Happy Thursday from Nantucket 🙂 .
While you’re reading this, I’m probably eating something with lobster in it.
Honestly, it doesn’t even matter what time of day you’re reading this. There is lobster in my eggs. In my Bloody Mary. In my sandwich. In my ice cream. I mean, probably not my ice cream…but you never know.
While I’m here traveling, I thought it would be the perfect time to share with you the ways I prep for a trip so that when I come home, I feel less frazzled/crazy/disorganized/frustrated with myself. I promise you that I’m not going to keep posting all of my tips and tricks but when you sent in your comments and DMs about which topics you wanted me to chat about, there were so many for summer annnnnd since summer is halfway over, I need to squeeze in a few.
If you’ve missed the other posts, so far, we have:
21 Keys to Savoring Summer
21 Keys for Working at Home {Summer Edition}
25 Keys to Outdoor Summer Entertaining
25 Keys to Maintaining our Yard
25 Keys to a Peaceful Morning
And today, I’m sharing my 18 Keys to Prepping for a Trip!
In Vermont with my favorite human 🙂 .
Now, this list is not exclusively for summer because I do these things year around, but since so many of us are traveling right now, I thought it was the perfect time to share. These are my basic tips for prepping for a trip prior to leaving whether I take my kids or not. In the future, I need to do an entire post on leaving kids at home while traveling because that’s a different animal. For the most part though, I do things the same, but there are obviously a few more tweaks that need to be made if the kiddos are staying at home with the grandparents. This prep routine is all about returning home from my vacation (with a suitcase full of dirty laundry) happy, tired and needing to work the next day, so how can I do a few things in advance in order to make that return back into the real world (maybe even with jet lag!) easier.
In Hawaii with my other favorite humans 😉 .
In no particular order, here are my 18 Keys to Prepping for a Trip:
1: Come home to no laundry. Before we leave for a trip, I always get all of the laundry done at our house. Every laundry basket is emptied and so are the washer and dryer. It takes some work but I always feel so good leaving the house with zero laundry. This way, when we return home, I can just wash what we took on the trip and not have that to wash plus other clothes from the prior week.
2: Empty the dishwasher. The morning we leave for our trip, no matter how early I have to get up, I always empty the dishwasher so that it’s empty when we return home. We also leave them cracked a bit so that the moisture evaporates, and it doesn’t smell terrible when we arrive back to our house. #learnedthatthehardway
3: Get your pets squared away. There are a variety of ways our pets get love and attention while we’re gone (they stay with someone else, someone stays at our house with them, we’ll board them together, etc). We always make sure they have enough food for their “vacation” while we’re gone and then enough stocked up at our house for their return. We clearly set out their favorite things (leashes, bowls, toys, etc) so that they have them when we’re not here, and I always try to make them a grooming appointment for the week before we leave so that they’re all nice and clean for their “vacation” too 😉 . We have used the app Rover for YEARS to find amazing people to watch our dogs when we travel…at our house, at their house…you can do it either way. I always make sure we have them clean, with a new bag of food and ready for fun a few days leading up to our trip.
4: Make your grocery list before you go. I always make my meal plan and grocery list for the week I return back home before I leave for my trip. Not only that, but I always order my groceries online for grocery pickup either before I go or while I’m on my trip so that I can quickly pull up, get our groceries and bring them home the night we return home. I love starting off the week with my meals already planned and my fridge and pantry stocked. It’s one less thing I have to think about or worry with while I’m gone. Speaking of which…
5: Empty the fridge. Before we leave, we empty out the fridge and toss anything that’s going to spoil before we return, so that we come home to a clean fridge for our new groceries.
6: Keep travel toiletries together. I’ve shared this before, but I keep all of my travel toiletries together and in this bag…
…HERE year around. This makes it so super simple to grab everything I need for brushing my teeth, taking care of my skin, bathing, etc when I travel. After each trip when I take it out of my suitcase, I’ll replace anything that has run out (toothpaste, a new razor, etc) and then pack it up again ready to go. I always buy THIS SET of travel sized items of my favorite skincare and they can easily last me almost 3 weeks. I don’t have to scramble to think of/locate what I need at the last minute because it’s always packed up and ready to go.
6: Use packing cubes and keep them together. We swear by packing cubes over here. Even if I’m only traveling for one night, I’ll pull out a cube for my overnight bag. We always keep them packed inside each other and next to our travel bags for easy access and organization.
