How to be an organised traveller
Let’s talk about travel, and how it can lead to clutter and inefficiency in your home. You may travel regularly for work (or pleasure, you lucky thing) or you may be an infrequent traveller; believe it or not - travellers at both ends of the frequent flyer rewards scheme are at risk of clutter and inefficiency.
Do you remember the episode of Friends when Ross and Chandler go away for a weekend in a hotel and Ross goes into a freebie frenzy? He is not alone. You wouldn't believe how many tiny bottles of shampoo, conditioner and body wash I've unearthed in my organising work with clients; it seems there is something irresistible about miniatures and free stuff - put them together and you have a recipe for an overflowing bathroom cabinet.
Here are some tips to remember if you're known for pilfering the pint-sized 'poo and conditioner:
Be proactive; purchase a scaled-down set of empty bottles and take your favourite hair and body products when you travel. It's way more environmentally friendly than lugging the hotel-supplied miniatures home with you. Having your own products on hand while you're travelling will make you less inclined to pocket the (usually inferior quality) hotel supplies.
Thinking of future house guests when you squirrel away the tiny soaps and shampoos? Think again - I'm betting you don't have house guests frequently enough to justify the 23 bottles of body wash you're about to sneak into your suitcase.
Hair and body products have a shelf life, as do all cosmetics. If you aren't going to use them within 6 months, then don't take them at all.
For frequent travellers, I recommend maintaining an always-packed "go bag". Buy a second set of essentials (toiletries, underwear, socks) and keep them packed in your luggage. (Bonus efficiency tip: purchase your travel socks and underwear in a different colour so they don't get mixed up in the wash when you return home.) When it's time to hit the road - or the tarmac! - simply pack the clothes you need, any business essentials or a good book and you're out the door faster than you can say "wheels up in 60"!
This article was originally published in the July 2019 edition of Channel Magazine, a publication I proudly write for each month.
* Cover photo by Arnel Hasanovic on Unsplash