Try our Back Pocket Auto Organizer to keep items in your care neatly stored away but easily accesible.

When we think about getting organized, we often think of our homes and offices.  However, we tend to overlook the one place that we spend a lot of time: our cars.

Think of how much time you spend commuting to work, chauffeuring your children, running errands, and traveling.  On some days, you probably spend more time in your car than any place else.  So shouldn’t it be as organized as the rest of the spaces in your life?

The following are some key tips to organizing your car and maintaining that continuity in your life.

The “must haves” that you should keep in your car:

• your insurance card
• car registration
• hands free headset for your cell phone
• cell phone charger
• sunglasses
• snow scraper
• umbrella

1. Keep your insurance card and car registration in an auto document organizer in the side pocket of the passenger side door.  Store your sunglasses, headset, and cell phone in a dashboard organizer for easy access.
2. Store a small umbrella in the pocket of the driver’s side door.
3. Equip your car with both a first aid and roadside emergency kit.
4. Stash a few dollars for emergency toll money in the center console, as well as a pen, pad of paper and pocket flashlight.
5. Keep a small, reusable litter bag in the car.
6. Store foldable chairs and a blanket in the trunk.
7. If you have a toddler, keep an inflatable potty seat in the trunk.
8. Wipes are great for emergency spills and dirty hands.  Store them in the glove compartment.
9. If you have kids, keep a basket or plastic bin packed with coloring books, crayons, car games, etc for long journeys.
10. Store your CDs in a visor organizer.
11. The center console is easily accessible. If you listen to your iPod in the car, keep an iPod car charger in the console, along with your cell phone charger.

Organization is a state a mind.  When you concentrate on overlooked spaces such as your car, you will develop good habits that carry over to other aspects of your life.  It becomes much easier to maintain that mindset.

Thanks to Organized A to Z.com partner Christa Zamel for contributing this article. Christa is a professional organizer and the president of Neat Freak Design Group.  Neat Freak can help manage homes, offices, and personal schedules by creating customized systems that suit clients.  For more information, call 201-341-1576, email christa@neatfreakdesigngroup.com or visit www.neatfreakdesigngroup.com.  

How much thought goes into your resolution?

How long do you keep your New Year’s resolution?

Prior to becoming a full time Professional Organizer, I operated a direct selling business. This business was set up to reach and keep goals.  In order to reach specific targets it was imperative to reach these goals. Being organized was so helpful in this process.

Try out these 5 simple tips on how to get your New Year Organized and off to a fresh start and make this new year your best one yet.

Tip #1: Make an appointment with yourself. Set aside an hour one afternoon or evening. Go to a location that makes you feel inspired. This could be your own living room or maybe it is someplace near the ocean. Make sure it is quiet. Get your favorite holiday beverage, nice pen and paper. I like doing this activity long before Jan 1st. That way I have time to really get my head wrapped around what changes, dreams, and goals I am going to go after.

Tip #2: Just start writing or drawing. You do not have to be an artist. It can be stick people and things. Write and/or draw all the things in your mind that you would like to see for yourself. Dreams and goals you would like to see for your personal life, your health, your career, and spiritually. Use lots of colour. Why not use a different colour for each area of your life.

Tip #3: Put some dates beside each drawing or written word. For example, the number one New Year’s resolution is health. Could be to lose weight, stop smoking, or exercise. If this is on your sheet of paper put a date beside when you would like to lose that extra ten pounds. Based on the fact that it is healthy to lose only 1-2 pounds per week that would give you a date of ten weeks after Jan 1st which is the beginning of March. Focus on what you can have, not on what you cannot have. Did you know the number 2 resolution is to get more organized? I love it!

Tip #4: Tell a friend. One of the best ways to stay accountable is to have an accountability buddy.  My buddy and I go for long walks and talks. We keep each other on track with our goals and resolutions. We help each other out with ideas and suggestions on how to reach our dreams, goals and resolutions. We focus on how we will feel once we have reached our resolutions. Make a list of what you have accomplished so far to date.  By walking and talking you are killing 2 birds with one stone. You are getting your exercise and you are able to talk about where you are at with your New Year’s resolutions. Now that is organized!

