travel tips Archives - Getting it Together

How To Organize A Ski Bag

How many of you love to ski?

It’s a great sport since you can do it well into your 80’s. Yes, I’ve met many a super seniors out on the slopes. So inspiring that’s for sure.

I like to have my bag ready to go at all times.

Check out this short video on How To Organize A Ski Bag. Then read on for more Getting It Together tips.

One thing I didn’t mention in the video was snacks.

I always have a protein bar in my pocket. This is important in the event you run into trouble and need a little energy boost.

I also keep a tea bag in my pocket. That way, I can stop and get hot water for free. Not only are you getting organized but I am helping you save money.

What could be better?

My ski pass is always in my ski jacket pocket. You’d hate to stand in line only to find out your pass is in your wallet or different jacket.

Hope to see you out on the slopes.

PS: No matter what time of the season, be sure to wear sunscreen. Your face will love you for it.

PPS: It has been a long time since we talked or saw each other. Please set up a FREE discovery session to help you get your New Year on track.

Happy, safe, healthy 2022!
www.gettingittogether.ca

By organize|2021-12-14T23:15:06+00:00December 14th, 2021|Travel Organization|0 Comments

Confessions Of A Professional Organizer: Part 4

Most of you know I love to travel.

Sadly, like all of you, we are not permitted to travel internationally unless it’s essential until COVID-19 is under control or unless you are willing to go into 14 days of quarantine.

Many of us have been travelling within our own Province or State and we have been discovering beautiful places.

Where did you go these past few months?

When we do get back to traveling, my travel tote is right ready to go.

Check out this short video on Confessions Of A Professional Organizer: part 4, then read on for the top travel list.

Here’s a list of what I keep in my travel tote.

Passport
Nexus card
Currency from countries I have travelled to and will return to
Travel hairdryer
Refillable travel size containers
A luggage scale
International adaptors for my electronics
Travel size umbrella
Rain poncho
Disposable face cloths
Earbuds

I also have a small suitcase that I keep travel clothes in.

And my toiletry bag is always ready to.

PS: Please join us for this free interactive webinar on Estate Organizing. Tuesday Feb 9th 2021

Sign up in advance by sending us an email to rowena@gettingittogether.ca

Or simply login on Feb 9th at 11 am PST

By organize|2021-01-26T00:08:54+00:00January 25th, 2021|Travel Organization|0 Comments

How to Have a Stress Free Vacation – Part 1

How many of you dream of a nice hot sunny vacation?

Do you think “I have too much work to go away?”

Or “I don’t have the time”

We all know it is extremely important to have breaks. Whether they are short breaks throughout the day or a day off once a week or a much needed vacation. A British survey found that 40% of workers return to work feeling more stressed than before they left on vacation.

Yikes! Why is that?

Check out this short video on how to have a stress free vacation to find out

Tip #1: Disconnect. We all need a break from our electronic devises at some time or another. I know most of you are saying “ya but then I return to 100”s of emails, I would rather deal with them while on vacation”

The challenge with this is that it does not give your brain a chance to fully turn off and get into vacation mode. You could end up reading a work related email that requires your attention. Then what? Interruptions to your family time, your relaxation time and fun time. What did we all do before we were so “addicted” or connected to our technology?

If you feel you simply cannot go without checking work emails then have a strict schedule. Say 15-30 minutes first thing in the morning and that is it.

Tip # 2: Plan in advance by letting your major clients knows that you will be away. Have an out of office reply on your email, and voice message.

Tip #3: Save the day before you go away to tidy up all the loose ends. Have you ever found how highly productive you become those few days before going on vacation? You work with a sense of urgency like never before.

Tip #4: Budget ahead of time. The best vacations are the ones that are paid for before you even leave. Then your only expenses are food and entertainment. Check online for FREE activities. Most places have several to pick from.

Tip #5: Be pet smart. Make arrangements in advance for Fido. Are you going to be travelling with your pets or will you be leaving them at home? This is one task that can be taken care of long in advance so it is not being left to the last moment.

