Are you traveling for the holidays? Do you get stressed about packing or preparing?
We (Kim Shiu and Steffi Ward) approach travel plans a little differently as KonMari Consultants and we wanted to tell you all of our best tips and tricks.
We'll start with Steffi's great words of advice:
Before the Trip
I have had some clients who absolutely dread the process of packing for the holidays and also the diversion tactic of putting off putting things away after getting back from the holidays or the trips away, often leading to last minute packing, leaving suitcases packed in the house and forgetting to put the dog into kennels causing a huge issue for their oncoming trip.
Some little tips - I actually have to spend a little time and especially if I am travelling for 3 different climates, I need to think it through.
However I do use a packing list and carefully go through the categories that I have learnt with the KonMari process (see below) which means I can approach the packing with some form of order and for me less panic and for some of clients now too, even for those who have chronic organisational dysfunction - yes it is a fear that stops the flow happening naturally.
Systematic approach using the KonMari categories:
Clothes - this may need to be broken down further into categories of climate which has been checked prior to travelling
Books - holiday reading or guidebooks
Papers - the passports, and if you like to print off passes or an itinerary, do that. Remembering passwords at this point is useful as when we step out of the front door and all become a little hazy.
Miscellaneous - your make-ups or if camping all the camping cooking equipment, tent etc.
Sentimental items - I travel with my dad’s hankie as it is a reminder of having him close to me in times of stress.
I travel light but of course if I have the car that can be a little bit more chaotic but when I am travelling people say to me, "you had all that in there?!"
Packing your patience is also a great one to have as other peoples’ disorganisation I find is what causes the stress. Knowing that I am organised makes the travel process pretty streamlined.
Upon Returning Home
The process for unpacking is I travel with packing cubes so each category goes seamlessly back into drawers and cupboards, washing (if any) into the basket and the other things have their designated place in the home to make the putting back an easier task. If you are coming out of summer into winter this could also be a good time for a re-edit of clothes and a crossover of seasons with a check-in of what is still current for your current lifestyle.
I generally travel solo at the moment but the times I have travelled with loved ones the fact I am organised I can foresee or not get stressed when others' disorganisation causes the holiday panics. I do observe at airports and see it all the time with families so that little bit of time into prepping the packing can go a very long way. I drive a small car and it is amazing what one can get in there, even my bike now!
Kim will have something to say on the matter I am sure….
And some notes from Kim:
I absolutely love everything that Steffi pointed out. Here's some advice that I've picked up over the years (and some key tips that I learned from my family!).
Before the Trip
I also use a packing list, but also recognize that if I forget something at home, I can always borrow it from someone else or purchase it if it's really needed. If I have a checked bag, I always pack what's absolutely most essential in my carry on, including an extra set of clothes. If my luggage gets lost, I still have that clothing to get me through the next day (a tip I learned from my mom)! My personal must-haves for travel are my neck pillow and empty water bottle.
Steffi mentioned checking the weather for your destination to plan what clothing is appropriate to pack. I also ask myself if I'll be able to do laundry when I arrive (or even borrow clothing), if I'm visiting family or friends. Then I don't have to pack as much.
When packing my bag, I of course use the KonMari file folding technique on my clothing into packing cubes. I try to plan outfits for each day and ensure every option could match.
The bottom of my packing list also includes reminders for myself, like checking the weather at my destination, confirming details with anyone I'm going to visit, placing a hold on my mail if it's a long trip, and cleaning out my fridge. I also have a separate packing list for my dog's items too!
After the Trip
I love my packing cubes just like Steffi! I also like using a reusable silicone bag to store my tolietries, so those are easy to put back in my bathroom. I also wipe down my suitcase.
I reflect on not only my experiences, but also what I actually used or needed during the trip. Is there anything I need to add to my packing list or leave behind next time?
Thanks for reading our blog! Hopefully this gave you some good ideas for your next trip!
About Your Blog Authors and KonMari Consultants:
Kim Shiu is a professional organizer and Kansas’s only Certified KonMari™ Consultant. Through her business, Tidy for Good, LLC, she helps busy people in the Kansas City area transition from overwhelmed to organized. Trained directly in the world-renowned methods of Marie Kondo, Kim provides the expert structure needed to create a home that truly "sparks joy." You can work with Kim by getting in touch here.
Stephanie Ward has a deep understanding of the connection between people and their spaces they inhabit. She is passionate about helping others feel aligned with their environments, using the KonMari Philosophy. Drawing on her background in Interior Design, Colour Research, and Weaving, she integrates these innate creative skills into her work, your environment. Stephanie focuses on delivering Tidying Festivals, to inspire lasting change and shifting one’s perspectives on life and surroundings. Stephanie works out of Scottish Borders to Edinburgh. Work with Stephanie by getting in touch here or here.