May becomes a busy season in our real estate business usually, so we've made sure that we spent our slower months getting the office organized, the house decluttered, and most of our outdoor home maintenance completed. If you have children, they're nearing the school year, and you're starting your summer plans. Are you planning a vacation?
Here are 8 Vacation Packing Tips:
- First, I always like to clean my house before leaving for a trip. I hate coming home tired to a messy home. I just want to relax and rest in my own freshly-made bed.
- Make a packing list based on the events or schedule where you're going. I always like comfortable walking shoes, an nice outfit for a date night, and honestly, I don't stress. If I need something while I'm there, I buy it. So, I have extra room in my luggage for new clothes.
- When packing my suitcases, I roll my clothes and pack them first. Rolling is best way to prevent creases and make the most of your space. I lay tops facedown, fold in the sleeves and roll from the bottom up. For pants, put the legs together and roll from the waist down. Once you’ve rolled everything, place pants and tops in your suitcase before walking shoes and accessories; then, fit in other oddly shaped items, like hair tools.
- Place heavy items at the base of the suitcase when it's standing. This placement helps your bag stay stable when upright, and stops other items from getting smashed.
- I add a fabric softener to my luggage to keep everything smelling fresh.
- When packing my toiletries and makeup, I use large Ziplock bags, and take small items of the soaps and hair products that I'm used to using. I don't want dry skin or break-outs from new products while I'm traveling.
- Organize your liquids into Ziploc bags in case anything leaks. I always keep small things in my carry-on in a separate, clear bag to easily pass through security. Our must-haves: lip-balm, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, chargers, and lotion. Not sure which liquids you can bring on the plane? Remember TSA's 3-1-1 liquids rule: Products must be 3.4 ounces or less and they all must fit in a one quart-size bag.
- Keep important medications in your purse or carry-on to be sure they are in the overhead bin.
I have a Pinterest board with some Travel Planning tips, if you're looking for some help!
Here are some other items we recommend monthly:
- Trash cans: bleach outside trash cans and recycle bins, disinfect inside trash cans (monthly)
- Garbage disposal: run baking soda and citrus fruit rinds through the disposal to freshen the lines and crushed ice to sharpen the blades (monthly)
Want some ideas for decorating your home this month? Our Pinterest board "Home Decorating for Every Occasion" has ideas for ways to decorate your home each month of the year.
Keeping up maintenance on your home is the best way to keep the value of your biggest investment. We put these lists together monthly based on what we see in the real estate market and home inspections. Taking the time to do these things each month can keep you from feeling overwhelmed when you think of selling, and give you peace of mind.
If you're traveling this summer, stay safe and take lots of photos! If you need pet-sitting or someone to check in on your home while you're away, give us a call so we can help you find a contractor to help- we're always here for you! 904.826.3690.