Moves, Travels & Vacations Archives | A Personal Organizer

Top 3 Tips To Get Organized For Summer Vacations

By Helena Alkhas
Filed Under: Living, Moves, Travels & Vacations, Summer

Simple Steps For Great Summer Vacations

Ah, summer vacations.

It’s the one time of the year most people look forward to. Whether you’re planning a major trip to another country or city, heading to the beach or going on a road trip, taking a vacation is one of the most important things we can do for our family and ourselves.

Summer vacations require planning and organization. Surely you wouldn’t want to go and realize in the middle of the trip that you forgot to bring a few things! For a stress-free, fun-filled trip, you need to plan and get organized.

Follow these suggestions and have the much-deserved break you need!

1. Do Some Planning For Your Summer Vacation

Jot travel plans in an old school travel notebook or a nice app, like Evernote, depending on whether you prefer to take notes digitally or with a pen and paper. Getting everything you are thinking about written down or recorded in some way will let you see all of the things you and your family would like to do on your trip. From here you can see what you will need to pack, how long you will be away, and get a better idea for any arrangements you need to make for lodging, or house care while you are out of town.
Start with your ideas and inspirations for your summer vacation. Where do you want to go and what do you want to do? How many people are traveling and where will you stay? These are just a few questions you need to answer when you start planning your trip. You don’t necessarily have to make a strict schedule of your travel plans, but it helps to have a good idea of all the things you would like to do so you can be sure to make time for them while you are at your destination.
Research your destination. Ask your friends and family for suggestions. Purchasing a travel book and/or a foreign language dictionary may also be helpful as you prepare for your trip. Travel websites are a great opportunity to check out locations as well as snag a great deal of two on travel, places to stay, dining, activities, and more. A few hours of planning are worth the effort if everything runs smoothly!

2.Gather And Organize Your Documents

From plane tickets to passports and other documentary requirements, you will need to prepare these beforehand. Depending on where you are traveling to and how you are traveling, you will need different documents and paperwork. A little efficient research will save you hours of headache later if you find you have forgotten a document you or a family member cannot travel without.

Be sure to check your passport . Is it about to expire? If it is, have it renewed as soon as possible.

Are you traveling with minor children? They need to express written permission from parents or guardians if you are not the parent.

Once you have done your research and gathered updated and current versions of all the travel documents you need, put all the paperwork in an envelope or folder, and label it clearly.

If it’s going to be a family vacation, assign everyone their own folders for a hassle-free trip. Giving everyone their own information makes for a lot less shuffling around of papers and a lot less time looking for lost items. Even if you’re going on a break with friends, this applies as well, as this method will help keep things organized.

You wouldn’t want to panic during the trip because you couldn’t find your important documents!

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3. Get Packing for your Summer Vacation

Once you have decided on your travel destination, research the weather conditions for the time of year that you will be there.

Will you need light clothes, or will you be doing a lot of layering? Dual-purpose items, such as pants that turn into shorts or a jacket that turns into a travel pillow are wise choices. Choosing pieces that can be layered or worn for different occasions will save you major space in your luggage. Learn how to pack light, as this will save you costs in airline baggage fees. Grab the packing list here to make sure you have what you need.
There are some basics you should check and have in tow when you leave for your trip. Be sure to check the amounts of certain toiletry products you can fly with if it is applicable. Check to see if you need an AC/DC adapter for electrical items, bright light reading material, and bring travel games if you are traveling with kids. In the event of delays, these activities will keep them busy!

Conclusion

Traveling should be a fun and relaxing time to make memories with your family. By using these travel preparation steps, you will be on your way to creating a smooth ride for the whole family this Summer!

Traveling With Kids: Tips To Make Summer Travel Simple

By Helena Alkhas
Filed Under: Moves, Travels & Vacations, Organizing, Summer

Summer is here and we are all gearing up for vacation season. While traveling with kids can seem overwhelming at times, don’t let it stop you. With some pre-planning and preparation, you will be ready to travel with your kids in no time.

Car travel and plane travel will have a few different requirements and mean slightly different preparations for your family, but these tips cover general good practices for either and will have you ready for fun Summer adventures.

