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Archive for Organizing Travel

Top 3 Tips for an Organized Car

Posted by Carolyn on
 April 18, 2017

,Top 3 Tips for an Organized CarLet’s Get Organized, Car!

Welcome spring with an organized car.  With an organized car, you will be ready, to hit the road this summer!  The warmer weather and clear roads make many of us start to think about smartening up that car.  if you live in Canada, like I do, you’ve just taken off the snow tires, had the car serviced for breaks, oil and whatever else is on its schedule.  Now a car wash is on the agenda for a warm sunny weekend in April.

Once that beauty is clean and purring, what about keeping it clean and organized?  Here are the top 3 tips for you to follow to keep that and smart looking and organized car.

1. Get rid of the Garbage!

To keep your 4 wheeled baby looking beautiful, managing the garbage is key.  Nothing says, “I’m not organized” like a car full of old fast food coffee cups, bagel wrappers and other debris.  Grab a garbage bag – check through the car and load up that bag. Most of the clutter in cars is associated with garbage that just didn’t make it to the bin.  Kids can help; give them their own garbage bag for their part of the car. Next time you fill up with gas, get them to toss it in the bin.

2. Contain the Car Accessories

Put a box in the back for wandering gear – this can be as fancy as a “car gear box” available at many retailers or as simple as a cardboard box. Toss all the bits and pieces that have to stay with the car in there – cables, hitches, wrenches (for the hitches), roof rack accessories and the like.  This will accomplish two things for you and your car.  First, the car will be clutter free.  Second, you will be able to find the accessories when you need them.  Nothing kills the joy of packing for a weekend fishing trip like searching high and low for the hitch ball.

3. Clear the Glove Box

 Our winters are cold.  There were a lot of trips for coffee and tea en route to ski weekends and ski races this winter.  Our glove box gets full of random napkins and occasionally, if i’m not watching carefully, ketchup sachets and straws. Those who know me know there will be no ketchup, or any other condiment, sachets in my car.  Take only what you need for those chips and, when you are done, throw them out!.  There are lots of napkins and straws that wander into the glove box.  Get rid of the old ones and put in some fresh new ones, along with a fresh package of hand wipes for when water isn’t available.   While you are at it, use the old napkins to wipe of the console and dash of dust and winter debris.

Now the next time you and the family want to hit the road, your shiny, organized car will be waiting in the driveway.

Organizing Travel Uncategorized
Tags : Car, organized car, organized travel

Making Fun of Road Trips

Posted by Carolyn on
 May 20, 2013

In my part of the world, central Canada, this weekend celebrates the first of our precious, summer Long Weekends.  Victoria Day weekend is a traditional time for planting annuals, opening cottages and generally getting out and about on bikes and in cars.  So Canadians – Happy Victoria Day weekend!

If you are going to be using your car this summer for travel, whether long distance or short haul, now is a good time to organize your vehicle to ensure it is ready to hit the road when you are.  Here is a short list to get you started:

  1. Ensure your vehicle is up to date with service.  Are you up to date with all the recommended service for your vehicle, especially the safety-related items?  Have your breaks been checked and/or serviced recently?  How about the air conditioning and do your windows all work? Are all the fuses functional and lights/alerts working?  Have you checked your tire pressure lately?
  2. Fill up the windshield fluid and keep a top up bottle handy.  Keeping your windshield free of bugs, especially Friday and Sunday night driving to and from the cottage, is a safety strategy.  Ensure your field of vision is clear and clean at all times.
  3. Keep your car clean to ensure all lights are clearly visible during the day or night.  Car lights are another safety feature. With the dust and mud that often comes with cottage, off road or even highway driving, lights appear dim and are less visible.  Ensure you can be seen at all times.
  4. Ensure your vehicle ownership and current insurance are available to you while you are travelling.  Don’t make the mistake I did and end up with a $65 fine because the current insurance certificate is sitting at home in the filing cabinet.
  5. Clear the garbage and vacuum out winter debris.  Nothing says road-trip-buzz-kill faster than jumping into a car and finding yourself stepping on last February’s disposable coffee cup or the kids fish snacks in the back seat.  You could splurge on car detailing, stop by the service centre industrial vacuum or just pull out your own household vacuum and give your four-wheeled baby a good once over.
  6. Clean the inside of your windows.  Heating and air conditioning in cars often leaves a film on the inside of the windows which can impact how well you see out, especially on a summer day driving into the sun.
  7. Install a garbage box/bag or other container.  Since you’ve just cleaned out the vehicle, why not set it up to stay clean.  Keeping a garbage bag in the car will go a long way to making your regular clean-out faster and easier not to mention keeping today’s disposable coffee cup away from your feet.  Many automotive parts suppliers also carry garbage bins made especially for the rear seats.  Maybe this is the year you invest in one for your back seat crowd.
  8. Check the date on your maps and update if necessary.  Car maps are something we often take for granted – until you realize the road you are looking for wasn’t constructed when your map was printed.  If you prefer the modern GPS technology, ensure yours is updated so it can find that same road you were looking for on the old map.  Consider keeping a map in the car even if you have a GPS; technology does fail.
  9. Check your first aid kit.  Does it need replenishing?  Does it exist?  No one ever plans to need a first aid kit.  Plan to have a good one ready when your unexpected need arises.
  10. Consider travelling with a car box/supply box.  You can call this what you will and, based on your regular travel, it may be big or small.  This is where the “keep the kids busy” activities can reside along with the extra napkins, flashlight (check the batteries) candle and matches.  A strong box with a snap-shut lid will ensure the contents stay inside when not needed and stay clean while stored.  A box is also easy to take out of the car for replenishing and cleaning.

