One of the best habits I have cultivated over the years is making kits for all the various tasks and activities that require "stuff." I've got one for keeping my toddler entertained at restaurants or any place where we need to be quiet, one for writing birthday cards and letters, one for all the stuff I use when making lunches to take out, one for nail supplies, etc. They take just a little extra effort to put together, but in the long run they save so much time and energy, and you are never caught without some necessary item. Plus, they are a great excuse to have an attractive bag or box to keep your stuff in. What a great feeling to open the closet and see this instead of this.
Here are some of my favorite kits:
For long airplane trips: hand lotion, chapstick, eye drops, saline nasal spray (to combat the dry air), hair ties, pain reliever, inflatable neck pillow, pen, book, earplugs, wet wipes, small towel or washcloth, iPod, and of course all the usual tickets, IDs, etc.
For keeping my toddler entertained: small coloring book and crayons, stickers, magnifying glass, small lift-the-flap books, magnet, toy catalog(s)
Toiletries for a short trip: the usual shampoo, conditioner & body soap in tiny bottles, small extra absorbent towel, lotion, travel toothbrush, floss, hair ties, disposable razor. I keep this stocked and ready to go, so if I have the chance to go on a trip on short notice I can just throw this in the bag and know that I have everything.
Cosmetics: the cosmetics I use every day I keep in a small bag, and all the liquids are in tiny travel bottles. They don't have to be refilled very often, and when I go on a trip I can just take that little bag rather than spend a lot of time making a special travel kit or lugging along full size bottles. It's also handy when I am in a hurry and I know I'll have to finish getting ready somewhere else.
Do you have a kit that works for you?