Tip #5: Keep it simple. If you set too many resolutions at one time you may find it challenging to reach them all. Take one goal from your list and work on that one. Once you are in the new habit (exercising or stopped smoking, for example) then you can incorporate another goal/dream from your list.

Your resolutions need to be yours. They cannot be what you think other people want for you. They have to really resonate with you, your values and your beliefs.  They need to be very specific. They need to be realistic to you and your lifestyle. Just because the person sitting beside you can run a marathon, does not mean you can or want to. You have to consider your own lifestyle, your body and your time commitment. This summer I had set a goal (I do not always wait till Jan 1st to set all my goals, I set some during the year as well) to start training for a half marathon. I thought this would be a cool thing to do for my 50th Birthday in July. Well my body is saying no way, no how are you going to be a runner. The pain is not worth it. Time to set a new accomplishment for my 50th. I’ll keep you posted.

How would you like a FREE 30 minute coaching call on how to move forward with your dreams, goals and resolutions? We will discuss systems and strategies that will help you move forward. Please contact me at we will set up a phone date.  www.gettingittogether.ca

Thanks to Organized A to Z.com partner Rowena List for contributing this article. Rowena is an organizing expert specializing in home organization. Grab your FREE copy of her new e-Book; Organized in 15 Minutes.  The e-Book gives you a simple 10-day plan for organizing 10 different areas of your home in 15 minutes or less.  Download your free copy now at: http://www.GettingItTogether.ca

Holidays are about much more than finding the perfect gift or preparing the most fabulous meal ever. If you focus on the meaning of the holiday you’re celebrating, you’ll begin to see that so much of the “stressful” part of the holidays becomes much less important and begins to melt away. The easiest way to do this is to simplify your holiday lists and traditions. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Create a holiday to-do list, but be discerning. Ask yourself, “If I don’t get this done, will anyone else care?” If not, eliminate it, or put it on a separate list labeled, “Things to do if I have the time and energy.”

2. Consider your gift giving habits. Are you buying meaningless gifts for everyone in the family just to say you gave them something? Make sure every gift on your list will serve a purpose for the recipient. If it’s too hard (or expensive) to buy for every adult, propose to draw names or give one gift to every family instead of every individual.

Clutter Free Gift Giving Resource Guide

3. Give “clutter-free” gifts, such as baked items, wine, tickets to a concert or movie theater, gift cards, or homemade coupons for personal services (massage, babysitting, house cleaning, yard work, car wash, snow shoveling, etc.).

4. Review your holiday rituals and traditions. Your family may have outgrown some, and they may not be as fun as they used to be. It’s ok to let go of these. Create new traditions and celebrate the ones that help you honor your family’s values and spiritual beliefs to the fullest.

5. Never go shopping without a list. The stores are just too crowded and cluttered with stuff if you don’t have a focused plan to get in and get out. Instead of browsing for ideas in stores, try looking online first where you can read customer reviews and compare prices. Before you hit the grocery store, take inventory of what you have and review your recipes to make sure you get what you need.

Gift Wrap Organizer

7. Abide by the “less is more” principle when decorating. Focus on your front door, one or two main rooms that everyone will see, and the Christmas tree. Aim for simple elegance over elaborate design. Let the kids put their creativity to work.

8. Buy desserts or use convenient mixes or frozen doughs if you don’t have a lot of time or don’t like to bake. You can find many specialty items in supermarkets or bakeries this time of year that are both beautiful and delicious.

9. Don’t over schedule. Accept the fact that you can’t participate in every activity. There are simply too many parties, events, concerts, programs, activities, and Santa-visiting opportunities to fit it all in. Make the choices that work best in your family’s schedule.

