Marilyn Bohn | Creative Organizer

I remember driving from Oregon to Utah every summer in a small old car. My mom would pack up the back seat with boxes and suitcases and place on the top a mattress. It must have been a crib size as it was a small 1940’s Ford. That is where I rode during the LONG trip. We would play I spy games, sing and I would chatter until I am sure my mom was anxious for the trip to be at its end. This was before freeways so we traveled through every little poe-dunk town and around every river bend so it took much longer that it does today. But kid still are kids and no matter how far the destination, they want to be there NOW.

As a professional home and office organizer I am always looking for ways to simplify and help the clients I work with. In our local newspaper I read this article on tips for your driving trip from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. I am passing along some of their tips.

How to survive your family summer road trip:
•Stop every so often, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Take a jump rope, a Frisbee or a soccer ball for exercise at rest stops.
•Pack a bag or backpack for each child with stickers, cards, books, hand-held games and activity books.
•Pack some special “surprises” for the little kids, and dole them out every so often. It’ll give them something to look forward to.
•A tired kid is a cranky kid. So take pillows and a blanket so they can snooze when they’ve had enough.
•If everyone will be watching the video player (except, of course, the driver), you might consider buying a car cassette adapter that allows for “surround sound”; if not, individual headphones are a good idea. And don’t rule out books on tape. Libraries provide books on tapes. (I personally like not having the children watch videos—it is a time for family togetherness and those games and songs and chatter I used to have). Parents that use a video player love that their kids are entertained and they don’t have to hear them whine and ask, “Are we there yet”.
•Remember the snacks, but avoid anything too salty or sugary. Remember the paper towels and wipes for easy clean up.

The last thing you want to happen is to have the car break down. Make sure your car is road-ready. Check the air in the tires, add wiper fluid, and be sure to have a flashlight and a first-aid kit in with the luggage.

Oh, if you need ideas on what to do before leaving home and what to pack I have a free packing list 101 you can print at http://www.marilynbohn.com

Happy vacation to you.