Packing Tips for a One Week Vacation

# 1 ~ Make a List!

Start with a notebook sized sheet of paper and draw a column for each member of your family, write their names at the top, add two additional columns and title them Toiletries and Miscellaneous. Then write down each thing you need, don't just write clothes, because that gets confusing, which is why you end up at Wal-Mart every time you go on vacation! Actually write out that you need seven pairs of pants, four t shirts and two sweat shirts, etc, you should also add all personal items under each person, like their deodorant, or daily medication(s). Use the Toiletries column for things that every one uses, like shampoo and conditioner and "just in case" medicines like ibuprofen and band aids In the miscellaneous column, write the extra things you want to bring, like books or a cd player or your favorite coffee mug. Believe me, by taking the time to actually write out this list, you are saving your self hours later!

# 2 ~ Have separate bags for each person!

I know that seems crazy when you have a large family, carrying just one large bag seems like it is easier than carrying seven smaller ones, but it makes the packing go so much smoother when each member of the family has their own bag. When you pack everyone's things together, the stuff gets all mixed up and then everyone's fighting over who's is who's, things are shoved everywhere in order to make them fit, it's really so much simpler if each person has their own bag.

And for Number three the BIG ONE!

# 3 ~ Pack Entertainment!!

If you have children, you can understand where I am coming from here. It is not always fun going on a twelve hour drive with kids, actually wait...it's never fun! Are We There Yet...mean anything to you? Make sure to pack a lot of different activities for the kids. Books, coloring books, crayons, portable DVD players are great too!

It really is possible to have a fun, easy vacation! Just start of the right way and it will end the right wa y. Follow this plan and then you will be able to sit back and relax for the whole drive (and the vacation)!