Travel Tips From Professional Organizer Debbie Brinkman
Last year Professional Organizer Debbie Brinkman did some amazing work for us in helping us get our home offices organized. We recently asked Deb for her ideas on keeping things organized for a vacation.
FamilyTravelGurus: Often we find the difference between a great and not so great trip is in the planning. What tips do you have for organizing travel materials before a trip?
Start early. Weeks before your trip you will begin noticing things around the house that you will want to pack. Designate a single place to put these (a large shopping bag, box, etc.) and as you run across these items just deposit them in the bag/box. When it’s time to pack you won’t have to run through the house looking for these things.
Another tip is to start a list in each bedroom a couple weeks before the trip – place it on each persons bedroom door (bathrooms are a good place, too) and add to it as you think of things. If you have kids, ask them to write things down on their list. When it’s time to pack you will already have a good start.
Most travelers have a system for remembering what to pack. Some use the head to toe method (start with shampoo and end with socks) others prefer the daily method (what will I wear on Monday, etc.) Whatever method works for you is the one you should use. If isn’t working write down why and then consider alternatives.
FamilyTravelGurus: How about during the trip? What suggestions do you have for staying organized during travel?
To stay organized during travel try to duplicate the same system you have at home. If you hang it at home, hang it on the trip; if you keep it in the bathroom at home, keep it in the bathroom on the trip. Not having to remember where you put things will make it easier to find things – your mind is already trained don’t reinvent the wheel while your on vacation!
If you have a tendency to leave things behind on your travels make a list of everything in your suitcase and tape it to the inside top of your case – pack the suitcase by checking off the items on the list. When everything is crossed off, you’re packed!
One last idea for those who may take day trips away from their hotel, ship, etc. Have a day bag that does not need to be re-packed or organized from your primary suitcase. The day bag should be 100% independently stocked. It may mean buying doubles of some items (sunscreen, sunglasses, snacks, etc.) but you will not have to remember to transfer them back and forth and you won’t forget anything because it’s already packed!
FamilyTravelGurus: As travel agents we receive a ton of material in the mail about different vacation destinations. Many of our readers and clients, too, have lots of travel related materials around their homes. Do you suggest a separate area in the home for travel related publications?
If you are planning a trip you will want to keep all related papers together and accessible. I recommend a zippered plastic pouch (you can get at Container Store for about $2). This system allows you to keep it all together and sealed and it easily stores odd shaped brochures, CD’s, maps, photos, etc. You can toss it in a bag, purse, briefcase and not worry about anything falling out.
If you need a more detailed filing system I would suggest an accordion file with as many dividers as you need. Break your filing down by large categories; Travel Expenses, Tour Information, Lodging & Transportation, Notes & Communications. Don’t get too narrow or you will over-organize your information. This system would also work if you are planning multiple trips at the same time – break it out by trip; Grand Canyon, Mexican Cruise, Disney Land.
Of course, any time you can store information electronically you should.
FamilyTravelGurus: You provided an invaluable service to us in helping us get our home offices organized. What general suggestions do you have for organizing a home office?
Here are my top five tips to organizing a home office:
Pile or File? Decide if you are a piler or a filer and don’t fight against your natural tendency – both have organizational systems that work.
Location. Location. Location. Design your files so that items you need daily are within arms reach, items you need once a week or a couple times a month are within easy access (same room) but not arms reach, and items you access less frequently (last year’s tax returns, old client files) should be out of the office space but still on premise.
No cross contamination. If you are running a home business you need to keep the business of the home (electric bill, school schedules, mortgage bill, etc.) separate from the running of the business. This can be as easy as a file drawer designated for “the home” paperwork and a basket for papers waiting to be filed in the drawer.
The Weekly Thirty. This is a 30 minute check-up where you look at your desk from the 30,000 ft. level; file what needs to be filed, toss or shred the trash, put away random office supplies, straighten, stack, etc. Don’t do any work just put the desk in order.
F.A.T. Treatment. Remove piles of “good intentions”. Either do it or toss it. F.A.T. -File, Action, Trash. EVERY piece of paper falls into one of those categories. If it is an Action then once completed it turns into either File or Trash. EVERY SINGLE PIECE OF PAPER IN YOUR OFFICE NEEDS TO GET THE F.A.T. TREATMENT!
FamilyTravelGurus: How can people get in touch with you for their organizational needs? What geographic area do you service?
Email: deb (at) simpleorderdesign.com
Office: 303-797-3427
Cell: 720-224-1314
Website: www.simpleorderdesign.com
I serve the entire Denver metro area. I have also done work in Vail, Beaver Creek, Boulder, Castle Rock, Parker and Castle Pines.
FamilyTravelGurus: We also have many readers who live outside of Colorado – if they are looking for help with organization what do you recommend?
The National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) provides an on-line Organizer locator for anyone who is looking for an Organizer in their area. The web site is www.napo.net and the service is free. An organizer must be a member of NAPO to be on the site.
FamilyTravelGurus: Thanks Debbie. These are some great tips!