Packing for Travel

Over the summer, millions of Americans will be traveling: vacations, weekend getaways, and visiting relatives.

Making a master list of what is needed will help the packing go smoothly and prevent emergency shopping trips. This list can be used as a reference for every trip. Include personal care items (purchase travel size containers of items and keep them in a shaving kit/makeup bag, so the items are already packed for the next trip.), clothing & accessories, medications, travel activities, recreation items, bedtime needs, and snacks. Email Pam at simplespaces@earthlink.net to request a checklist that can be customized to fit your needs.

Children can be taught to pack their own bags. At age 4-6, have your child help you pack his/her bag. Have a list (with pictures). Ask the child to get each needed item and show him/her how to check off each item as it is packed. Slowly increase the child’s participation in the activity. By age 8-10, your child can be packing his/her own bag, when given a list.

Having a master list as a guide while packing makes the packing go faster and requires less focused attention. Give it a try!

Summer Plans

When summer ends do you think, “Where did the time go? I didn’t do many of the things I wanted to!” Now is the time to plan, so those goals can be accomplished.

Start by making a “To Do” list with two categories: household projects (such as clean the garage, plant flowers, wash windows on the outside) and leisure activities (such as visit a local park, have a picnic, go on a weekend getaway). If you have children, include them in the planning.

Get out a calendar. Write each activity from the "To Do" list on the specific date you would like to do that goal, spreading the activities throughout the summer. Post the calendar in a prominent spot in your home and refer to it often.

Although interruptions may come up and some goals may need to be delayed, by the end of summer you’ll have completed many of the activities on your “To Do” list!