10. Serve others. Volunteer for a local charity, serve meals to the homeless, give gifts to kids in need, or ring a bell for the Salvation Army. There’s no better way to discover the true meaning and joy of the holidays than helping out those who need their spirits lifted and their hope renewed.

Did you ever have one of those days where you stay in your pajamas and pound away at the computer until you finally look up and the kids are home from school? I’ve had those too. And sometimes they’re fun. But if you make a habit of those, you will eventually have to leave the house looking like you just rolled out of bed.

On the flip side, if you get up early enough to get a shower, put on some make-up and a decent outfit, you can feel more professional and put together before you have to walk out the door. This is one of my absolutes or organizing: start the day off right – on your terms. (from my book Absolutely Organized- A Mom’s Guide To a No-Stress Schedule and a Clutter-Free Home)  In order to do this, you’ve got to have a beauty regimen that is quick, easy and effective. As a mother of three who gets up at 6:30 am I know time is limited, and that’s why I have all the essentials at my fingertips and a method of getting ready in 20 minutes. So let me share my tips as both a Professional Organizer and a previous Mary Kay consultant:

1. Use skin care products from one company: that includes your cleanser, moisturizer, any toners or masks that you may use and your foundation.  Skin care companies design these to work together and if you mix & match, you could have a chemical reaction right on your face.
2. Clean out your make up on a regular basis. If you go to the dentist every 6 months, you usually replace your toothbrush, right? Use that day to replace your mascara and eye-liners too. You definitely don’t want any bacteria going into your eyes and that’s about the shelf life of these items.
3. Check for expiration dates and if you can’t find them, use these basic rules of thumb for what to toss:
• Perfume or white creams that have turned yellow
• Sunscreen after one year
• Powders that have a shiny finish to them (from facial oils)
• Thick creams that have since become watery
• Anything you don’t remember buying!
4. Brushes should be cleaned more frequently – about once a week. Think about this on a Sunday. Just run the brushes under warm water and rub them with soap, rinse and leave them in a mug or stand-up container to air dry. They’ll be good to go on Monday morning.
5. Keep everyday items in one container in your bathroom – preferably in a drawer or cabinet. My everyday items include:  concealer, foundation, eyeliner, mascara and blush. Lipsticks usually stay in my purse and get applied before I leave the driveway each morning. That way you have them handy for touch-ups.
6. Keep your refills in another drawer or in a plastic bin in the linen closet. I think people often make the mistake of buying cute canvas or wicker bins for the bathroom but they forget that most of these products leak! So plastic or vinyl is the way to go for bathroom products.
7. For traveling, find a fold-up makeup bag with several sections. I pack my beauty products the morning of my trips. As I use each item, I put it in the bag. That way I don’t forget any of my essentials. The bag can lay flat so it’s the last item to go into the suitcase. When I arrive at my destination, it gets hung on the back of the bathroom door. No unpacking & losing little items!
8. Once your products are cleaned out and contained properly, take a look at your method. I like to treat the beauty regimen like a recipe. I put all my ingredients on the left side of my sink. As I use each item, it goes to the right. That way, if I get interrupted I remember to use everything. (don’t you hate it when you forget the deodorant?)When I’m finished, everything goes back in its container under the sink.

So there you have it – eight steps to go from frumpy mom to professional woman! I think we all deserve a little time to take care of ourselves each day because when you look good, you feel good and that positive attitude will carry you through your day.

Special thanks to Organized A to Z.com partner Debbie Lillard for contributing this article. Debbie is a Professional Organizer serving the Philadelphia area since 2003. Since starting her business, she has appeared on local and national television, including: HGTV’S Mission Organization, Hoarders on A&E, The 10!Show and Talk Philly. in Philadelphia She is a published author and nationally recognized expert on organization in the home. She is also an active board member of the National Association of Professional Organizers Greater Philadelphia Chapter (NAPO-GPC). Learn more about her organizing specialties on her website at www.spacetospare.com.

