the packing process

David and I leave for our big trip next week, so this weekend has been full of the pre-trip preparations. I actually love packing. Fortunately, David is pretty compliant when it comes to my OCD idiosyncrasies. I'm pretty orderly when it comes to planning and packing, especially a long trip like the one we have coming up. I started packing about a week before we leave for the trip so I can think through everything for a while before I have to make any decisions. 

 This is what WE do to pack for a big trip (for weekend trips, we aren't nearly this thorough, don't worry):

• Make a list.
• Check it twice (literally!).
• Check the weather for your destination.
• Complete all laundry. 
• Start putting together outfits and making piles of possible things to pack.
• Whittle down your piles to include only what you really need (obviously, this is the hard part).
• Pack some essentials (change of clothes, underwear, all chargers) in your carryon, juuust in case :)
• Roll as much stuff as possible. It seriously packs tighter, and it keeps things a little bit less wrinkly. 
• This isn't packing related, but it is essential to traveling for us: Clean the entire house. At least vacuum, sweep and tidy all rooms. Run the dishwasher. Empty the drier. It's MUCH nicer to come home to a calm house, rather than one that creates even more work for you when you get home.
• Pack! 
• Do a last-minute run through of the house, checking to see if anything jogs your memory of something you might have forgotten. Double-check your packing list. 
• Load the car. Load your family in the car. Drive away, say a prayer for travel safety, and have a great trip!