See you under a sun umbrella or the ski slopes. What type of vacation do your prefer? Leave your comments in the box below.

PS: Do you need a system for your travel items? Call today for the latest organizing tips.

www.gettingittogether.ca

And if you love this video and tips please share the love by sharing the link. Thank you.

By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:39+00:00March 2nd, 2015|Organizer, Travel Organization|0 Comments

Handy Travel Tips

Golfing By now you all know how much I love to travel. I love the different types of food, seeing the amazing countryside, architecture and meeting new people. Some trips are pure relaxation like going to Hawaii, golfing, some are more adventurous like skiing in the Alps, and some are road trips for a quick weekend getaway. I never find it challenging getting ready for a trip because of being organized and because of using these handy travel tips.

How would you like to be ready to go on a vacation at the drop of a hat?

Do you work like crazy prior to going on a vacation? How would you like that to be different?

Here are some general rules of thumb. Please let me know what handy travel tips you have and we can add them to the list.

Tip#1: First Aid Kit. Have a first aid kit packed at all times. Upon returning home from a vacation refill your first aid kit before putting it away. You want to be ready at the drop of a hat. Make sure your kit has any specific medications you take, pain meds, sunscreen (even if it is a ski trip you still need it), Band-Aids, cold/flu medication, and essential oils like tea tree, lavender and eucalyptus. Store your first aid kit in your suitcase when not traveling.

Tip#2: Toiletry Bag. This is another bag that you can have ready to go at all times. Again as soon as you get home refill any empty containers before storing your toiletry bag in your suitcase. I highly recommend using travel size shampoo, conditioner, cleaners and face creams. I have seen so many oversized containers of very expensive lotions in the security bins. One ounce is the maximum for carry on. Have a complete collection of make-up prepacked too. I take my half full containers and use these for travel. For example mascara is good for 3 months. After 2 and a half months I put my mascara in my travel make-up bag.

Tip#3: Pack Light. How many times have you arrived at your destination unpacked your case and only worn half of what you packed? Come on be honest! Travel with a colour theme. It might be black and white or it might be brown and orange. You know orange is my favorite colour. Make sure each item goes with at least 3 other items in your case.

Tip#4: Re-useable bags. Leave a few re-useable bags in your suitcase. These bags come in handy for shopping and dirty laundry. I like to leave a few ziplock bags in my case as well. They work wonders for wet swimsuits, any snacks you might take on the road, or dirty shoes.

Tip#5: Be prepared. Well in advance of any vacation make sure your passport is up to date. Check and see if you need any specific shots or visas. Have a house sitter lined up along with a backup plan. Did you know your house/condo insurance may not be valid if you do not have a house sitter or at least have someone checking on your house every other day? Do you have pets? Don’t wait till the last minute to deal with them. Get any foreign currency needed.

Look forward to meeting you on the train station platform!

By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:40+00:00December 1st, 2014|Travel Organization|0 Comments

How to organize travel photos

Do you love to travel?

Do you love to take photos?

If you are anything like me I’ll bet you like to do both. In fact I LOVE to do both. I started traveling at a very young age. I use to collect pop/soda cans, return them for cash and put the money towards traveling. Well, okay in the early stages it was for camp, however when I turned 12 I had an opportunity to travel to Peru in South America for a month. The deal was that I would save the money for the flight and the rest of my expenses were covered. I got the travel bug right then and there. On that trip I took several photos. Now remember this was long before digital so I was mindful of not being to snap happy. With one of the best inventions … digital, we can all be as snap happy as we like. I wonder what will be next in the camera world. 🙂

Check out this short video on how to organize travel photos and then read the quick easy Getting it Together top 5 tips.

Tip#1: Volume. I hear of people that go on a trip and take 4000 photos.WOW! That is a lot of photos to try and manage. Even more to look at and even more to organize. Be mindful of the number of pictures you take. How many photos do you need of the Pyramids? I know it is easy to get caught up in the excitement of being in a country and wanting to capture all of the fun times there.