You may have other specific items to check depending on whether you use roof racks or have towing requirements.  This 10 item list will get you started and ensure your road trip is more enjoyable.

Organizing Travel
Tags : Accumulation, Car, Children, Clearing Clutter, Lists, managing mess, organize the car

Time Tamer Tuesday – Plan for Traffic

Posted by Carolyn on
 July 17, 2012

When planning your schedule for the day, allow time to get from one place to the next: anticipate traffic delays. 

Organizing Travel Time Tamer Tuesday
Tags : Time Management, Time Tamers

Weigh-in Wows at the Airport

Posted by Carolyn on
 November 22, 2011

Just returned from an Ontario Sailing training camp in Miami at the US Sailing Centre.  The trip was great but the luggage is not.  We still use a super strong, two part suitcase designed to protect ski gear from air travel.  I’ve weighed the darn thing and it comes in at 10lbs before I put in a single pair of shorts.  The last three times I’ve travelled, despite pre-weighing here at home (has anyone checked those scales at the airport recently?) I’ve been overweight on luggage and paid the consequences.


Any suggestions for light weight, high volume, strong travel luggage on wheels?  Has to be big enough to carry personal sailing gear – the dagger board etc is all in a the rigid equipment case with “fragile” luggage and they never seem to weigh that “almost too heavy to carry” piece.  I’d love to hear your suggestions.

Organizing Travel
Tags : Packing, Travel

A Boost for the Winter

Posted by Carolyn on
 January 19, 2011

The recent car battery troubles of my neighbour, and our own car last month, gave me a chance to ponder the need for battery booster cables here in Canada.  As the car I drive often takes us out of the city and around the province, if not the country, we have booster cables that never leave the back of the car except to boost someone’s battery.  We have a set for the second car which KLR drives but when that car was dry docked for a couple of months, the cables ended up in the garage.

After the neighbour’s distress call came in from a few blocks away, complete with young son in the car and freezing rain on the dash, KLR was dispatched since he was already out and about and the car was out of dry dock.  The cables however, were still in the garage.  Yours truly headed out instead.

Lesson learned: regular checks of your winter box are a good way to stay organized and ensure that your car will be fully supplied when life throws the proverbial curve ball.  Items to carry in the box might include: booster cables, blanket, matches, candles, flashlight, first aid kit and hazard sign.

Organizing Travel
Tags : Car, organize the car, winter, winter travel

Plan a Picnic

Posted by jennievlietstra on
 June 30, 2010

This holiday weekend you may be looking to get outside to enjoy some summer sunshine. Consider organizing a picnic to share with a loved one, family or friends.

First, choose your location. It may be in a park, on the beach, or even in your backyard. I’m planning our picnic at a favourite spot, next to the sights and sounds of moving water.

Packing for your picnic will depend on how you will arrive, whether by hiking, biking or driving. Utilize a traditional picnic basket (though any basket will do), a box, backpack and/or cooler to pack food and picnic accessories.

Your picnic essentials may include:

1. A blanket. Consider the size needed to accommodate your guests comfortably or so that you may be able to lie down on it, if desired. Look for something water resistant to keep everyone dry if the ground is damp.

2. Plates, cutlery, and cups. It’s preferable to bring reusable dishware along. Pack them into re-sealable bags or lidded containers to transport the dirty items home.

3. Napkins. They’re always good for quick clean ups too.

4. Cool beverages. On hot summer days it’s important to stay hydrated. So bring extra! Try freezing some of your water or drink in bottles, using them as freezer packs to keep food fresh until you arrive. As they slowly melt drinks will stay cold and refreshing throughout the day.

5. Classic picnic foods. Think about finger foods when preparing your menu. I like to keep it simple. I prepare a selection of pre-cut bread, meats, cheeses, and pre-grilled vegetables to allow my guests to make their own sandwiches. Fresh fruit is always on hand for healthy snacking. Watermelon is the classic choice. There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to picnic foods. Tailor your menu to suit the guest list, bring your favourite dishes and enjoy!

Organizing Travel
Tags : Holidays, picnic, Travel, weekends

Organizing on the Go

Posted by Carolyn on
 June 16, 2010

If you travel frequently for business you know that staying organized while on the go can be a challenge.  There are three main issues to address: a) receipts b) staying productive and c) being prepared.

