth it to move yourself. The cost of the labor in this case would be packing the truck.

Why shouldn't you move yourself?
• It is physically challenging, especially for the larger pieces of furniture. The older you get, the more difficult it would be for you to lift heavy items.
• You have to supply all the materials—boxes, padding, cushioning, tape, etc.
• You're not a professional mover. They know how to maximize space, and stack items accordingly.
• If your move is cross-country, then hire movers. That is, unless you are comfortable driving a large truck a long distance. Many aren't that adventurous.

Another alternative is a combination of the two. You pack a pod or storage cube, then schedule with the moving company to bring it to your new home and unpack it on your own. This saves money, but requires physical labor.

Only you can determine the best route for you to take. Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of each helps in making the decision.

I'm Moving! Now What?

Moving on Mondays

People move for different reasons. They move out on their own after school, they get married and move in with their spouse, they move to a larger house to accommodate a growing family, or they move to a friendlier climate upon retirement. These are all joyful occasions.

There are other reasons people move, too. A company may relocate the head of the household to another state, a divorce may require the sale of the current home in an asset liquidation, or a senior may not be healthy enough to care for his/her current residence on his/her own. In these cases, emotions run higher because the move is not optional, but rather a necessity due to outside circumstances.

Regardless of the reason, moving is very stressful. Like any other event, though, proper planning can make the transition easier. If you know what to expect and what to do, the move will be smooth and stress-free.

To help you through these stressful times, Prima By Design, Inc. has published a moving guide. The guide is full of helpful information and guidelines. It also has many forms that you can use to make your move as easy as possible. There are 76 pages of ideas and forms that we have compiled from our experiences. For more information, see our web site.

Here is Part Two of Preparing for a Successful Summer Vacation Trip. Below are tips for packing the family, packing the car and getting settled in when you get back home.


PACKING THE FAMILY
· Clothing (this is another topic for another article!)
· Jacket or sweater for cooler temperatures
· Bathing suits, towels, flip-flops for poolside
· Toiletries—use travel size whenever possible
· Sunscreen!
· Medications—in original pharmacy containers
· Sunglasses, extra pair of prescription glasses
· Alarm clock, watch
· Plastic bags for wet clothing
· Laundry bag
· Recreational gear, such as fishing pole, running shoes
· Deck of cards
· Personal CD players
· Camera and film
· Cellular phone
· Night light
· Ear plugs
· Empty bag or suitcase for souvenirs
· Tote or backpack for day trips
· Rain poncho/umbrella
· Water bottles
· Extra batteries
· Phone numbers of family members or friends watching the house
· Traveler’s checks and money
· Medical insurance cards
· Driver’s license or other photo identification


PACKING THE CAR
· Extra water for the car only
· Toolkit for roadside emergencies
· Owner’s manual
· Insurance card, vehicle registration, auto club membership info
· Duct tape
· Jumper cables
· Extra fuses
· Air pressure gauge
· First aid supplies
· Flashlight and batteries
· Fire extinguisher
· Extra keys
· Pillows and blankets
· Travel games
· Plastic bags for refuse
· Pack items you will need during the trip (cooler, games, snacks, etc.) separately from suitcases
· Snacks and drinks in a cooler
· Moist towelettes for washing hands
· Paper towels or napkins
· Roll of toilet paper


WHEN YOU RETURN HOME
· Turn air conditioner back on, or lower
· Unpack your car
· Sort laundry as you unpack your suitcases and start a load
· Pick up your mail from the post office if it isn’t being delivered
· Pick up your pets from the boarder

This may seem like a lot to do and remember, but your goal is to have a safe, fun trip. The better prepared you are, the better the chances of having a great time away!