7: Make sure medications are ordered/picked up. About a week before we leave, I always make sure we have enough or anyone’s medications for the trip and/or I call the pharmacy and get a refill.
8: Go online and hold your mail. It’s super easy to set up an account with the USPS and, for free, get your mail held starting at a specific date and then delivered to you all at once on a specific date. It’s no fun coming home to your mailbox busting with your mail all shoved in there and piled up.
9: Ask someone to pick up your packages. I feel like our front door is a daily stop for both UPS and FedEx, so we always ask someone to please check it for packages and pick them up for us. This eliminates things being stolen (obviously) but items that are heat or cold sensitive won’t get damaged from prolonged exposure on your porch. Who wants to come home to melted makeup? #notme #againlearnedthehardway
10: Figure out your plants. Agh! We hate coming home and finding all of our beautiful plants didn’t make it because we were gone and they weren’t properly watered. There are several ways to get them watered, one is that we move pots around so that the sprinkler system for the grass naturally hits and reaches the pots (it might look odd seeing them in weird locations in the yard, but it insures they’re getting watered) or we ask someone (kids are great at doing this!) to come over and water while we’re out of town. Of course, if someone is staying at your house and caring for your pets, it’s always an easy thing to ask them to please do too. I think the hardest part is just remembering to ask someone so that it doesn’t dawn on you after you return home and they’re dead.
11: Charge your Kindle and add new books. Before I leave the house, I always make sure my Kindle is charged and several new books are downloaded.
12: Pull out a packing list. Oh yes. On my Google drive, I have a folder titled Packing Lists and then inside, I have a list for every single destination. Going somewhere new? I create a new list and save it in that folder for future use. These specific packing lists save me SO MUCH TIME! Does it make me sound too Type-A and like a control freak? Yes. Do you wish you had all of my organized lists the night before your next trip? Probably 😉 .
13: Wash your sheets before you go. Awwww! There is nothing like coming home from a long trip and having clean sheets on your bed.
14: Take photos of your calendar. I still live and die by my paper calendars and planner, so I snap photos of them before I leave. Sound super old school? It is. Does it save me time and time again? Yup.
15: Take your trash out. As you’re walking out the door, take that trash outside so your house doesn’t reek on your return.
16: Fill your car with gas. After a long trip home from a vacation, maybe some jet lag and a lengthy to do list the next day, the last thing you want to do is hop in your car and see that you now have to stop and get gas too (on top of everything else!).
17: Put away pool toys and floats before you leave. We’ve come home many times to find our big floats have blown away and/or gotten damaged from being left unattended while we were gone. We pull them on the patio now if we’re leaving.
18: Go ahead and buy those water sensors. I’ve told you about these sensors before but they’re amazing and can literally save your house. Add them to every spot in your home where there is water (by toilets, sinks, the fridge, washing machine, dish washer, etc) to get an immediate notification should water ever be leaking…because the very last thing we want is for you to come home to water damage.
In London with my love.
So, those are my tips! As always, I would love to hear yours too!!! Honestly, one cannot simplify this process enough, so please share in the comment section what you do to make your life easier before heading out of town. I would really, really love to know!
Now, don’t forget this…
…my giveaway ends tonight and the winner will be announced tomorrow morning, so make sure you go to THIS POST FROM YESTERDAY for the full details and to enter to win!
I’m off now to enjoy my time in Nantucket! I will see you back here tomorrow with a brand new post! Have the best Thursday! xx
Elspeth says
These are such great tips! Thanks for sharing!!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Faith says
Great tips! We don’t travel as much as you but I like that you keep your toiletry bag packed! But yes to clean sheets, no laundry, clean fridge and trash out…..plus we clean the house.
Susan says
Have you read Summer on the Bluffs?? Book one of a trilogy she is currently writing. Written by Sunny Hostin from the View. It will be turned into a tv series. Beach read that takes place on Martha’s Vineyard. A must for your book list.
Thank you for sharing your lists with us.
Molly says
I always buy treats and small toys for my young child, wrap me them in wrapping paper, and then give them to her sporadically while we’re traveling (driving or flying). Sometimes I set a timer and when the timer goes off she’s gets a surprise to unwrap. I look for new ideas every year but usually buy things such as fidgets, squishies, little toys from the “party favors” in the party aisle, lollipops, pez, or make my own mix of candies/snacks. Most things are from a dollar store or the target dollar spot. She loves it and loves to guess how many surprises I have left to give her.
Kacey says
I don’t know why I’ve waited so long to get on the packing cube train, but today is the day lol!
