Hello, my name is Courtnye and I am a packing procrastinator (insert sad-faced emoji here). Unfortunately, if something can wait until the last minute if often will and packing is no different. So, for us procrastinators we can often times reach our destination and realize we forgot the simplest things and having to purchase these items can sometimes throw off your entire budget. Plus, having to wash and wear the same undies every day because you forgot them just doesn’t sound like part of a dream vacation! These are the things that I do to counteract my procrastination an make sure I don’t forget anything, ever, in life.
Start packing early
And I mean really early. This is where you will have to literally fight your inner procrastinator (like really beat that chick up) and get started. I usually start packing about a week or two before my trip. And I don’t even think you can call it packing so much as placing. What I do is leave my suitcase open in the living room or my office and place things in it that I know I will need for my trip as I remember. I will try to do this as I think of things. So, if I suddenly remember that I want to take my new sunglasses with me at that moment I will get up and toss them into my suitcase (or at least the near vicinity sometimes) so that the action is immediate and I don’t forget later. This system suits me well because as a self-professed packing procrastinator it’s easy enough to where I don’t even have to think about the task of actually packing, but once I start everything is there.
Don’t forget your daily use items
When considering daily use items, there are some things that I use during the week and obviously don’t fit well into the system of tossing and going. But if you have things that you will be using up until the day of your departure, as you use them place them in a pile so that when you’re ready you can just grab and go. Another thing that I do is to pick up travel-size items to pack early, like contact lens solution or toothpaste that way I won’t forget something the day of if I have to use it that day.
Make a list, duh
This is, of course, obvious and if you’re a list person then put that skill to use and make one (which I’m sure you’ve already made a list about your list). My list-making skills are usually pretty solid, but when it comes to packing they’re pretty meh. For whatever reason, I tend to be averse to making a list of every little thing I need to pack. So, if you’re like me and aren’t big on making packing lists what you can do is to make one of just the essentials to make sure those are at least covered. My lists tend to be short and succinct, they usually include pertinent items that I would have a hard time getting while on vacation. Things like undies, glasses, extra contact lenses and since making my little lists I haven’t forgotten any of these items in all of my years of travel. After all, if you forget something like toothpaste nine times out of ten you can purchase that when you get to your destination, but if you forget your eyeglasses that a different story.
Keep your items together
I’ve never been one to use the drawers in hotels and will hang coats and clothing that I want to remain wrinkle-free otherwise I tent to keep my things in my suitcase or close to it. This cuts back on leaving something in the hotel and once you’ve gone through the hassle of getting your items back, it’s something you will not want to experience again (yes, I speak from experience).
Use Zone Packing
If you’ve heard of or practice zone cleaning then you’ll totally understand where I’m coming from. I try to pack up one room at a time while clearing out as much as possible. My plan is usually to start with the bathroom, closets, kitchen area (if I have one) main room, behind doors and under beds. As I clear out a room, I also make sure to remove as much from the shelves, counters, and tables. This means placing towels on the floor, throwing everything into the garbage, pulling out the drawers, leaving the safe open once empty and looking behind furniture. and place towels on the floor so nothing is obstructing my view and I miss something.
What tips would you add to my packing system? I would love to hear them in the comments below
Happy life-making!
Court