Tip#2: Organize as you go. When I travel I love sitting down at the end of the day and looking at my photos from that day. I delete any of the not so good ones or duplicates. The one thing I find with digital cameras is that you cannot always see what you are taking photos of. If it is really bright or sunny my view screen goes black. I would say that is the only downfall with my camera. How do you handle this? Please leave a comment in the box below.

Tip#3: Right away. Within the first week of being home, download your photos. Make sure you give each trip a “folder” that is properly labeled. For example “Egypt October 2010”. Be sure to back up your computer. I also put all my photos on Facebook. What I love about Facebook is that I can write comments beside each photo. I can also access my photos from anywhere in the world.

Tip#4: To print or not to print. Do not print because of fear. Print because of pleasure. I meet people all the time that print off hundreds of travel photos in fear that their computer will crash, get stolen or something like that. This is not the right reason to print photos. If you back up your computer you will always have access to them. Print your travel photos only if you are the type of person who likes to make a memory photo album for your own pleasure. These photo albums are your memories and not anyone else’s. That means that probably no one else will ever want your albums when you are gone. Ya, your kids might flip through them, but those are your memories and they have their own travel memories.

Tip#5: Take time. Did you know the average person takes only 7 minutes to look at their travel photos? Once or twice a year grab yourself a nice cup of tea and sit with your travel photos. Flip through your computer or hard copy photo albums. Relive the happy memories of those trips. Better yet, put some of your favorite photos up as a screen saver slide show.

Safe travels. I hope our paths cross somewhere out there in this old world.

By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:41+00:00May 26th, 2014|Organizer, Time Management, Travel Organization|2 Comments

Handy Travel Tips

How would you like to be ready to go on a vacation at the drop of a hat?

Do you work like crazy prior to going on a vacation?

Would you like that to be different?

Check out this short video on handy travel tips to find out how you can be more organized and travel ready.

Here are Getting It Together’s Top 5 Tips:

Please let me know what handy travel tips you have and we can add them to the list.

Tip#1: First Aid Kit. Have a first aid kit packed at all times. Upon returning home from a vacation refill your first aid kit before putting it away. You want to be ready at the drop of a hat. Make sure your kit has any specific medications you take, pain meds, sunscreen (even if it is a ski trip you still need it), Band-Aids, cold/flu medication, and essential oils like tea tree, lavender and eucalyptus. Store your first aid kit in your suitcase when not traveling.

Tip#2: Toiletry Bag. This is another bag that you can have ready to go at all times. Again as soon as you get home refill any empty containers before storing your toiletry bag in your suitcase. I highly recommend using travel size shampoo, conditioner, cleaners and face creams. I have seen so many oversized containers of very expensive lotions in the security bins. One ounce is the maximum for a carry on. Have a complete collection of make-up prepacked too. I take my half full containers and use these for travel. For example mascara is good for 3 months. After 2 and a half months I put my mascara in my travel make-up bag.

Tip#3: Pack Light. How many times have you arrived at your destination unpacked your case and only worn half of what you packed? Come on be honest! Travel with a colour theme. It might be black and white or it might be brown and orange. You know orange is my favorite colour. Make sure each item goes with at least 3 other items in your case.

Tip#4: Re-useable bags. Leave a few re-useable bags in your suitcase. These bags come in handy for shopping and dirty laundry. I like to leave a few ziplock bags in my case as well. They work wonders for wet swimsuits, any snacks you might take on the road or dirty shoes.

Tip#5: Be prepared. Well in advance of any vacation make sure your passport is up to date. Check and see if you need any specific shots or visas. Have a house sitter lined up along with a backup plan. Did you know your house/condo insurance may not be valid if you do not have a house sitter or at least have someone checking on your house every other day? Do you have pets? Don’t wait until the last minute to deal with them. Get any foreign currency needed.

Look forward to meeting you on the train station platform!