Molly says
LOVE the packing cubes! I purchased a set for my husband and I after reading one of Shay’s blogs. My husband thought I was a nutcase. Lol. I made him try them and needless to say he was amazed. Every trip we make to Colorado or anywhere else he now faithfully uses his packing cubes. It is amazing how much additional room your suitcase has when using them.
Don’t delay – purchase today. You won’t be sorry!!
Lisa D says
Your tips are great! In addition, we always do these: Set automatic timers on lights so your home looks lived in. Double check your a/c or heat settings so you are not cooling or heating an empty home.
Laci Murray says
Leaving my house neat and tidy always makes coming home that much more enjoyable!
Lindsay says
This is a great list! A few others we do:
If you have a cleaning service that regularly cleans your house I schedule them to come right before we arrive home so everything is clean.
My husband and I also talk through the following week (as part of meal planning) so we’re clear on who has what activities approaching (and if anything is needed – game snacks, dress up days, etc) so you’re mentally prepared for what’s coming up and there aren’t surprises.
We also like those first moments back in the house calm so we’ve talked through who’s unloading the car, who’s helping the kids, so we’re not tripping over each other trying to get things done.
We also always try to book to arrive home earlier in the day so we can get everything set, laundry, etc before heading back to work/school instead of coming in late and not having time for that.
Shannon says
Great tips! We don’t have the sensors, but always turn the water to the house off when we’re out of town (and no one is staying at our house). Sprinklers are on a different water system, so those timers aren’t affected.
Dana says
Thank you for this post! Perfect timing as we leave next week for vacation 🙂
Stephanie says
I would love a post or Instagram stories on how you pack for Europe travel. We are planning a trip next month and have never been. It would be great to know little tips and tricks. Especially things we don’t pack for a domestic trip.
Toni says
Wait, didn’t summer just start like two weeks ago?? It sure isn’t half over LOL. Or do you base it on when your kids return to school? I know Texas is so different as our kids up here just got out of school June 17th.
Mix and Match Mama says
Our summer started May 21st and our kids go back on August 10th. Agh! We’re more than halfway done!
Tanya says
Been following for a while so I have read a lot of your tips and tricks but my WOW moment was your packing list… I’d love to see a photo of your packing list for some inspiration.
Joanne says
Just scheduled my USPS mail hold; I love that you can do it so far in advance or right at the last minute too. We usually rent a house or condo with washer and dryer so I don’t typically come home to any laundry either!
Sally Lockwood says
How do you handle paying bills while on trips??
I still get paper bills and may have to convert to email but that seems so time consuming and need tips if you have them. Even if you have mail held until you return the bills keep coming!!!
Mix and Match Mama says
That’s a great question! I always check my calendar and pay as many in advance as I can. If that’s not possible, I will pay electronically while I’m away. Thankfully, I have converted almost all of ours to automatic bill pay which helps tremendously.
Sally Lockwood says
Thanks a million for getting back with me!
Eat lots of lobster for me🤗
Patty says
We do so many of your tips, too. We also turn off the water in the house while we’re gone, and I add just enough Clorox bleach to each toilet to raise the water level and then leave the lid up. And we have an app on our phone for our thermostat so we can monitor the house so it isn’t too hot or too cold while we’re away. That way we can set the correct temp before we arrive home. I try to make sure all sheets and towels are clean, too. And I always make sure a neighbor can take out our trash can and bring it back in while we’re away.
Catie says
I’m so intrigued! What does the Clorox in the toilets do?
nicole d says
Great tips Shay. It makes such a great difference when you come home to a clean home! Please consider sharing how you prepare when you leave the kiddos at home. My hubby & I recently traveled without kiddos and its so much work to prep for them to stay 🙂 But worth it for the uninterrupted time as a couple.
Lindsey says
Thank you for these tips! I must say that the packing cubes really are the best way to go! So helpful. Also, clean sheets when you return are great!
I’m not sure if you have shared this previously but wanted to ask, when traveling internationally and have multiple flights do you use carry-ons only to avoid lost bags or do you do checked as well?
Mix and Match Mama says
We almost always check bags. It just makes packing easier and ensures we have everything when we arrive.
Anna says
I’d love to hear/understand more about your packing lists & how to use them. How to adjust for more/fewer days, different seasons, different activities etc.
My best tip is to figure out each day’s outfits, lay out everything you need (undies, accessories, shoes) flat Stanley style and take a picture – pack from the pictures so you don’t accidentally forget a belt, specific bra etc and then you can refer to the pics as you get dressed each day.
