We’re getting ready to leave on another little getaway soon and it had me writing down my checklist of things to get done before we leave which had me thinking that I should maybe share over here in case it might help some of you prep for a weekend away!

For me, there’s nothing worse than returning from a trip to a messy or unorganized house. So most of these things are specifically to make sure that when we return home, the only chaos being dealt with is the laundry and the unpacking to do.

Home

+ make sure all already completed laundry is clean, folded, and put away

+ empty ALL trash cans- kitchen and all bathrooms

+ clean all toilets and all sinks

+ clean all dishes and put away

+ make everyone’s bed so that it is warm and inviting upon return

+ organize playroom and make sure everything is put away properly

Packing

+ kids- I pack the kids first and usually pick an outfit for if its hot and an outfit for if it gets cold for both kids for every day that we’re gone. I’m a little neurotic and like the kids to coordinate- NOT MATCH, I do not particularly like when kids match, but I do like to coordinate color schemes when I can. Because of this, I usually pick an outfit for my daughter first (if she lets me, otherwise she picks her outfits) and then I’ll pick something that coordinates for my son. I do that outfit by outfit for the entirety of the trip and then pack the kids together in the same suitcase. Like the outfit Avery is wearing is packed and Jaxson’s outfit for that same day sits on top. That way it’s easy to grab and there’s no need for digging through a suitcase in the hotel.

+ car things – I pack an activity bag for the car for the kids to have something to do while we drive- think coloring, sensory books, scratch pads, etc. We also bring the ipad for our daughter to watch a movie on the drive if she wants.

+ first aid kit- before we leave, I always re-pack and re-stock the first aid kit. Entire post on it here.

+ snack bag -I pack a huge bag of snacks for the car so that if we’re driving longer distances and are between meals, there’s plenty of reachable snacks for the kids.

I hope everyone has a great Labor Day weekend!