By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:41+00:00May 12th, 2014|Organizer, Travel Organization|4 Comments

The Benefits of Hiring a Professional Organizer

Have you ever thought about the benefits of hiring a professional organizer?

How many times have you said to yourself “why can I not do this on my own?”

Many clients comment on reduced stress, more time, more energy and more freedom once they have worked with me.

So I thought I would share even more of the benefits of hiring a professional organizer.

Please be sure to take a moment to watch this short video on what are the benefits of hiring a professional organizer.

The benefits of working with me a professional organizer is that I will keep you focused to task.

I will be on time.

I will develop a plan of action for you and your space. If you require a handyman, contractor for renovationss, painter, rubbish removal, disposing of stuff or a piano moved I will provide the people. My endless supply of resources has proven to be priceless. So my clients say.

A huge benefit of working with a professional organizer is being ruthless.

I have a few key questions I ask you as we are sorting, purging and tossing. This makes the decisions a little easier for you. Shall you keep it, toss it, store it, sell it or set up a system for it?

Many clients feel like a weight has been lifted off their shoulders once they start decluttering.

If you would like to hear more benefits of hiring a professional organizer then please take advantage of my FREE session. Simply click HERE.

We will discuss your needs, your questions and how I can be of service to you.

If you like this video, click the “like” button and then share it with your friends. And if you’re not in the “Getting it Together” community, enter your name and email address to the right and get on the list. You’ll get instant access to a free ebook that outlines a simple 10-day plan for organizing 10 different areas of your home in 15 minutes or less.

By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:44+00:00March 17th, 2013|Home Organization, Media Appearances, Organizer, Organizing to Move, Self Care Organization, Tax Organization, Time Management, Travel Organization|2 Comments

Traveling With Children

Traveling with children can be stressful.

Have you ever done it and vowed you would NEVER do it again? Ah come on, Grandma and Grandpa really do want to see you and the little darlings. Even if it means time change, flights, car rentals, etc.

I do not have children of my own, however I do have a very large extended family. We travel often together. The children range in ages from 2-11. This means everything from high chairs to “almost” total independence. Some of our best trips are to Whistler BC. The thing about BC Canada is that you are never 100% sure on the weather. This can make it a little challenging for packing. Will we ski? Will we swim? Are we going to be caught in the rain, snow or sun?

Keeping all this in mind it is important to pack for almost anything. It is also very important to be organized and not look like you are moving in. On our last trip, one of the grandsons arrived with a full suitcase. He was staying with us for 5 days. He had 3 hoodies, 4 pairs of pants and seven shirts. Guess what? He stayed in the same outfit the whole time. (I would not recommend this.) It was his favorite and most comfortable one. Shame that his mom packed far too many items even if he did decide to change.

Check out this short video on “How to be organized while traveling with kids”:

Follow these simple tips on traveling with children and you will arrive organized, happy and well rested.

Tip#1 Timing

If at all possible try and plan your trip around nap time. No not yours! Your kids. Can you tire your children out before boarding a plane? Most airports have play centres. Hang out there prior to getting in any long line ups.

Tip#2 Special Treats

Be careful not to get them over stimulated with sugary foods. Have special treat items that are only allowed for travel. For example; keep a very special toy on one side for when you get on the plane, boat, train or car. They do not get to see it or play with it any other times. You might also like to have special food items that are only for travel. Do you remember when you were a kid and the only time of year we could get Japanese oranges was at Christmas? It was such a huge treat. Ok, am I dating myself?

Tip#3 Specialty Items

Do you need to bring everything from home or can you rent/borrow some items? One of our granddaughters lives in Ontario. She is the youngest and still needs a high chair, stroller and playpen. These items can be found at most secondhand stores, Craigslist or even for free. (Check out www.freecycle.org.) We keep these items on hand for when they visit. When they are not visiting us I lend them to other grandmas in my area. This way I do not have to store them.

