It is so easy to throw down your bags and not want to move a muscle when returning home from a trip. Usually exhaustion has set in and you might just be wanting to toss everything aside for that comfy spot on the couch at home.
But honestly, spending a few precious moments when you first come home, can save you time and energy in the long run.
Here are five things I always do when I first get home from traveling.
5. Unpack. The most daunting task of them all. But, I travel so light that it really doesn’t take that long at all. And you can usually just throw most of the clothes in for a load of laundry. It really only takes a few moments- and it beats tripping over your luggage until you deal with it!
4. Re-pack. Nope, not a typo. After all my clothes and shoes are put away- I refill all of my liquids and replace any toiletries I used up entirely. Toothpaste, soap, facial cleanser, etc. I put my wheelie away fully charged and ready to go the next time sans clothes.
3. Organize Photos. Whether or not I have been uploading my photos all along during my trip- I really like to tackle this task head on. I upload, delete and organize my photos while I am still excited about the trip and seeing how well I captured it.
2. Organize Trip Lit. I am forever grabbing business cards, brochures and maps from my travels. Whether I am going to write about a destination, recommend it to clients or return myself in a few years, it’s important to write down specific details while they are fresh in my mind and then organize and file them away.
1. Store the Passport. The most important thing I do when I get home is grab my packed passport- and immediately put it in its secret, safe, secure hiding place. I can’t tell you how many stories I have heard about clients who can’t find their passport right before a trip because they don’t remember where they put it! If you only do one thing- make it this one. It could save you alot of unwelcome aggravation!
{On a side note, my most favorite thing to do when I return home is to start planning another trip! But that’s for another day entirely….}