Organized On the Go

Guest Blogger: Pooja Gugnani

Whether you’re a new mommy or a veteran mommy, road trips with the rugrats are mostly inevitable.  Whether it’s a summer vacation to your lake house, or a short getaway, if you don’t plan ahead you will quickly find yourself on a trip to Insanityville! Plus, planning a road trip with a little one or two is a completely different state of affairs.  So, here are some tips to simplify your planning so your trip will be more pleasant.

• Take stuff, but don’t stuff: Packing enough to keep your kids busy is wise, but packing too many of the “just in case” items can be space hampering.  Keep the packing simple!  If they’re old enough, involve your kids in the planning process, by giving them a choice in the game or stuffed toy they bring along or if you have a baby, bring things that can serve a dual purpose – for example a stroller/carrier combo.  Check with the family or hotel you’re staying with to see what gear or amenities they have and pack accordingly- no pool, no bathing suit needed!
• Food is Key: A hungry kid is bad enough, but a hungry parent in addition can be a disaster.  I always advise parents to be well fed themselves, before heading out.  During your travels, try to eat your biggest meal at lunchtime to save costs.  Get creative and pack up on healthy fun snacks your kids will enjoy, to avoid random stops at vending machines and french fry pit stops.  Most importantly, stock up on enough water and drinks!
• Plan for contingencies and avoid them: On a roadtrip with kids, Ziploc bags are truly multipurpose and come in handy to hold those sea shells your child collected on the beach or to double bag a sticky piece of candy they want you to save.  Some other items to bring along: few laundry bags, plenty of change for unexpected tolls, a couple rolls of toilet paper, spare batteries & a flash light,  and garbage bags for the car so you can make a habit of taking the trash out at every stop.  It is always a good idea to take your vehicle for a check-up before you take it for the long drive.
• Don’t agonize, organize: You may be the most organized mommy on this planet and still probably forget something.  Make peace with this and don’t fret over it once you are on the go.  Remember the planning is to make your trip more enjoyable, but ultimately this is a getaway for you and your family – so don’t waste time worrying about what you didn’t bring along and pat yourself on the back for taking the time to plan your best.

It is easy to get excited for a roadtrip and just as easy to get frustrated when the trip isn’t going so well.  I say, plan beforehand so you can smile afterward!

– Pooja Gugnani, Professional Organizer & Owner, Organizing With You, Inc., Chicago. 312.282.8280, www.organizingwithyou.com

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