Have you noticed that the nights are getting a little cooler? Maybe you’re considering breaking out the flannel sheets and blankets to ward off the initial chill in the morning. And if that hasn’t gotten your attention, how about the alarm going off in the morning and it is still dark. These are sure a sign that fall is already upon us, so now is the time to get ready for the colder weather.

Kathy Jenkins, a Professional Organizer with Come To Order, suggests that you create a fall checklist in preparing your home for winter. “We all lead busy lives, so in order to not miss something, it is important for you to have a list “, says Kathy. Here are some of the items she suggests you include on your list: check windows and doors for drafts, clean out those gutters and down spouts (once they are clean consider gutter covers so that you can permanently cross this off your list), remove and clean window screens, and check the roof for any needed repairs.

“Don’t forget the lawn and garden. Autumn is the perfect time to trim trees and shrubs, plant new plants and prepare your perennial foliage for next year,” suggests Kathy.

It is also a good idea to add winterizing your lawn equipment, water features, and irrigation system to your list. And before your store or cover your patio furniture, give it a good cleaning. Come spring when all you want to do is relax in the warm sun you will be happy you have that little job behind you.

Inside your home you will want to have your furnace serviced and adjust your thermostat. If you have a window air conditioning unit, now is the best time to remove it for winter storage. Finally, check your carbon monoxide detectors and replace the batteries in your smoke detectors. For a more comprehensive list, check out the Come To Order Web site at www.cometoorderva.com.

So now the house is in order, but what about your family. Betsy Frazier of Organizing Solutionz recommends starting with your wardrobe. As you begin to put away your summer clothes put aside all of those things that you never wore. Chances are it has gone out of style, don’t fit, or you just don’t like it anymore. This is the time to donate it! As you begin to evaluate storage of your off-season clothes make sure you take advantage of every unused space in your house. Under the bed is good for more than just dust bunnies.

“There are so many wonderful under-bed storage options to choose from these days”, says Kathy, “and if you plan on using your attic or basement just make sure the container is air and moisture tight so mold and moths don’t become an issue.”

Then as you begin to take out your cool season clothing check to make sure it fits and that you still like it. If neither of these criteria is met — get rid of it — someone else will get good use out of it this winter. Don’t forget to set up an area for catching all the winter clothes that will strewn about as your little “snow people” come in out of the cold. A simple carpet square where the shoes and boots can be deposited will save your floor and there is no better storage system for coats that hooks!

Our Leak Proof Trunk Organizer is perfect for organizing your winter storm kit!

Betsy also suggests that you put together a Winter Storm Kit to be prepared for a power outage. Include in it a battery powered radio, flashlights with extra batteries, bottled water, a can opener and canned food. And start planning on what your alternative heat source will be if that is needed.

The change of seasons always serves as a marker for evaluating what needs to be done to get more organized for the coming months.

Thanks to OrganizedAtoZ.com partner Kathy Jenkins for contributing this article. As a Certified Professional Organizer® and Certified Family Manager® coach, and Parenting with Love & Logic® Facilitator/Coach, Kathy Jenkins can help you run a more organized, efficient, and happy household & raise happy, healthy, responsible, and well-mannered children! Visit http://www.cometoorderva.com to learn more about her professional organizing and coaching services You can also follow her tips, advice, and recommendations by liking Come To Order on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/cometoorder.

© 2011, Kathy Jenkins, Come To Order

These types of events remind us that disaster can strike at anytime, anywhere, even through unexpected means. While Mother Nature is often the cause widespread chaos, individuals can be affected fires, thefts, accidents, serious health issues, and many other incidents, so there is no way to predict just when or where a disaster will strike.

To call attention to the need for citizens to be prepared for emergencies and natural disasters, the U.S. government has named September “National Preparedness Month.” And they’ve even devoted an entire Website dedicated to the topic, complete with free forms and checklists that can help you organize essential information. Visit www.Ready.gov to learn how to “get a kit, make a plan, and be informed.”

