Going on Vacation? Do This Before You Go.

Summer vacation is one of my favorite times of the year. In our house, vacation planning starts in January and gives us something to work on during the long Wisconsin winter. By the beginning of June it's time to figure out what to pack. Thankfully, that's the easy part because we have a pretty good system. (see my blog post How a Professional Organizer Packs for a Trip).

But at some point before every trip, my brain inevitably wanders into worst-case-scenario territory. What if the plane falls from the sky? What if a train derails? I can catastrophize with the best of them.

Instead of spiraling, though, I channel that energy into something productive. Before we leave, I spend a little time putting together information that someone would need if we didn't make it home. It sounds dramatic, but it actually gives me tremendous peace of mind. 

A hidden benefit of being organized is that your life becomes easier not only for you, but also for the people who may someday need to step into your shoes. If a family member suddenly had to manage your accounts, pay your bills, care for your pets, or locate important documents, would they know where to start?

I know, it’s not the most exciting item on a vacation checklist, but it might be one of the most thoughtful gifts you can leave for the people you care about. And, hopefully no one will ever need it, but if they do, I know that I have put in some effort to have made the process a little less overwhelming.

Here is a guide to help you make your own “just in case” list.