Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer and typically the end of summer vacations. If you’re like most of us, you’ve recently returned from a trip and are likely still thinking about how unfun the packing and unpacking was. What if there was a way to simplify your packing process, making it faster and easier to get your stuff together? There is! Stockpile free easy online inventory solution makes it painless to keep track of the items that you need - whether you use them everyday or just pull them out when you’re getting ready to hit the road.
If you’re a regular reader of our blog you’re probably familiar with our suggestions to help you with your home organization needs. If you’re new and would like to review click here. If you’re already using Stockpile free easy online inventory solution to track your stuff, adapting it for packing will be easy. For this blog, we’re going to assume that you aren’t currently using Stockpile for everything.
Vacation planning is always fun in the beginning. It’s exciting to choose your destination and begin imagining all the fun you’re going to have on your trip. As your departure date gets closer however, reality sets in. There’s the packing, loading the car (if you’re going on a road trip) and making the list of things you’ll need to pick up when you reach your destination. The items required will vary by location and your mode of travel will impact your needs some (travel size everything for you airline travelers) but the basics are always the same. You’ll need clothes to wear, shoes, a packable jacket, toiletries and of course, a suitcase to put everything in. Some of these items are used all the time, while others only come when you’re traveling. It’s easy to waste time searching for items, or worse rebuying things you already have simply because you couldn’t locate them when you needed them. To avoid this scenario, and increase the relaxation factor of your vacation you need Stockpile.
Getting Started
If you’re new to using Stockpile at home, you’re going to want to create several locations throughout your home so that you can easily track the items stored there. Most people have an attic, closet or other storage area where they keep large seldom used items such as suitcases. This is a great first area to begin with. As you add items to this location, be specific. It can be tempting to just add records for each of your suitcases and leave it at that. If you take the time to include the dimensions and a photo, you’ll be able to decide which suitcase is right for your next trip - before you drag it out! Do you keep other smaller bags inside your larger ones? How often do you have to check several bags before you remember which one they’re in? Any time wasted is time you could have been doing something else, and really don’t you have to get done before you go on vacation as it is?
Once you’ve added those vacation items stored in the same location as your suitcases it’s time to move on. Are there any items that you keep in your garage? If your destination of choice is a beach or a lake or the slopes you probably have some sporting equipment that you’ll want to take with you. Having an accurate record of your gear can be a lifesaver. You don’t want to wait until the last minute to discover that something is broken or outgrown and will need to be replaced before you head off. You’ll often end up paying more because you need to purchase in a hurry.
Continue adding locations as you think of things that you frequently pack. Even your toiletry list is ripe for savings when you track items. Do you really need a new travel size toothpaste or did your dentist give you one the last time you had a checkup? What about disposable razors? If you bought a three pack before your last trip you should still have two ready and waiting to be packed. Don’t purchase items that you already have. It’s a waste of money and it leaves you with multiple items that need to be stored.
On Your Trip
Once you’re all packed and ready to go you are free to enjoy your vacation. Don’t forget about Stockpile while you’re away, though. If something is used up or broken you can update the record in Stockpile from your mobile phone. Next time you’re planning a trip, you’ll automatically be able to see that you need to replace that item.
When You Return
This is the easiest of all. Unpacking is so much easier when you don’t have to think about where things go. A quick check of Stockpile our free easy online inventory solution will allow you to sort your items by location and then return them to their proper places. When unpacking is this quick and easy it helps that vacation relaxation bliss linger on, at least until you have to go back to work.
Our Free Easy Online Inventory Solution Makes Trip Planning Fun Again
Get Stockpile and start enjoying your vacations more and dreading packing and unpacking less. Try it today and see what a difference it can make on your next trip.