The following are tips to help you put together a disaster preparedness plan for your family:

Learn how to prepare yourself and your family so you can survive and recover from a disaster. Check out www.Ready.gov for advice, or try reading “Organize for Disaster: Prepare Your Family and Your Home for Any Natural or Unnatural Disaster“. It advocates preparing for disaster as part of everyday life rather than as an urgent event and is an an excellent ready-reference for your home.

Plan for an emergency. Develop a family emergency plan so that every member of your family knows what to do and where to meet in an emergency. This plan should include a meeting place, out-of-town contacts, and personal information that will help you get found if lost or separated. To help you out, Ready.gov provides free, printable forms. While you never want to be forced to put this plan into action, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your family knows what to do.

Assemble a disaster kit. Include food, water, blankets, flashlights, a first-aid kit, a battery-operated radio, and extra batteries. Also think about storing a supply of extra prescription medication, clothes, money, and tools. Click here  to see a complete checklist for your kit.

Consider your pet. Many people think of their pets as members of their family and rightfully so! Keep a back-up supply of pet food and water in your safe place just for your pet. And heartbreaking as it is, sometimes you have no choice but to evacuate without your pet, leaving it in the care of a shelter or family member. Our Pet.doc™ will help you record important information so you can ensure your pet will be properly cared for while you’re apart. Simply fill in the forms provided in the Pet.doc™ and you’ll have everything from basic license numbers and immunization records to detailed medical histories and training notes in one, easy to find spot.

Think about your health. We all have important health records that we don’t want to lose, and for those with chronic conditions, it’s even more important to have the information readily available. Not only do you need this accessible in a medical emergency, but during a destructive event like a fire, tornado, hurricane, or flood, you could lose everything on paper. As an alternative to paper medical records, we recommend the Jakoter Medic Tag – a unique preprogrammed flash drive that allows you to keep all of you emergency information and pertinent health information close at hand. Hang it from your key chain so that you are never without life-saving information about your health.

Record information about your valuables. Unfortunately when something unexpected happens like a fire, flood or burglary, you can be left without the documentation you need to get properly reimbursed for the most valued and valuable things you own. With Valuables.doc, you can catalog all of your items of value, record their purchase prices and replacement value and have the proper documentation in case you need to make an insurance claim.

Be an informed citizen! Know what natural disasters are most likely to affect you and how to keep yourself safe. Listen to emergency management officials when danger is eminent and follow their instructions carefully. Sometimes you have only minutes to act, and by being prepared and knowledgeable about what could happen, you’ll be able to protect yourself and your family.

Keep track of family'a schedule with our Weekly Wall Calednar

The KidPack.pad is a great checklist for making sure everything gets packed for a busy day at school.

As many of you approach the first day of school for kids, you’re probably starting to think about how your daily schedule will change once the school bell rings and your kids are back in class. Some of you are probably looking forward to getting back on regular, more predictable schedule, while others of you are dreading the idea of getting everybody out of bed, fed, and out the door on time. And then, there’s after-school activities, sports practice, music lessons, and, of course, homework.

No matter what your outlook is on the impending first day to school, here’s an important adage to remember: back-to-school success is based on routines. Mornings will be smoother and bedtime will be calmer if you can design a daily schedule that works for you AND your kids.

Developing a routine will help you stay on time and on task. Your plan should be simple and easy to implement so everyone in your household has a clear understanding of their responsibilities. Your plan should also be flexible, taking into account each child’s personality and style. Trying to get everyone to adhere to one strict way of doing things won’t be productive and can create more chaos.

For example, if your son has a hard time getting out of bed in the morning, don’t expect him to pack a lunch, fill his backpack and find his lunch money in the morning. Make sure all of that is ready to go the night before. If your daughter would rather sit in bed to read or study for a test, allow her to be comfortable as long as she’s getting her work done. Bottom line: find a system that works and stick to it.

One of the easiest ways to implement school routines is to develop a checklist. Below is an example of some of the activities that you might include in yours. Slide them around to suit your style. For example, it may suit your family better to make lunches before going to bed.