A month before you travel

The month leading up to your vacation, you’ll want to start thinking about a broad plan. Here are the things you will want to have squared away the month before you travel with kids:

Lodging-where will you stay? Will you be renting a hotel, home or apartment, or staying with friends or family? Each of these types of lodging options requires different preparations. Tie up all of these ends well in advance of your trip so you don’t have to worry about them as the trip gets close.

Itinerary- Some people are super planners on vacation and want to map out and schedule every minute of the day, while others like to simply go with the flow. Like all other things that involve kids, you will want to keep to some type of routine while you are traveling. You don’t need to make a strict schedule down to the hour, but try to keep bedtimes and mealtimes consistent, as well as map out activities you know you will definitely be doing.

Car or flight preparations- If you are flying, you will want to make sure you have all of your necessary documents and passports for each family member. Keep this all together with your tickets so they don’t get misplaced. If you are driving, schedule routine maintenance and check up on your vehicle so you are ready to hit the road without any unexpected auto issues.

Two weeks before you travel

In the two weeks before you travel with kids, make a packing list for each family member. Put together everything you already have and then make a shopping list for the things you need. Depending on the ages and needs of your kids the things you need to pack will differ, but here’s a list to get you started: ( link to checklist or blog post (s)) ***

Tip for traveling with babies or younger kids: Packing a few items that are their favorites will make them feel more at home while they are traveling and sleeping in an unfamiliar place. Also, try to keep their natural or regular routine in mind when it comes to sleep and eating.

Secure the home front- Two weeks before you are set to leave finalize any plans you have made for who will be taking care of your house and your pets, if you have any, while you are away. Make sure they have important numbers and any special instructions before you leave.

A week before you travel

The week prior to traveling you will want to start packing.

Pack for each person- Take your list and start packing for each person who is traveling. If you have older kids, they can use their own list to pack. If you tend to be an over packer, here’s where you will want to use some restraint. Stick to your lists and avoid throwing in extra things for each family member. Before you know it you will have more suitcases and bags than you know what to do with.

Stick to the list- Another negative to overpacking is that you have to unpack it all when you get back. Do yourself a favor and pack only what you need. Unless you are going deep into no man’s land you can always pick up something you need on the road or when you get to your destination.

The night before you travel

The night before you travel try to have all the last odds and ends wrapped up.

Final check-ins- Check in earlier in the day with house sitters to finalize plans. If you are traveling by car fill the gas tank and check your tire air pressure. Pack up the car. Prepare any road snacks as well as a bag of things you might need while driving, such as any tech gear, music, hand wipes, ect.

Get some sleep- Don’t forget to plan to go to bed early the night before you travel. You’ll want to hit the road early and rested to get the trip off on the right foot. You will also want to have the energy you need to deal with any last minute mishaps. You are a parent, you know these are inevitable.

Hitting the Road!

The big day is here and you are ready to hit the family and travel with the kids. Because you are so well prepared, there shouldn’t be very much you need to do the day you are traveling. Double check your packing list, check that keys are left in the right places for house and pet sitters, make sure all bags are packed and safety kits, tech for traveling, including chargers for all devices and phones and snacks are on hand. Now all you have to do is pile everyone in the car and hit the road!

Conclusion:

Traveling with your kids has so many benefits for them and for you. These tips will have you ready to hit the road this Summer. Remember the best travel trip of all: Plan ahead as much as you can, and then be prepared for anything!

Want more tips on traveling and packing? Check out posts here and here.

Embracing Life Changes, Making Life Simpler

By Helena Alkhas
Filed Under: Moves, Travels & Vacations, Organizing

Life changed; I changed. Here is what’s new!

When I first opened my business, I knew I needed to work on creating a brand and all its elements. I followed a lot of “OPA,” other people’s advice, on colors, on symbols, on fonts but there was very little of “me” in the choices I made. Not because I didn’t have an opinion or a personality, but because I didn’t have enough experience or knowledge to build a brand from the inside out.

Finding Your Rhythm

Fast forward ten years and now I am a 51 years old woman with a fulfilling life and much professional experience. On my “past life,” as I like to call it, I was a high-level corporate professional, working and traveling around the world. After dropping everything for love, I moved seven times, twice around the globe, in the last 17 years, raised three teenage sons, my husband retired from the Navy after 26 years of service and is now a civilian surgeon. As you can imagine, life is busy. But by following my motto that “Life Can Be Simpler,” I learned that I am my best, my happiest, and my most centered when life IS simpler.

