Organizing for a Road Trip

So you are taking a road trip? Visions of the Griswalds come to mind? Road trips are so much fun, but only if you are organized.

As with any trip, pack lightly. Really, unless you are travelling to the deep center of the jungle, you can buy anything wherever you are going. I have driven cross country many times and I can attest to the fact that there is a Target or Wal Mart pretty much anywhere now. So don’t pack your entire house and keep in mind that if you forgot something, you can most likely pick it up along the way.

To help with packing, plan out your clothes by making a stack for each day. Think about what you might be doing that day and make sure you have everything you need in the stack. You can even pack each stack in a small bag (like the bags you use to bring home groceries for example) for easy transport in and out of hotels. This way you don’t have to lug your big bags in and out. You can grab one bag of clothes and a toiletries bag and off you go.

Also, when getting dressed the morning you leave, make sure that as you use each toiletry, you pack it (or a travel sized version) right away. This way, you are sure to have all your essentials. Keep your pjs in this bag too as you will need them each night.

I suggest bringing along a cooler and some groceries too. You can save money and eat better if you bring along some staples from home such as water bottles, fruit, a loaf of bread, peanut butter and jelly, etc. Save room in the car for the cooler so you don’t have to pull over for snacks or drinks.

Traveling with kids? Pack each child a plastic box or bag with paper, crayons, silly putty, cards, electronics, etc. Let them pick. Keep each child’s own box/bag next to them in the car so they can entertain themselves on the road.

Speaking of electronics, those cords and chargers can get out of control. Prepare a Ziploc baggie for each electronic device. Use a sharpie to write what each bag is for and then keep all chargers, plugs, extra batteries, ear plugs, etc in the appropriate bag.

Most of all, have a great time and enjoy the scenery!! And if you have any other great trip ideas, please share them!


Meagan Farrell, professional organizer, is the owner of Clear the Clutter organizing services. She can be reached at (360) 631-7268 or at clear_theclutter@yahoo.com. Check out her blog at http://cleartheclutterprofessionalorganizing.blogspot.com/