Before School Checklist

• Get dressed
• Make bed
• Eat breakfast
• Make lunch
• Brush teeth and hair
• Remember back pack on the way out

After School Checklist

• Snack
• Talk about the day at school
• Change clothes
• Play outside
• Do homework
• Sign any forms
• Practice (sport, instrument, etc)
• Chores
• Set table for dinner
• Help with making dinner
• Feed pet
• Fold laundry
• Take out trash

Before Bed Checklist

• Plan breakfast and set the table for it
• Tidy room
• Pack backpack – what ‘day’ is tomorrow for special requirements such as gym…
• Binders
• Notebooks
• Schoolbooks
• Library books to return
• Finished homework
• Signed permission slips
• Notes to teachers
• Money
• Pens
• Pencils
• Highlighters
• Calculator
• Flash drives
• Gym clothes
• Sneakers
• Musical instrument/music
• Sports equipment
• MP3 player
• Shower
• Brush teeth
• Pick out clothes for tomorrow
• Set alarm
• Read

With routines and lists in place, back to school will be simpler, more organized and most importantly,
LESS STRESSFUL!

1.  Be on the look out for hearing and saying these statements:

• I am so busy.
• I never have any time for myself.
• I am always running late.
• I never make dinner…I make reservations.
• I can’t remember the last time my family ate together…
• I didn’t have a chance to…
• I am always so tired.
• I wish I had time to…
• My house is a disaster area.
• I never stop running all day but I get so little done.

2.  Recognize that simplicity is a journey, not an event.

Simplicity is a choice.  A decision.  The bottom line is that only
you are responsible for what you bring into your life.  Period.

3.  Know that CLUTTER CAN:

• Make you feel tired
• Affect your body weight
• Keep you living in the past
• Make you put your life on hold
• Induce a feeling of shame and guilt
• Be the main cause of procrastination
• Add unnecessary confusion in your life
• Affect how people treat and/or respect you
• Induce or enhance the chances of depression
• Cause disharmony among family, friends, or coworkers

4.  Use the NEED VS. WANT” Filter.

If I NEED this item:

• Where will this live when I get it back to my home or office?
• If there is no room for it, the second question to ask is:
• What will I get rid of in order to make room?

If I WANT this item:

• Can I live without this item?
• Can I wait a week to make the purchase?
• Do I really want to spend my money on this item?

5.  Live by the ONE IN – ONE OUT Rule.

When you buy something new, get rid of something old.

6.  Identify how you make decisions…EMOTIONALLY or LOGICALLY.

Emotion might bring guilt, fear, stress, and several other feelings into play.  Logic, however, dismisses feelings and goes to the thinking side of decision-making.  Looking at your stuff, it’s easier to feel what it means to you than it is to think about what it is doing to you.

7.  Remember what IMPULSE stands for:

I
Must
Purchase
Until
Logic
Surpasses
Emotion

8.  Learn to use THE POWER OF THE PAUSE.

The investment of just a few minutes or seconds in a “pause” BEFORE anything new enters your life can make a monumental difference.  The period of time before you decide to bring something new into your life can be the crucial “make or break point” in attaining simplicity.  You have to make a conscious decision whether or not you have both physical and emotional room for it.

9.  Take Inventory.

Literally taking an inventory of what you have in your life will be a productive step for you.  Since clutter is what you no longer see, many times you don’t even know what you have!

10. Recognize that only you can make the choice to live your life on purpose.

Simplicity is not easy, but you now have the essentials to successfully begin the process and achieve it.  Remember that simplicity is not an event.  It is a lifestyle, a choice, YOUR choice, a journey, and an ongoing path.

© 2009-2011 Patty Kreamer, CPO^®, COC^®

When I inquired as to what his favorite destination had been throughout the years, he responded, “Oh, no, I haven’t gone to any of those places yet…”

“Anthony,” I said, “I’m not helping you organize your things just so you can have perfect looking files! The reason we’re doing this is so you can get rid of the things that are holding you back, and allow the things of importance to rise to the surface so that you can actually do them!”