Since our last move from California to Illinois, I have focused on simplifying my home and personal life and have been reaping the benefits of living more simply.

I canceled memberships and services, I moved to a yoga studio closer to home, I paired my clothing choices down, I stuck to an easy menu list, I let go of toxic relationships, I quit social media for personal use, I changed my daily routines, I simplified everything I could and slowly life gained the rhythm I love, my rhythm.

But when it came to my work, I noticed that “life was NOT simpler” and I started to pay attention.

From my volunteering activities and contributions with colleagues to working with multiple clients and projects at once; even the many colors of my logo and the image editing process needed for the blog were complicated, my life was full, that’s for sure, but it didn’t feel fulfilling anymore.

Remove What Doesn’t Serve Your Vision

So, I tapped into the many great skills my professional organizing training and professional experience has given me in the last decade.

I started the process of peeling off anything that didn’t serve the SIMPLE life I want to lead. By doing this, things began to fall into place, and slowly life was finally starting to feel simpler-even with three teens, a busy husband, a dog and all!

During this process, it was only natural to look deeper into my business- the parts and processes of it, what worked and what did not, what I enjoyed doing and what I did not. And I realized my business branding didn’t speak to me anymore.

Much like when we lose weight and need a new wardrobe, I wanted a brand that reflected the person and professional I became and the life I am now leading. I wanted my brand to be simpler.

Most importantly, I wanted to simplify the business so I can better help and support you on your journey to a simpler life with organized spaces, time, and mind.

You have beautiful things to do in life, and it has been my pleasure and honor to share this journey with you over the years.

I hope I can continue to help you simplify and elevate everyday life so you too can create what matters and let it shine.

Here is to another decade of sharing, learning, giving and growing!

12 Essential Tips To Add To Your Moving Checklist

By Helena Alkhas
Filed Under: Moves, Travels & Vacations, Organizing

Moving out?

You may be moving into your “dream home,” but the moving process itself is nobody’s dream.

Moving means umpteen things to be done. It’s not just about just putting things into boxes, taking them to another place, and unpacking there. The more complicated our lives get, the more the things there are to be done before and after moving.

So how can you make moving out easier and less complicated?

Use a moving out checklist. Having a moving checklist will help you move efficiently and methodically, not to mention minimize the stress that comes with the move.

A typical moving out checklist will have:

Inventory of goods. It’s best to categorize your goods into perishable, breakable, unbreakable. A room-wise inventory is recommended. Also, a box containing the first day needs marked load last, unpack first.
A file containing essentials. These essentials can be house documents, insurance papers, packing lists, bills to be settled, travel tickets, keys to the new home, and bills to be settled.

With these essential files, it is important to remember to do these things before moving out:

Arrange transfer of school records.
Pay utility and other pending bills.
Transfer bank accounts.
Turn off phone, heat, electricity, and gas connections.
Disconnect television and Internet cables.
A pre-moving out list of things to be done. Before moving out, make sure you take care of the following items:
1. post office notification;
2. insurance for valuables,
3. health checks, and medications;
4. closing club, gym, library, and any other memberships;
5. canceling or changing delivery addresses of newspapers and magazine subscriptions;
6. returning any borrowed things;
7. finding new homes for pets (if needed) and plants;
8. confirming travel plans.
Pack a special moving out travel kit.
1. This kit will contain cash, checkbooks, credit cards, personal phone book, phone, computer and tablets with respective chargers, identity card, flashlight, keys to the new home, toiletries, change of clothes, emergency medications, food, towels, alarm clock, games for kids, hat, and depending on the time of the year you’re moving, jackets and accessories.
List of items to be sold/placed in storage.
1. Surely there are things that you may not bring with you to your new home or things that need to be given a new look. This list may include things to be repaired, replaced, painted, or refurbished.
List of legal papers and keys. These are the ones that need to be handed over to the landlord or new owner of your home.
A folder containing details of movers. This should include the truck number, drivers ID and cell number, as well as addresses and phone numbers of their office at the destination and call center or tracking center. This also includes an envelope containing cash or cheque to settle the mover’s bills.
A list of arrangements to be made in your new home before you arrive. You will need a working phone, installing utilities like gas, electricity, and heat, putting in cable for the television as well as internet, turning on the water supply, getting the painting, as well as any other alterations or repairs, done before the trucks arrive.
If you have kids, a folder of records. This will contain birth certificates, school records, medical records, dental records, transfer papers, and anything else required to enroll them in the new school.
A bare necessities box. Marked No 1, this will contain: toilet paper, towels, soap, shampoo, bath towels, paper towels, insecticide, cereal, dehydrated milk, coffee, and other must-haves.
A new home must do list. This list may include: validate your car papers and drivers license, renew or get new insurance, put all legal papers in order (check applicable laws), make a list of emergency numbers: hospital, police station, social services, fire station, doctor’s clinic, and vet.