I also clean my house like a maniac before we leave🤪
Mix and Match Mama says
I love that idea!!! That is brilliant!!!!! Annnnnd I create a list for each trip. For example “Family Ski Trip” is one I use every single year, so once I created it, I just add/edit it as needed and then use it year after year. I have one for “Warm Weather Family Cruise” which is different than the one I have for “Cold Weather Family Cruise” etc. The first time I make them, it takes me a minute but year after year, I can reuse them.
Kelly Bonner says
Yes! Can you do a post on how you prep to leave kids at home with grandparents.
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes! That’s on my list!
Carlin says
We do all of these, too! I love our dog/house sitter. It’s nice to have the same one because she already knows what to do. We told her she can’t get married unless her husband agrees that they continue this job! 😍.
Hope says
We turn the water off to our house if no one will ge home. We don’t have to worry about pipes bursting and flooding the house.
Katie says
I hope you two are having all the Nantucket! Great list of ideas! The prepped toiletry bag and packing cubes are two of my favorite things I started doing a few years ago! I would LOVE a peek into your packing lists… 🙂
Katie Stewart says
YES on the clean sheets! Every time we travel, I look forward to my own bed, my own clean sheets, the whole way home! 😄
I bought packing cubes a couple of summers ago and even my husband was like, “Well I’ll be dang… those did work!” 😅
Cathy says
I agree with all of your things and would add:
1. Clean your house. (I am sure you do and didn’t specificially mention it.). Or schedule your cleaner to come the day before you arrive home.
2.Hire a teenager to cut our lawn the day before we arrive home – a nice surprise for my husband, who is always worried about our lawn!
3. My dog is boarded out a fun, but DIRTY farm with a grooming facility, so we get him groomed on the day we are picking him up. (He is nervous getting groomed, so it sucked to pick him up from being away from us and then having to drop him off at another place right away to get groomed.)
Beth Knecht says
If you aren’t parking in the same area at the airport, we always take a picture of where we parked so we don’t forget when we get back!
Jaren says
Great tips!! We leave next weekend for Boston and Nantucket!!! Question: Can guys wear dress shorts to eat at most restaurants on Nantucket? Or does my hubby need a pair of dress slacks?
Mix and Match Mama says
I would say that it depends. Many places are “island casual” but some places, would require longer pants. That being said, it was chilly last night, so pants might even be preferred.
Marisa says
This is fantastic! The only thing I would add are, check all doors that they are locked, open washing machine so it doesn’t get musty, adjust AC or heat, and make sure toilets are flushed. Once my little guy left “something” in the toilet and it was so gross after a week away the bathroom smelled like a porta John! LOL!
Chrissy says
Great tips!! I used your basic packing list that you shared awhile back and tweaked to make my own and it 100% helps my procrastinating packing tendencies, because like you, I need all laundry clean first…then I can figure out what everyone is wearing. I also research the location’s restaurants (even if it’s someplace we regularly travel to for new spots) and book whatever I can for meals. Popular spots need those reservations and I love having a plan, even if we need to cancel it if the day changes.
Meghan says
These are wonderful, and I hope you’re having a great trip! Any examples you can share of your packing lists…like for Nantucket? We’re heading that direction next week.
Aileen says
We are going to Disney on Saturday! 🥳 Great suggestion about the plants… I was a little worried about them dying while we are gone and I just moved them so the irrigation system will water them – great tip. Thank you!
Charlene says
Great tips! One that I would add is FLUSH TOILETS 🙄 Seems simple enough, but we once had a kid run back inside to go ‘one last time’, forget to flush and two weeks later is was a nasty surprise when we walked back in the door (and before you go thinking the worst, I wasn’t even a nr2!) 🥴
Jessica Belanger says
Thanks for the tips! I have makeup/brushes/toiletries that I keep in a travel bag that I never unpack. I don’t want to come home and HAVE to unpack everything to get to my favorite face moisturizer! 😛 Have you heard of the COMPRESSION packing cubes? Game changer! These are the ones I have: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H51LWVD/ref=twister_B078RSHPDP I’ve tried to make a list, but I always seem to forget something. I would love to see your lists! What are your thoughts on checking luggage versus carrying on luggage?
Mix and Match Mama says
Ohhh! Looking them up now!
Toni says
Would you be willing to share your packing lists? I need to get organized!
Mix and Match Mama says
You can see my beach packing list here: https://mixandmatchmama.com/2021/07/shays-ultimate-beach-trip-packing-list/