I don’t know about you, but I absolutely do not like packing for trips. As much of a planner as I am, I don’t find packing enjoyable. Be it an overnight trip, a weekend getaway, or a week-long vacation… it’s the same routine. Every. Single. Time.

It begins days ahead of time with the ever-annoying “packing list.” Having to think through every possible scenario that could occur during your trip and making sure you are well-equipped to handle each one. Now let’s magnify that effort by having to plan also for your husband and kids. OY! This is taking mind-reading to the next level. (I flunked the mind-reading class in college, so I’m not nearly as good as it as people think I am.) Inevitable, I always forget something! I mean, thank goodness for supermarkets… but still. You’d think I’ve packed for enough trips that I could remember everything in my sleep!

After you’ve written your packing list, then it’s time to make sure laundry is done so you actually have clothing to pack. You also need to go shopping to make sure those random items on your list are ready to toss into the suitcase. And THEN you can actually start packing process (if you haven’t already started little-by-little along the way).

So how can we make this effort easier? It only took me 30+ years… But I finally figured out that by typing my list in an Excel spreadsheet, it speeds up the process. I’m no longer having to write down the basic necessities that are crucial for every single trip (underwear, pants, makeup, deodorant… and a toothbrush, for goodness sakes!). Instead, I open up the already existing packing list and I simply modify it to fit the trip plans at hand.

Sure, it doesn’t save HOURS of time, but we all can appreciate the value of a few minutes saved here and there. Those precious minutes can add up quick, thus leaving time for either more tasks or simply for a moment to breathe in this hectic life.

Here Is How I Can Help Make Packing a Bit Easier

So to help you with your own packing adventures, I’m sharing my electronic packing list with you. It’s simply a starting point, as you each will have your own personal preferences and necessities. But hey—it’s a step in the right direction.

Download the packing list here (Microsoft Excel spreadsheet).

Happy packing!!