Often one’s entire trip involves keeping track of those darn receipts.  Whether you work for yourself or a large corporation, even with a friendly and fully loaded expense card, that proof of purchase is necessary at every transaction.  To keep the receipts organized keep then contained.  Whether you choose an envelope, a wallet size accordion folder or a plastic folder with pockets, the trick is to keep them in one place where they won’t get lost and will be available when it comes to register your expenses.

Staying productive while travelling can be difficult when you are at the mercy of train, plane or bus schedules and someone else’s meeting agenda.  Keep a ready supply of “To Do” work on hand either on your computer or in your travel case including some lighter reading.  That way when you have to wait for the plane which has been delayed or the meeting hosts who are late, you can keep yourself productive and occupied.

Finally, business travel may be planned in advance but may also be a last minute opportunity for that BIG DEAL you have been waiting for.  Keep a travel case packed and your business case supplied so that you can leave with very little preparation.  Once you return from your trip, repack your cases immediately; you will be most conscious of what you wished you had on your trip right when you return and can ensure your travel cases are loaded up accordingly.

Organizing Travel
Tags : Time Management, Travel

Car Crazies

Posted by Carolyn on
 May 31, 2010

It’s that time of year again: holiday trips, cottage weekends, camping excursions.  They all involve loading the gear, the kids and sometimes the dog/cat/hamster/fish into the family car and heading off down the highway. Here are a couple of tips to keep all that stuff organized so you can relax, enjoy the view and arrive ready for your time away.

  1. Take only what you need, clear out the rest – Before you pack the car, clear out all the debris that you don’t need for the trip.  You’ll have more space for yourself and your family, more room for your holiday/weekend gear and less clutter to manage.
  2. Contain, contain, contain – Try and get everything into a container whether it is a bag or box.  Try a laundry hamper for last minute items.  It is also great for bathing suits and towels.  You can even bring them back wet in the hamper after your last dip in the lake.
  3. Give the kids a container – Assign each  child a container for their car entertainment such as books, electronics, games and snack if you permit eating in your car.  It will help keep the bits together so you are less likely to hear ‘Where are my earphones?” when you get to your destination.  A container that closes is even better – kids aren’t so careful when tossing things around the car and again, bits are less likely to get lost or broken.
  4. Mom’s/Dad’s bag – If you have small children who are not yet happy to sit plugged into their electronics for hours on end, consider sticking a couple of special activity treats into your own bag.  You will be the hero when you pull out the special glittery markers halfway into your trip.
  5. Pack Snacks – Unless you and your children get car sick, you are likely going to need some food and/or drink before your trip is over.  Food can be expensive on the road.  While your vacation food may be packed into the cooler in the back of your vehicle, consider packing a smaller day cooler which can be easily accessed by your or your children.  Drinks in containers that won’t spill, fruit, dried fruit and nuts all make great travel snack.

Buckle up, stay safe and have fun!

Organizing Travel
Tags : Car, Children, family trip, Teenagers, Travel

Love that Car

Posted by Carolyn on
 January 26, 2010

Its winter – cold, wet and sometimes just plain grey. You, like many of us, may have limited your trips to the drive-thru car wash and vacuum station while the snow flies and Canadian wind howls. I know I have. You may also find yourself increasingly frustrated or discouraged with the debris in the car that doesn’t get cleaned out when those freshen up stops at the service station get curtailed. Try these quick tips to help stay in control of the clutter until the next sunny, warm day.
1. Grab a garbage bag – check through the car and load up that bag. Most of the clutter in cars is associated with garbage that just didn’t make it to the bin.
2. Give the kids their own garbage bag for their part of the car. Next time you fill up with gas, get them to toss it in the bin.
3. Put a box in the back for wandering gear – this can be as fancy as a “car gear box” available at many retailers or as simple as a cardboard box. Toss all the bits and pieces that have to stay with the car in there – cables, hitches, wrenches (for the hitches), ski box accessories and the like.
4. Clear the glove box – take out all the old napkins and receipts. The first goes in the garbage, the second to your tax file. Try replacing the napkins with hand wipes from the drug store – they come in a resealable package and are great for dealing with coffee spills and ketchup!
5. Wipe the dust off the dashboard with a dry napkin.
6. Check your windshield fluid.
That should hold you until the sun shines.

Organizing Travel
Tags : Car, organize the car

Travel Light

Posted by Carolyn on
 February 10, 2009

Are you still fussing with liquids and containers when travelling? Have you invested yet in the travel size containers for your business travel kit? Make the commitment. They are widely available in a variety of price points. Do yourself a favour and pick up a package.

They usually come with several bottles and a couple of jars, all measured to meet international travel requirements. I have found them available at Canadian Tire Corporation and the Solutions Store. They fit perfectly and without fuss into most travel kits – even for those of us who don’t travel as much!

Organizing Strategies Organizing Travel
Tags : Packing, Travel
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