Avoid the Vacation Doghouse!
Essential Strategies for Packing Right the First Time
I’m in the doghouse. But I am also at the beach, which is arguably one of the better places to be in trouble.
I was responsible for packing everyone for our family vacation because my wife wasn’t returning until about 12 hours before we had to leave. This task is always a bit tricky because, while I know most of what our kids need, there are always details only their mom can remember. Long story short, there was still packing left to do right before we left. Hence, the doghouse.
To help you avoid my fate, I’ve put together a set of strategies to keep us both out of trouble moving forward.
It’s frustrating to arrive at your destination and realize you forgot something crucial: your son’s bike helmet, your daughter’s sound machine, the Nintendo Switch dock… (This is a completely random list, I assure you.)
Tools & Strategies for Packing
Use a Shared List
Find a list app that you can share with your spouse, partner, or family and stick with it. We use Alexa’s Shopping List for groceries, but I mistakenly tried using a piece of paper and text messages for packing. A shared list makes it easier to collaborate, see updates in real time, add items, and review what’s already been packed.
There are many options, but I recommend keeping it simple. For iPhone users, the Reminders app has a shared list feature. On Android, you can use Google Keep or a simple Google Doc. The tool doesn’t matter much as long as it’s simple, reliable, and something you’ll consistently use.
I put this year’s list into the Reminders app to test it out. I easily shared it with my wife, and next year, I can just copy it to a new list!
Pro Tip: Set reminders for when certain items need to be packed and also for next year, so you remember to start early!
Categorize Your List
Organizing your list helps ensure you don’t forget any essentials. Categorize your list to cover every aspect of your trip and prevent missing important items. Here are some example categories:
Electronics
Toys
Beach Gear
Breakfast Foods
Child 1’s Clothing
Child 2’s Clothing
Child 1’s Toiletries
Child 2’s Toiletries
Bedtime Essentials
Swimwear
Let ChatGPT fill in the gaps
Once you’ve listed the basic items, copy and paste it into ChatGPT and ask what you might be missing. It’s nearly impossible to remember everything, and AI can help fill in the gaps.
Pro Tip: Use the camera feature to ensure everything is in your suitcase. Take a photo and ask ChatGPT “what am I missing?” You can also create lists from pictures, like taking a photo of your fridge to generate a grocery list.
Start Packing Early
Instead of waiting until the last minute, start packing a few days before your trip. This will allow you to tackle the task in smaller chunks that are more manageable. Here’s how:
1. Create a Timeline: Determine how many days in advance you need to start packing and set aside specific times each day to focus on different categories of your list. (I picked 7 days before the trip because this doghouse is wretched.)
2. Prioritize Essentials: Begin with the items you won’t need before the trip. Gradually add daily-use items as your departure date approaches.
3. Final Check: The day before your trip, do a final check of your list and packed items to catch anything you might have missed.
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