For more posts in this series, click Saving My Sanity.
– I created generic packing lists for every time we travel
I created a “basic” packing list for everyone in our family, typed it up, and saved it on the computer. Whenever we’re packing for a trip, I just print out the lists, add anything specific to that particular trip, and pack us up. The lists are the same regardless of the season, so if we’re traveling in December, I just cross off “swimsuit,” etc. It really saves a LOT of time (and mental energy) to not have to create new packing lists every time we hit the road! I (almost) never forget anything when we travel!
-I mark tablecloths, sheets, and other large items with a safety pin when washing so I can find the stain
Have you ever washed a stained tablecloth and not been able to tell if the stain came out or not? I have! Now I place a small safety pin near the stain so I know exactly where to check to see if the stain came out before drying it. This is a timesaver and saves me from ruining a tablecloth by setting in the stain in the dryer!
-I clean the house before I leave for a trip
Even if we’re just going to be away for a day or two, I clean the house before we leave. If it’s going to be a week, I definitely make sure to clean out the fridge before I go! Coming home to a clean house is SO nice after being away, and it makes transitioning back to “normal life” easier. Recently, I did NOT do this tip, and I spent 3-4 days getting the house back to normal once we got home from our trip. It is much easier to clean before leaving!