Knowing he had the budget for recreational travel, I asked Anthony to give some thought as to the top three places he wanted to visit. The following week, Anthony eagerly greeted me with his list. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico was first.

I helped Anthony choose the dates he wanted to go, and then assisted him in making the reservations. As the date approached, I helped him pack by working from a list, and supported him hands-on in the actual packing process. All of these things had previously felt overwhelming to him, but with some gentle guidance, he was able to move forward.

Anthony went on his trip and had a wonderful time! Because he was traveling solo, we found a resort with other singles so that he would have people to meet. Upon his return, he excitedly shared the photos of his trip with me. I felt so happy to see images of him beaming while out on a boat surrounded by dolphins.

Our Grooming Organizer makes it easier to pack for trips.

Before I knew it, Anthony planned a second trip – all by himself – and this time he was able to pack using the process I had taught him, with the list as his guide.

Anthony is not the exception; I work with so many people who make plans for ‘someday’, but never find a way to actualize their dreams. If you wait until you are 63 and still haven’t taken the leap, when exactly do you think you will embody the vision you hold for your life?

Now is the time. This is it. Your life is waiting for you. With some planning and preparation, you will be able to accomplish what you want in life. Below is a basic step-by-step plan to follow when arranging for a trip:
Decide upon your travel destination – where do you most want to go? Not sure? Get out a world map! Talk to friends, read about a culture that interests you. Your vacation is a time to live your dreams and explore new ways of living. Have fun. Take a risk!

• Plan your financial budget. How much will you spend on airfare and accommodations; what kind of budget does that leave you for daily expenses such as dining out, sightseeing, local transportation, shopping?
• Determine when you want to/can travel. The more notice you have, the better your chances will be of getting good rates on flights and hotels. Also, traveling off-season will generally cost less. You will also avoid touristy crowds, but may have to deal with less than perfect weather. These are tradeoffs only you can decide on.
• Research flights and hotels and/or travel packages. With all of the competition of online travel providers these days, finding a good deal just takes a bit of comparison shopping. Purchase your tickets. You may want to include Travel Insurance in your purchase in case your plans are interrupted for any unforeseen reason.
• Give notice to your job, or arrange in advance to take a leave from your business. This may take some planning. Let clients know ahead of time who will be able to help them while you are away. Give babysitters, pet-sitters, and other service providers ample notice. Contact a house-sitter if you want someone at your house while you’re gone.
• If you’re traveling abroad, pick up the foreign currency you need the week before you leave. Don’t leave this to the last minute in case the institution you go to doesn’t have the tender you want on hand. You may get a better exchange rate at your own bank than at a Currency Exchange.
• Change your outgoing voice message as well as your outgoing e-mail signature to reflect the fact that you will not be able to return calls while you’re away. Allow yourself some time away from the phone. This is to be a vacation after all, isn’t it?
• Bring water to the airport or pack it in the car. Also, bring along whatever food you might want during your flight/ride.
• Confirm your flight the night before.
• Consult with the packing list below. Make sure you have the suitcases and other items you need. If not, plan to purchase what you need in advance so that you won’t be rushing around at the last minute.
• Gather the items you can a day or two before you leave. Set aside ample time the day or night before you leave to finish packing. Packing leisurely instead of all at once will set the mood for a relaxing vacation.