To make things even simpler, you can create separate general checklists before and on the day of the move:

Checklist For Moving: A Month Before The Move

Submit your change of address forms to post office.
Obtain documents for school transfers, if you have children.
Find a moving company and make reservations.
Give your new address to friends and family.
Hold a garage sale or otherwise lighten the load.

Checklist For Moving: One Or Two Weeks Before

Move your banking accounts to the new location.
Return rented movies, books to the library, etc.
Get your prescriptions transferred to the new location.
Clean your house.
Call for utility shut-offs and new connections.
Dispose of things that won’t be moved.
Begin packing and labeling boxes.
Organize and pack an “essentials” box for arrival (toiletries, paper plates, etc.).
Final moving plans (make hotel reservations, get maps, etc.).

Checklist For Moving Day

Remember to eat.
Start early.
Check every room and storage area.
Turn off all lights, lock the doors.
Give the keys to the new owner or real estate agent.

It’s also wise to consider some facts about your destination — the kind of weather, climatic changes, urban or rural, water portability, infrastructure in the new home, size of the home, colors of walls, rules made by the landlord in case it is a rented home. Some landlords specify no nails on walls.

Be well prepared to move out of your home. With a moving out list that is personal and simple, you can make the move as smooth as possible. If you are well organized, surely moving out will be hassle-free!

What To Pack For A Conference In Chicago

By Helena Alkhas
Filed Under: Moves, Travels & Vacations

Packing For a Professional Conference

In about ten days, I’ll be joining colleagues from around the world here in Illinois for the national convention of the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals, and I know from experience that packing for a professional conference can be a challenge!

We all want to avoid a heavy suitcase, be comfortable to endure the long days and mile-long hallways, as well as go from breakfast to dinner while looking our best. Add to it an unpredictable and unforgiving weather like the one in the Chicago area, and you’ll be confused on what to pack.

I have been packing professionally and personally for the last 30 years. I was a frequent flyer for work and since getting married and moving to the US, I have been packing the entire family for international trips and moves, so I learned to pack fast and light.

To look your best, stay warm and comfortable, here are my suggestions on what to bring to a professional conference in Chicago!

Winter Coat And All The Gear

I know it’s spring but if you have plans of enjoying any time outdoors or visit the city I promise you will regret not bringing a winter coat and accessories to keep yourself warm and comfortable.

Pick a lightweight and versatile coat that can take you to a tour of the city without being a drag all day.

Add a beanie and a good pair of gloves and you’ll be all set!

Staying Warm And Comfortable Everywhere

For a seven day trip, I like to pack 3 pants and I try to pair every pant with two or three tops, giving me a total of 9 tops max. This allows me to “rest” the pants after a day of use and also create a new outfit for a dinner, after a long day, for example.

I rarely bring dresses to a conference, except if it is summer or a special event. I like the flexibility pants and skirts offer us to mix and match.

So, my 7-day packing formula is: 3 pants + 6-9 tops + 2 sets of jewelry + 2 shoes + scarf

Staying On Your Tippytoes

When it comes to shoes, I keep it very easy by packing 1 “heel” and 2 flats. I usually travel wearing a tennis shoe that I will also use if I want to go for a walk or exercise.

Decorate

I love jewelry and I make use of them to change an outfit from day to night. I usually pack 2 to 3 sets and I look for earrings that can be used with 2 different necklaces or bracelets. Mixing and matching these baubles is one of my favorite things!

