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Return home from holiday organised and refreshed

by Cleaning Tips

We all love going away on holiday spending a week or two exploring new cities or relaxing on the beach but the build up can be pretty busy and stressful. Packing can be daunting and its important that we don’t forget any of those essential items. 

Following a simple packing guide can really help, that you don’t forget anything.

Before you go………..

Deep Clean

Give yourself time before you go to have a really good deep clean. Its will make all the difference when you return home and allow you to focus on the unpacking and holiday washing. Empty all your bins add new liners and make sure all the toilets have bleach in the pan so they smell lovely and fresh when you walk in.

Make sure your laundry is up-to date

There is no better feeling than an empty laundry basket and a non-existent ironing pile. This can be rare for busy families but challenge yourself before you go away to ensure you are up to date.  You are going to be coming home with a big pile of washing and ironing and you really do not need to add to this pile. If you are struggling for time there is no harm in using a local ironing service.

You may also be coming home to back to school, make sure uniform is all ready hanging up in wardrobes ready for that first day back and school bags packed.

Declutter as you pack

Now is a really good time to tackle any clothing clutter. When you are packing for your holiday use this time to pick bits out of the wardrobes that are no longer worn and create a pile for reselling or charity. You will be surprised at what you find that no longer fits or will just won’t wear anymore.

File away that build up of paperwork along with any old magazines and newspapers that will be out of date upon your return.

Food Delivery

If you have a regular food delivery organise this before you go so you don’t have to go to the supermarket and do a full weekly shop. You can always add to the list whilst you are away, but don’t arrange delivery for when you step in the door, delays and traffic do happen so give yourself a good few hours grace.

Ask someone to drop some fresh milk and bread into your home just before you return so you can at least have a cup of tea and toast.

Plan a meal

Cook up a health meal and pop in the freezer before you go so you can defrost and enjoy when you get home.  Holidays normally mean over eating and not eating so well so you will be probably be craving a home cooked healthy dinner. Knock up a quick Bolognese or a stew packed with vegetables.

Let your neighbours know your going away

If you get on well with your neighbours or have a friend that lives close by ask them to put the bin out for you and to water the garden flowers. This can really help as you don’t want to come home to a full bin smelling awful or dead flowers that you have been keeping  so well all summer.

Don’t jump straight into socialising

Give yourself a few days before you start to out again with friends and try not to organise any gatherings at your house. Ease yourself back in gently.

Back to work

If you can and have the flexibility book an extra day into your diary so you can give yourself time to adjust after your holiday. There is nothing worse that coming home in  the early hours of the morning and then having to be at work for 9am.

Keep your out of office on

Use this tool to your advantage and don’t switch it off until you have caught up.

Check your family calendar

Look at your calendar a few days before you are due home so you are not surprised by meetings or events that are going to sneak up on you for the up and coming week.

suitcase

Holiday packing and preparation

by Family Organising

If you’re jetting off soon, I have put together some top tips plus a handy checklist to make sure you’ve got everything covered. Then all you need to worry about is whether to hit the beach or the sights when you arrive.

Dig out your passport

Checking your passport a few months in advance is something few of us would think about doing, yet it’s imperative you do – otherwise your holiday could be over before it’s even started!

Be aware that there are also some countries that require your passport to be valid for a particular period from your date of arrival. For example, the United Arab Emirates, Kenya and Turkey all require a minimum period of six months to be left on your passport from your date of entry. 

Organise your furry friends

That way, you can sit back and relax while you’re away knowing that they are being looked after too.

If you have decided to take your pet away for the first time take along their usual bed and favourite toys. So they have familiar items with them.

Organise your Home

Ask our neighbours to put out your dustbins and water any flowers and do the same in return for them. You do not need to be over friendly with your neighbours to ask this but its great to know that we can all support each other when we go away.

Make sure you leave your home secure. Double and triple check doors and windows and make sure you have cancelled any deliveries.

It is also a good idea to also invest in some light timers

Remember that if you were to suffer a break-in while you were on holiday and you had not secured your home properly, your insurance could be deemed invalid – so taking the time to do this really is important.

Download my PRE HOLIDAY CHECKLIST.

Organise your travel documents

Don’t leave any travel money to the last-minute, the cheapest rates are always found online.

Keep a travel wallet in your hand luggage and include in this your driving licence, boarding passes (always handy to have a paper copy incase you lose your phone), hotel and car hire information and keep in the order in which you will need them. Along with the passports.

It is also a really good idea to write down emergency contact numbers in case you lose your phone. plus write down your passport number and keep this safe maybe a copy in your suitcase and a copy in your hand luggage.

 Do not forget your EHIC card if you’re travelling in Europe.

Organise your Suitcases

Make sure you invest in good quality hard-wearing and lightweight suitcases. These Kono hardshell 3 piece sets are amazing value and come in a range of colours.  These are such great value ,spacious and very practical.

Don’t leave the packing to the very last-minute

Never leave packing to the last-minute, it will only stress you out and get your holiday off on a very bad foot. Start to think about packing a good week in advance. Use a clothes rail and put this up in a spare room or one of your bedrooms and start to plan what you are going to take. This will also stop you from wearing them again before you travel. Try and pack minimalist and choose outfits that be can dressed up and dressed down and that are easy to style.

Start to organise your toiletries, make up, sun creams, books and electronics.

Packing cubes are an absolute must! for making packing a breeze and keeping you organised.

If you prefer to travel with fewer bags, packing cubes enable you to compress your belongings into easy-to-pack sizes that better use the full capacity of your suitcase and will end up with less wasted space.

A well-organised suitcase can mean that you only have to take one, instead of two or even three. This can save you lots of hassle when checking into airports or carrying around your luggage in a busy city. 

TOP TIP

Don’t forget to save bag space for any travel purchases you are planning to make.

Create a master packing list.

Make sure you know what you luggage allowance is if you are flying. Over-packing and being stuck at the check-in desk with luggage that’s too heavy can really start your holiday off on the wrong foot. Weigh your cases using some Digital luggage scales and take them with you for the journey home as dirty washing does weigh more than clean.

Use my packing checklist this way you won’t forget anything. Don’t forget those core basics such as currency, adaptors and your first aid kit

Check the weather so you pack accordingly and always take a lightweight jacket as night-time temperatures can be cooler even abroad.

Small travel bottles are also great to help you save space and allow you to only take what you need, use for your shampoo, body wash, facial creams and any cleaning products you wish to take.

Travel bottleshttps://amzn.to/3O6uiAk

Handheld steamer

If you are not much of a roller or folder then I would definitely recommend that you take a Handheld Steamer with you. Even if your hotel room has an iron, I never find them any good and remember steam will release creases and refresh allowing you to wear an item more than once.

Hand Luggage

Other than my essential travel documents and entertainment, take a change of light weight cloths, just in case your luggage goes a stray, always good to be prepared and It’s generally recommended that you take your valuables with you in your hand luggage, again in case of lose or damage it’s better to have items such as your watch, jewellery, camera or laptop in your hand luggage.