Getting Organized - Vacation Packing
We often rent vacation homes with friends or family. Over the years, we've got the packing down to a science. It was comical the first few times. We either took way too much or forgot key things. Here's what I do now...
1. Make a list of what food and supplies you need to take (especially what you can't buy there). Make sure that you know what's provided at the vacation rental. Don't forget beach toys, fishing gear, pet supplies, grilling tools and matches, laundry items, dish washing liquid, trash bags, etc. Do a Google search. Make sure of the stores before you get there. One of our rentals was isolated, and the grocery store was 25 miles away.
2. Get with the others who are traveling with you. Divide up the list. You usually don't need 5 bags of charcoal or 64 rolls of toilet paper.
3. Plan what you are going to do for meals. We figured out the number of breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. Then we divided them up with menus. We bought just what we were responsible for. Some of the beach communities have services to deliver groceries or prepared meals. We like to fix some of the dinners as a family.
4. Make a list of what you need to do at your home before leaving. Stop the mail, stop the paper, turn up the AC, unplug the TVs/PCs, etc.
5. Pack like things together. I have a see-through plastic bin for all phone chargers, cameras, and other electronic gear. I also have one for all our pet supplies and food. Make sure that when you're packing the car, you put the things (like the bag with the directions and snacks) where you can get to them. I also make sure to pack a night light and a flashlight. For puppy, make sure to take something to sleep on, food/water bowls, collar/leash, and carpet cleaner in case there are any accidents.
6. If your rental doesn't include linens, make sure to pack (the right size) sheets, towels, handtowels, wash cloths, and beach towels. If there is a washer/dryer, you need detergent, bleach, and dryer sheets. Make sure that you stock bathrooms and kitchens with soaps and paper products. You probably bring dish washing liquids (for the dishwasher and sink) and sponges. Save the plastic bags from stores to line the trash cans with. It makes it easier when you have to dump the trash.
7. Make sure that you pack trashbags, aluminum foil, and plastic wrap for left-overs. Save the bags from the grocery runs for your return trip. You have to repack the kitchen. It's always fun to empty the fridge. I'm always amazed at what we accumulate in just one week.
8. Take a cooler if you're transporting food home. You'll also need ice. (I always bring ice with me or get a bag when I'm there. I don't like to use the ice in the fridge in my drinks.)
Good luck with your organizing!
1. Make a list of what food and supplies you need to take (especially what you can't buy there). Make sure that you know what's provided at the vacation rental. Don't forget beach toys, fishing gear, pet supplies, grilling tools and matches, laundry items, dish washing liquid, trash bags, etc. Do a Google search. Make sure of the stores before you get there. One of our rentals was isolated, and the grocery store was 25 miles away.
2. Get with the others who are traveling with you. Divide up the list. You usually don't need 5 bags of charcoal or 64 rolls of toilet paper.
3. Plan what you are going to do for meals. We figured out the number of breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. Then we divided them up with menus. We bought just what we were responsible for. Some of the beach communities have services to deliver groceries or prepared meals. We like to fix some of the dinners as a family.
4. Make a list of what you need to do at your home before leaving. Stop the mail, stop the paper, turn up the AC, unplug the TVs/PCs, etc.
5. Pack like things together. I have a see-through plastic bin for all phone chargers, cameras, and other electronic gear. I also have one for all our pet supplies and food. Make sure that when you're packing the car, you put the things (like the bag with the directions and snacks) where you can get to them. I also make sure to pack a night light and a flashlight. For puppy, make sure to take something to sleep on, food/water bowls, collar/leash, and carpet cleaner in case there are any accidents.
6. If your rental doesn't include linens, make sure to pack (the right size) sheets, towels, handtowels, wash cloths, and beach towels. If there is a washer/dryer, you need detergent, bleach, and dryer sheets. Make sure that you stock bathrooms and kitchens with soaps and paper products. You probably bring dish washing liquids (for the dishwasher and sink) and sponges. Save the plastic bags from stores to line the trash cans with. It makes it easier when you have to dump the trash.
7. Make sure that you pack trashbags, aluminum foil, and plastic wrap for left-overs. Save the bags from the grocery runs for your return trip. You have to repack the kitchen. It's always fun to empty the fridge. I'm always amazed at what we accumulate in just one week.
8. Take a cooler if you're transporting food home. You'll also need ice. (I always bring ice with me or get a bag when I'm there. I don't like to use the ice in the fridge in my drinks.)
Good luck with your organizing!
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