Out of Office, Not Out of Sorts 😏
So you’ve got your time-off request approved, the vacation countdown on your fridge is in single digits, and the group chat is buzzing with plans — you’re going on a trip! Whether you’re heading to a beach, a cabin in the woods, or just your in-laws’ house across state lines, taking a vacation is supposed to be relaxing. But if you’re a busy working person juggling life, deadlines, and laundry, actually getting out the door can feel like a whole other job. Throw in getting organized for vacation? It just seems impossible.
Let’s fix that. This guide is all about organizing before you leave so your trip starts on a peaceful note and your return doesn’t smack you in the face with chaos. No spreadsheets necessary (unless that’s your thing — respect).
1. Start with a Brain Dump, Not a Bag
Before you even unzip your suitcase, take 10–15 minutes to jot down everything swirling in your head about the trip. Not just “pack swimsuits,” but all the “don’t forget the charger for the charger” thoughts too. Think of it as decluttering your brain. This includes:
- Work tasks to wrap up
- Errands you need to run
- What needs to happen at home while you’re away
- Packing needs
- Travel confirmations you need to find (or, let’s be honest, locate in your inbox under 47 promo emails)
Getting it out of your head and onto paper (or your phone) is the best way to stop the last-minute panic. If you (like me) must use your phone or iPad for this, I highly recommend the Google Keep app! When creating a note you can add a checklist, add people to collaborate with, label/color code, add links that populate images, add photos, and even write on those photos! It allows for a wide range of communication with your future self and others. Then, once you’ve got your brain dump started, you can break things into categories and tackle a few at a time.
Reminder! You can add to this brain dump whenever your brain reminds you of something else you need to do. This is why keeping this list as accessbile as possible is paramount to getting organized for vacation. If you, like me, live with tiny humans who love to destroy everything you own, play it safe and keep this in your phone.
2. Create a “Leave It Behind” List
We often fixate on what to pack, but what about what you’re leaving behind? Get organized for vacation by planning how to properly take care of in the space you’re in the most.
Make a checklist (another Keep note?) of what needs to happen around your home before you leave so you can come back to calm. You know yourself best, but here are some ideas:
- Take out the trash and compost
- Do a quick fridge clean-out (so you don’t return to science experiments)
- Put clean sheets on the bed (you’ll thank yourself later)
- Set up a light timer or ask a neighbor to check in
- Pause mail or package deliveries
- Water plants or set up a plant-sitter
- Unplug non-essential electronics to save energy
3. Don’t Forget the Pets!
Your pets might not be coming along (unless you’re taking your pup to the beach for some ocan zoomies), but they still need care while you’re gone!
Start by deciding who’s on pet duty: a pet sitter, family member, neighbor, or a boarding facility. Once that’s locked in, do the following:
- Write out your pet’s routine: feeding times, medications, walks, bedtime habits, favorite toys, and quirks
- Leave emergency contact info: vet, your number, a backup person
- Restock supplies: food, litter, poop bags, treats, any meds
- Set up a designated pet zone: food bowls, favorite blanket, toys, and instructions in one place so your sitter isn’t digging through cabinets
And yes, your dog will act like they’ve been abandoned forever, even if you’re just gone for 48 hours. It’s part of the process and you’re not a bad owner! You got this!
4. Pack in Phases (and Pack Light-ish)
Trying to pack in one go at 11:30 p.m. the night before your flight = stress. If you can, start packing 2–3 days before. Begin with non-essentials: clothes you won’t wear before the trip, travel-size toiletries, etc.
Some sustainable and sanity-saving packing tips:
- Use packing cubes to group like items and avoid suitcase digging
- Roll, don’t fold, for space-saving and wrinkle-reducing
- Pack one pair of versatile shoes (yes, I said one!)
- Leave a little room in your suitcase so you’re not battling it on the way back
Don’t forget the “trip support” items: snacks, reusable water bottle, a backup charger, travel documents, and something for your brain (book, journal, games).
5. Organize Work and Let It Go
If you work full-time, there’s a good chance you’ve got tasks that need wrapping up before you disappear into vacation mode. Get organized for vacation by starting early — like a week ahead — identifying what actually needs to be done before you go, what can wait, and what can be delegated.
Set your out-of-office reply with clear info. You don’t need to be a hero or give a dissertation. Something like:
“Hi there! I’m currently out of the office and will return on [insert date]. I won’t be checking email during this time — thanks for your patience and I’ll respond as soon as I’m back.”
Turn off notifications if you can. Log out of apps. And if the thought of unplugging totally gives you the sweats, give yourself small check-in windows rather than being constantly tethered.
6. Pack a “Coming Home” Kit
Vacation you will be having a blast. But future-you, post-travel, possibly jet-lagged or sunburned? They deserve kindness.
Set up a little “welcome home” kit before you leave. It could include:
- A freezer meal or non-perishable pantry dinner (pasta and sauce FTW)
- Clean pajamas and towels
- A restocked coffee bar or tea station
- A gentle to-do list for the day you return (not 47 errands and five loads of laundry)
Coming back to order instead of overwhelm makes all the difference. Future-you is already grateful.
7. If You Have Kids…
…multiply all of the above by three and add snacks. Just kidding! (Sort of.) Getting organized for vacation with littles is no easy feat. Trying to get ANY tasks done with them is hard! If you’re a a parent to littles, plan further out in advance in order to get everything ready on time.
For traveling parents, organization becomes even more essential. Try these:
- Let kids help with packing by giving them a checklist of their own
- Have a go-to travel bag/backpack for them with activities, snacks, and comfort items
- Look into backseat car organizers if you’re taking a long drive
- Pre-load devices with shows/books/podcasts
- Don’t forget backup clothes for everyone, not just the kids
Whether you’re headed to Disney or a quiet cabin, organized chaos is better than full-blown chaos!
TL;DR (Too Long, Definitely Remember)
Getting organized before a trip isn’t about being perfect — it’s about being prepared enough to truly enjoy your time away. You deserve a vacation where you can actually breathe, not spend half your time wondering if you left the stove on or forgot to feed the cat.
Start early, do a little each day, and set up your home (and mind!) so your return feels like a gentle landing instead of a crash.
Happy travels — now go take that PTO like a pro.