Basic Packing List (similar items are grouped together on each line)

Please customize for your own use. Check as you pack each item:

• Passport/Visa if applicable
• Tickets, Itinerary, Contact Numbers
• Cash or Foreign Currency/Travelers Checks/Credit Cards
• Vitamins/Medications/Birth Control/Eyeglasses
• Guidebook/Phrasebook/Maps
• Camera/Spare Cards/Batteries
• Money Belt/Travel Pillow/Eye Mask
• Cellphone/Phone Card
• Reading Material/Music/Computer/iPad
• Travel Alarm Clock/Watch
• Sunglasses/Sunscreen/Bathing Suit/Raingear/Gloves/Outerwear
• Shampoo/Conditioner/Hand Cream/Soap/Deodorant
• Toothpaste/Toothbrush/Floss/Dentures/Retainer
• Makeup/Shaving Cream & Razor
• Bras/Underwear/Sleepwear
• Accessories: Belt/Handbag/Jewelry
• Shoes/Sneakers/Sandals/Socks
• Pants/Jeans/Shorts/Skirts
• Tops/Tees/Sweaters/Dresses or Suits

Have a great time!

Thanks to Sasha Lauren, an Organized A to Z.com partner, for contributing this article. Sasha is known as ‘America’s Trusted Organizing Expert’ and the creator of the ‘Organize Your Life’ Success System. You can visit her Web sites, http://www.organizeyourlifesystem.com and http://www.RemarkableTransformations.com.

For a pre-made trip planning list, try our TravelPrep.pad

One activity that I dread is packing for a trip, and I’m sure I am not alone.  Following are some tips and tricks I have learned over the years to help make this task less painful.  Whether you’re traveling with the family or going out of town on business, these pointers should take a bit of the stress out of preparation.

The week before your trip (or even earlier), start a list of everything you can think of that you will need.  Keep the list handy and add to it whenever you think of something new.  You may have this list electronically on your phone, iPad or laptop.  Print it and check off the items as you pack.  Not only will this help you as you get ready to leave for your trip, but you can use the list when you return home to make sure you didn’t forget anything.  You will also have an inventory of items if your luggage gets lost or stolen.

If there is anything from the packing list that you do not have, make a second list of items to purchase before your trip.

• Pack with a similar color theme (like black and white and/or neutrals).  This will minimize the number of jackets, shoes and accessories you will need. Try to mix and match outfits to utilize fewer pieces.
• Try to pack lightweight clothing that does not wrinkle. For clothing that does wrinkle, stick in a travel size bottle of Downy Wrinkle Release Spray.
• Lay out your clothes before packing them. I like to lay my clothes out in piles of possible outfits. Make sure you have everything you need and that you need everything you have.
• When you put your clothing in the luggage, use smaller storage bags to separate items like shoes, accessories, undergarments, etc. Pack largest items first and fit smaller items in the spaces between. Rolling your clothing is the best use of space. Put liquids in small, tight containers in a ziploc bag. Use solids as much as possible.
• If flying, wear your larger, heavier coat and shoes (if they are comfortable) for the trip. But pack your larger purse and carry a small one through the airports. Weigh your luggage before you leave to make sure it is under your airline’s weight limit, or be prepared to pay for the extra weight.
• Bring an e-reader, such as a Kindle or Nook, instead of books and magazines. If you have your laptop along, you can even use it to download and read your books.
• Don’t stress too much about forgetting something. Chances are, wherever you are going will have a department store or pharmacy.

Thanks to Lori Vande Krol of Life Made Simple, LLC, for contributing this article. As a trained organization and productivity consultant and owner of Life Made Simple, LLC, Lori Vande Krol helps individuals and businesses create and maintain order in all areas of life.  Using a unique 5-step process, Lori works with clients to determine the best solutions to their specific challenges.  Through education, training and experience, she has developed systems and tools that save you time, energy and money — all resulting in less stress.   Lori’s experience as a professional organizer, as well as 13 years as an actuary and risk manager in a Fortune 500 company, personal role as wife and mother, and community roles with various organizations have provided her with a great understanding of how an organized and productive environment can impact all areas of life.  Lori is passionate about helping her clients achieve their goals and find balance in their lives, allowing more time for what matters most.  Lori is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers, is currently Treasurer of Iowa Professional Organizers, and is the only Certified Productive Environment Specialist (CPES) in Iowa.  You can learn more about Lori and Life Made Simple by visiting www.alifemadesimple.com and www.LMSProductivitySolutions.com.