Quite Meticulous

I am in the process of packing for my upcoming vacation. The packing method for me is a pretty lengthy one. It actually starts months in advance. Here are the steps I take to prepare myself for some time away:

1. When I know a big trip is coming up, I start going on websites, like WalMart.com, and start requesting samples for shampoo, conditioner, lotion, detergent, etc. This helps because I hate filling up little travel bottles with the shampoo and conditioner that I use on a daily basis and these samples are free! I collect them in labeled Ziplock bags in my linen closet and then pack enough to last me my entire vacation.

2. A couple of months before the trip, I start looking on clearance racks for clothing. This includes tanks, shorts, skirts, etc. It is best to shop for these items when the back-to-school items first come out because stores are trying to get rid of their summer stuff. I save these items in a plastic bag in my closet until it is time to pack them.

3. Then, the actual packing starts a couple of weeks before the trip. I make lists of bottoms and tops and match them up to my itinerary to see what I want to wear on what day for what activity. Usually, I have a day outfit and a night outfit because when I travel to places with hot or humid weather, I have to shower midday to doll myself up for the night.

4. Then, I make a spreadsheet that includes the itinerary, the outfits and a check box to make sure each item is packed on the list. After all outfits are scheduled for their appropriate day, I iron them all and pack them chronologically, with the first outfits of the week on top and the following days' outfits underneath, in order of appearance. This is just in case I do not take my clothing out of my suitcase the entire trip so I do not wrinkle anything searching through my packed items for that day's outfit. Pajamas are not put in order though. They are paired top with bottom and folded in the corner of the suitcase, un-ironed. Also, undergarments and bathing suits are tucked into the pockets of the suitcase to be grabbed at will.

5. Then the toiletries are packed in my toiletry case, with some things in Ziploc bags so they do not leak (The samples included). The toiletry case also gets all of my jewelry, which is mostly fake and cheap because I wear the expensive stuff on my person when I travel.

6. Then I make sure I have my bag that I will take on the plane all set with a book, my iPod, magazines (but I usually buy these at the airport), gum for motion sickness, socks (for when my feet get cold on the plane), a sweatshirt and playing cards. This year I will have to pack a bathing suit in my carry-on as well because our luggage may not arrive in our room as scheduled. I actually have a Vera Bradley rolling duffle for all this fun stuff, with matching travel organizer and toiletry pouch.

7. Repeat steps 1-6 for TK. I have samples of deodorant, shave lotion, etc. for him as well.

I know this all seems like an insane and scrupulous process but, it is what keeps me from getting severely unhinged when I am on vacation and trying to have the time of my life. It also saves time while I am on vacation so I do not have to worry about wasting time looking for something when I could be out the door in a jiff!

Presently, I am up to step 4 with less than a week to go so, I've got time.