Tip#4 Routine

Once you have arrived at your vacation destination, try to get your children back on track with their regular routine. Keep bedtime the same as at home, meal times the same and discipline the same. I know it is easy to say “we are on vacation so you can have that extra cookie or yes you can stay up really late tonight.” Children thrive on routine and it is a high price to pay if they get out of it. Nothing says stress more than cranky, sick kids.

Tip#5 Travel Light

Have you seen people getting on the plane with a carry-on bag larger than life? It amazes me that those bags fit in the overhead compartment. Whether you are traveling with kids or not, this is a great rule of thumb. Make your carry on light and your suitcase light. Most places have washing machines nowadays. Pack light and do a load of wash if need be. Wear your heaviest bulky clothes on the plane, train, boat or car. The weight restrictions are so strict these days that you would hate to be paying for oversize luggage. If you go to the same destination often, consider leaving some items there. We have a drawer for our granddaughter’s belongings. Rather than send her clothes for her birthday I have them ready for her in her little drawer. This saves on packing as well. Can any clothing items be shared amongst the children? Can any toys be shared?

The key to a happy, stress-free travel is making sure mommy and daddy are well rested, well fed and keep their cool. This will filter down into the rest of the family. Be prepared for long lines, wait times and unforeseen frustrations. Know that once you get to your destination it will be worthwhile. Hopefully there is a glass of Merlot waiting for you!

By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:45+00:00December 8th, 2012|Organizer, Time Management, Travel Organization|0 Comments

Organizing Travel Documents

Do you like to travel?

How organized are you when you travel?

Watch this short video on organizing travel documents for some of the inside scoop.

It was taken in the Cairns Australia airport.

Next time you take off for some exotic place you will be ready and organized to go.

When we were at the check-in counter in Sydney getting ready to head to Cairns the guy in front of us wanted to use his Facebook page for identification. He had not watched this video on “organizing travel documents!”

He was very surprised that the agent would not let him do so. Maybe one day in the future we will be able to use our social media as identification however, in the meantime be sure to use these travel tips so you will not miss a flight or get turned away.

You can use a file folder, a Ziploc bag or my all time favorite…I use the Pouchee purse organizer for organizing travel documents.

It holds a passport perfectly (very easy to put it right back in its place once it is returned to you from the custom’s officer). It holds all your other identification including credit cards and cash.

It even holds your lipstick, camera and cell phone along with a pen. A pen is a very important item to carry when traveling. There are always documents that need to be filled out.

Be sure to check out the Pouchee purse organizer here.

If you like this video on organizing travel documents, click the “like” button and then share it with your friends.

And if you’re not in the “Getting it Together” community, head on over to gettingittogether.ca and get on the list. You’ll get instant access to a free eBook that outlines a simple 10-day plan for organizing 10 different areas of your home in 15 minutes or less.

By Rowena List|2020-06-07T20:52:45+00:00October 29th, 2012|Organizer, Travel Organization|2 Comments

Holiday Travel Tips. How to be organized and ready to go at the drop of a hat.

Do you love to travel?

I sure do.

That is why I created this short video on holiday travel tips.

I want you to be organized and ready to go at the drop of a hat.

Many of you know that I love to travel. I have been blessed to travel with my golf clubs. I have been blessed to travel with my skis. This type of travel requires good organizational skills.

This is a funny picture of me after skiing all day.Then we came across a golf course. If I had my clubs I could have done a round!

For more holiday travel tips please contact me.

I provide a 30 minute FREE phone consultation to give you up to 5 holiday travel tips. You will be the envy of your Friends.

By donnap|2020-06-07T20:52:52+00:00August 23rd, 2010|Uncategorized|0 Comments

Have you ever thought about the benefits of hiring a professional organizer?

So I thought I would share even more of the benefits of hiring a professional organizer.

Follow these simple tips on traveling with children and you will arrive organized, happy and well rested.

Watch this short video on organizing travel documents for some of the inside scoop.

If you like this video on organizing travel documents, click the “like” button and then share it with your friends.

That is why I created this short video on holiday travel tips.

For more holiday travel tips please contact me.

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