All opinions are mine and mine alone
5 Ways to Keep Yourself Organized on a Road Trip
Road trips can be a magical way to bond with your travel mates, but they can quickly turn into a disaster if you’re not organized. It can be challenging to be stuck in a cramped vehicle for hours at a time, which is one of the reasons it might be a good idea to rent or lease a larger vehicle for this special occasion. You’ll also want to head to service centers well before the trip to make sure your vehicle is in good working order. Road trips innately have an element of stress to them that will only be magnified if you break down.
However, there are ways to minimize stress and ensure smooth sailing—or driving—with a little organization. When you know where everything is, there’s no need to dig through everything just to find that one car game you promised your kids you’d play. Choosing a vehicle with ample storage is the first step. However, most vehicles don’t come with the kind of built-in organizational equipment you’ll need to make the most of packing. Start by purchasing some car organizers that work with you and how you pack. These can be lifesavers on a long road trip, and you might find that you’ll keep using them on a daily basis.
Here are five more ways to stay organized on that epic road trip:
Make a list of what you need and don’t stray from it. People tend to overpack, especially on road trips when you don’t have to worry about “making weight” at the airport. However, if you pack more than what you need, you’re just piling stress onto yourself. With a list, you’ll have a clear idea of what you need—and what you don’t. There are some staple items, like a roadside kit, but a lot of people tend to pack unique outfits (and shoes!) for every day of a trip. Lists can help keep you in check.
Plan regular washes and vacuuming into the trip. It’s great to have a sparkling clean car at the start of the trip, but what about on day five? Make time to take the vehicle through a car wash and quickly vacuum up the interior every couple of days. When you’re not struggling to see through a bug-splattered windshield or wondering what you’re sitting in, there’s a lot more time to enjoy the vacation. There are car wash services often connected to gas stations, and you might even be able to get a discount on gas if you tack a cleaning onto the service.
Map out the itinerary beforehand. Organization isn’t just for tangible items. Being organized also reduces stress because you’re not worried about where you’re going or missing out on the best attractions. If you’re traveling with others, ask them for input on where to go and what to see. Be careful not to over-plan your days, but having an understanding of the plan will help keep mental peace. Planning will also help you find out if there’s construction you can avoid, closures, or other situations that you can plan around.
Get plenty of sleep. Who has time for sleep on vacation? You do if you want to stay safe and organized. Driving can make you sleepy, so it’s a good idea to either swap out driving duties or plan for a little more downtime. Get out and stretch, ensure you get enough sleep to wake up without an alarm (if possible), and put rest and relaxation first. It can be tempting to “just keep driving” when you have a certain destination in mind, but driving tired is just as dangerous as driving drunk. Rest is the key not only to organization but to a safe and memorable trip.
Give everyone in the car a job. If you’re traveling with others, why not make the most of it? Kids of nearly any age can be charged with tasks, such as leading games or keeping an eye on the time so you won’t miss an important break. Divvy up the labor and the driver will get a little respite. Organization is a group effort, so you need everyone on board.
Vacations might seem like they’re carefree, but successful ones actually require organization. With a little prep work, you’ll be well on your way to creating memories and reigniting the love for the road trip.
Speak Your Mind