|
Sunday, 13 April, 2008 0:29 AM
Organizing
Tips for a Headache-Free Summer Vacation
Graphic
courtesy of www.sandcastlemv.com
New Haven, CT
– Studies show Americans are working harder and longer
than they ever did before. This places a higher premium on already
prized vacation time. But for most, preparing for, going on and
coming back from a break can prove just as hectic and tiring than
just staying home.
“You’ve earned
the time off, enjoy it!” declares Organizing Guru Rosemary
Chieppo. “Whether you’re going to the Caribbean for
a week or visiting family over the weekend, the key is to plan ahead.”
Chieppo reminds that once organized, there’s nothing left
to do but to have fun.
In her new organizing
handbook, “Clutter, Chaos & the Cure,” Chieppo offers
guidelines ranging from maximizing closet space to deciding when
important documents should be thrown out, but also offers tips for
organizing a less stressful trip.
The
longtime member of the National Association of Professional
Organizers suggests doing the following before leaving town:
Make sure everything at home is in order so returning home
is more enjoyable, including:
-
Arranging for pet care
-
Paying the bills due before return
-
Halting deliveries
-
Taking out the trash
-
Washing all dirty clothes
-
Roll clothes into tight cylinders to save space when packing
-
Pack a bag for dirty laundry
-
Leave extra space in suitcases for souvenirs
|
“Once you return,” Chieppo stresses, “put everything
back in its place!” That’s the basis of her unconventional
approach, which she admits is “more Rachael Ray than Martha
Stewart.” For Chieppo, organization does not mean being rigid
or perfect, but rather being able to find what you need when you
need it.
“Think, toothbrush,”
she reveals. “You never lose it because its home is where
you use it.”
Chieppo encourages travelers
to apply the same logic while on a road trip, “Make sure your
jumper cables, tire jack and emergency kit are actually in the car.”
When not traveling, those items are often removed to make trunk
space for items like groceries. Additionally, packing a cooler with
snacks and drinks can be a great money saver, but she warns, “It
can also be dangerous if the cooler isn’t within easy reach
and you’re trying to grab a sandwich from the backseat while
driving 60 miles per hour!”
Whether in the car or
on a plane, Chieppo advises parents to have each child pack a survival
kit with games, books or iPods, “Airport waits or long-hauls
can be more enjoyable for the ‘little-ones’ if they
pack their own entertainment.” She includes that travelers
should dress comfortably and, when flying, carry an extra change
of clothing in case luggage ends up lost. Chieppo notes most bags
are black so she advises tying on a colored ribbon for easy identification.
Chieppo relates that
if successfully planned, last minute ‘bumps in the road’
can easily be handled and retreats can end up truly relaxing, “The
last thing you want before, during or after a vacation is to be
overwhelmed.” She adds that preparation and organization are
the keys to a delightful getaway, “It ain’t rocket science.”
About Rosemary Chieppo
Since 1999, Rosemary
Chieppo of Born to Organize has made her living doing what most
people hate to do: organizing! Chieppo is a member of the National
Association of Professional Organizers and has written the book
“Clutter, Chaos & the Cure.” She writes for Connecticut’s
“Around the Towns” magazine and the “New Haven
Register.” Several magazines, including “Connecticut,”
“MORE,” and “Lifestyles in Connecticut”
have shone a spotlight on Chieppo’s unconventional approach
to organization. Her down-to-earth style has made her a hit on numerous
radio and television shows. Chieppo’s website is www.borntoorganize.com.
Source: News and Experts
|
