Checklists rock, part deux: Your cheatsheet to a stress-free voyage home!

Keywords: carry-on, checklists, packing

“Did you remember to pack…?” are words you’ll hear a lot while organizing yourself for your return trip. Cross-checking with your other half and the kids is always a good way to avoid leaving things behind in your room. Here’s another: make sure you do at least one, maybe even two visual inspections of your room (four eyes are better than two, after all)— checking under beds, inside closets/shower stalls and behind furniture for personal items that may have gotten scattered during your stay.

It pays to be thorough. After all, how many of you want to arrive at the airport (or on the plane) and have little Suzy tragically upset that her doll’s pacifier is suddenly missing or have Johnny Jr. pouting all the way home about his favorite plastic dinosaur/toy soldier/racing car being left behind? You get where we’re going with this, right?

Another smart idea: Packing dirty and fresh clothes separately. You don’t have to be a clean freak to appreciate that sorting and packing dirty and clean clothes separately— whether it’s in a plastic bag, separate suitcase compartments or in separate bags— saves not only time once at home, it also conserves energy: you won’t have to wash everything that you traveled with, just because it all was mixed together.

Speaking of packing, don’t forget to assemble a carry-on bag for your kids’ journey home. Giving them all they need to stay busy and entertained (and fed - include some snacks, too) while traveling will minimize the potential for tension and fuss in public.

Don’t stress out trying to keep track of all the details in your head when you already did the groundwork. Bring out the checklist you previously made back home and review it. You’ll be surprised what you might have forgotten to do or pack for your return home had you not looked at the list again.

Most importantly, take it easy and keep your eye on the prize: yes, you want everyone comfortable and safe, but you also want to see that your laid-back, happy, sunny vacation vibe makes it home with you, intact. Bon voyage!