So last time we talked about the entryway/launch point of your home. If it's in order, that makes coming and going easier – routine being the key. This month we're tackling when we are gone from home. 'Tis the season, after all!
I don't know about you all, but there are days I feel like I live in the Mommy-van. So I'm going to share with you my secret to this stage of life...packing for being on the go! I just assume I may not be back for 24 hours. That never happens... but I'm ready for it.
Diaper bag: A diaper bag that is fully stocked and always in the van saves frustration when out with baby. Just grab the dirty stuff and take it in at the end of the day. Likewise, throw the restock items in your purse/tote on the way out the door. This gives you one less bag to carry coming and going.
Busy bags: Older kids have a busy bag for travel time. Crayons, activity books, books, flashcards, small travel games, cars. Go with what they like and you can buy yourself a few hours of peace! Stow under their seats or hanging on the side of the seat.
Trunk organizer: A trunk box keeps everything from rolling around. It can include car things like jumper cables, air compressor, folding shovel, flashlight, lantern/hazard flasher, and emergency radio. It also holds family needs like spare clothes, diapers, outdoor must-haves, and first aid kit (more on this another time). This is a great place for reusable grocery bags and baby carriers, too.
Summer/Winter: Each season has it's own needs. Stock the trunk appropriately. Summer: swim gear, caps, bug spray, sunscreen, water bottles. Winter: blankets, spare hats and gloves for everyone, sand, emergency food. When the seasons change...so do your carry-ons.
Garbage collection: My sister had a great idea – hang a grocery sack on the arm rests of the front seats. If I have a few minutes waiting in the vehicle, we will do a quick collection throughout the vehicle. Once a week, the whole bag gets tied up and tossed directly in the garbage cans outside. This sister was also smart in having a sweeping brush in the van for quickly ridding the van of all the tracked-in junk! Loved that idea!
Driver's needs: A bin or center console in the front seat can contain all the things you may be searching for. Paper, pen, calculator, stamps, lotion, snacks, cough drops, chargers, coupons, lint roller, hairbrush, sunglasses, etc. Again, keep those things from floating around and cluttering the vehicle... and being a distraction while driving.
Use bags: I can confess I am a bag lady...if you're not, disregard the following. If each activity has it's own bag, you are ready to roll without switching things around or carrying loose things. In the vehicle this means it is easy to take things back in the house when you get back without searching for lost items.
A little preparation goes a long way. Peace of mind comes when you know you are ready for whatever while you are away from home. My motto is “I can always get it from the car at home, but can't run in the house when away in the car.”
~As seen in Dec 2013 MOPS Newsletter [Mama pulling double duty]
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