Whenever I make plans to go away, there are two possible scenarios that may play out. In the first one, I make a list, remember everything I need, and am packed and ready to go on time. Emma, Bob and I get into the car together and set off for our destination in good spirits. This scene plays out only slightly more often than unicorn sightings.
In the other, more common scenario, which is currently happening, I have to get up obscenely early to finish (or start) packing. I make what I think is a complete list but am always plagued by a nagging feeling that I forgot something, which is usually confirmed after we’ve traveled 40 miles. Bob and Emma sit and wait for me in the car while I tear through the house, cursing and sweating.
Our home away from home for the next few days.
And so this is all I have for today. Last night I tried to write a longer post which I did because I didn’t want to address the mountain of gear. I’ll be back on Monday.
Isn’t it interesting that we consider camping a vacation? Even if you happen to hit on your first scenario and are ready with your mountain of stuff on time to leave….then you have to drive somewhere to unpack the mountain, sort it out, and then spend the rest of the vacation doing what you do at home anyway (cooking, cleaning, etc.), but with less…. Hope the weather was great and you had a good time.
It was great! Even though I enjoy it I come home more tired than when I left!
One thing that I have done out of necessity when packing for 6 of us is I have made a master packing list on my computer that I update each time I am packing, print the list (2 copies) and cut up the extra copy and give everyone there packing list of what they need. (MAKE SURE TO SAVE IT ON YOUR COMPUTER).
This way I don’t have to rethink what we need every time we go somewhere. I will also usually update the list after our trip so any needed changes are fresh in my mind. You can even have a few categories that are specific to camping trips and beach trips etc. You just cross those off if you will not need things from that list for the current trip you are packing for.
That’s a great idea and something I need to do, especially since we tend to do the same vacations- a few days of camping and a week at a lake resort. I keep reinventing the wheel and it’s a big waste of time.
Enjoy your trip! And, yes, I find a master packing list is very helpful and sanity saving. That way, after each trip we can reassess what we still need and what we might add for next time.
Here’s our road trip packing list, as an example: http://everydaymindfulliving.com/preparing-for-a-family-road-trip/
Thank you! That’s a great list and very helpful.
I read your first paragraph aloud to my husband. We both laughed, and he said that it was nice to know we are not the only ones who pack that way.
I hope you didn’t forget anything important, and had a great trip!
I didn’t forget anything fortunately! We had a great time. I am glad you got a laugh. 🙂
You gave me a near perfect visual of how I must look to my husband and three boys , the day before and the day of our “vacation”! Thanks for sharing!