Before packing, make sure you’re not picking your heavier pieces as they will add to the total weight of your luggage.

Rest & Restore

Finally, don’t forget to pack a kit that will keep you comfortable at night. Jammies, slippers and travel size toiletries will help you get comfy and sleep well through the night.

If you have trouble sleeping in hotels, pack your favorite essential oil and download a white noise app. Mine favorite calming oil is lavender and I apply it to my wrists before going to bed.

These striped jammies and gray Ugg slippers are my favorites. They are super soft and will pack well in a corner of your suitcase. I love them!

Pack And Haul It

I hope these ideas help you pack everything you need for your professional conference with confidence!

What are you bringing to #NAPO2018?

Click on the image to download your packing checklist!

Decluttering Tips For Selling Your House

By Helena Alkhas
Filed Under: Moves, Travels & Vacations

The Busy Mom Guide to Declutter and Prepare For a House Sale

For busy moms preparing a house to sell can seem overwhelming. It does take organization and effort. But decluttering, the essential first step is well worth the effort, and there are ways to make it an easy, positive process.
Decluttering is vital: it’s the foundation for cleaning and staging, steps that make a house show-ready and desirable.

Sparkling clean, well-presented homes can, according to Consumer Reports, get 3-5% higher offers, or even more. They invite buyers to imagine themselves living there, and that connection often leads to an offer.

This post is sponsored by HomeLight.com.

“Quality of Life” Decluttering vs. Decluttering to Sell

Books like Marie Kondo’s The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up offer great tips on decluttering just for the purpose of having a better life. But selling a home requires intensive decluttering with the goal of an open, depersonalized look.

Counters and other surfaces should be cleared so that buyers focus on the house itself. This means snack supplies, bath products, laundry, books, etc. should disappear.

No scattered toys on the floor, no collection of shoes in the front hall, no family photos filling up a wall. Storage spaces, including closets, cabinets, and drawers, should be partially empty and organized to show off their space. Buyers look everywhere, and who can blame them? They want to know exactly what they’re buying before making an offer.

There’s much to do before listing your house for sale, but it can be a good experience. Even if you’re not sure about selling yet, a little decluttering now can streamline “The Big Declutter” later, if you do greenlight the sale.

Remember, the more you pack away or get rid of, the more packed you are, and the less you have to move. You can let go of things you no longer use or love, for a fresh, decluttered start in your next home.

Tips To Help You Get Started

Set up boxes or bins for Keep & Pack Away, Donate, and Not Sure. Have some bags ready for the trash. This will help you divide and conquer!
Research ahead where to recycle old electronics, or where to donate books, clothes, toys, etc.
Do one room, or part of a room, at a time, and complete it. Use a timer so you don’t overdo. A playlist can help too: sing or bop around while you’re at it.
Set aside time in your calendar, whether daily or weekly, for decluttering. Show up for it as you would for work or your kid’s soccer game.
Be firm: don’t keep things that maybe you will use or wear someday. Let those things go. If an item is stopping you, put it in the Not Sure box and make sure you get to it at a quieter moment.
Enlist help. Kids may be able to do the Keep/Donate project with their toys and belongings, and they may feel good about getting involved. Or delegate chores to others to free up your time. Ask friends to babysit or cover carpool shifts or playdates.
Stop buying things. For example, it’s not the time for new holiday decorations that will have to be packed and moved.
Realize you can say NO to some things in life right now that you might normally do or take on. Make as much time as you can for decluttering.
Prepare for some up-and-down emotions. The process might feel hard, especially if you’ve lived somewhere for a long time, or somewhere you’re sorry to leave. It’s natural. But the process is also positive: clearing out clutter from your life, helping others by giving donations, and starting a new adventure.

The Pros Can Help

Once you declutter, the next steps are organizing what’s left, deep cleaning, and staging the house for that perfect look.

There are pros who can help take any of these steps off your shoulders: hiring a professional organizer or stager, or a cleaning company with services for home sellers, may be a good investment to save time if you’re a busy mom. Top Realtors in your area can help with tips, advice, and feedback on preparing a house that will stand out and sell fast for the best price possible.