Don’t Forget Your Bathing Suit

I pack for my trip.

Zip up my suitcase.

And head to the airport.

It’s not until I arrive at the hotel.

And check-in.

And dump my luggage in my room.

And would like a refreshing swim in the pool.

That I remember:

I forgot my bathing suit!

In the dead of winter (and even in the summer)

my bathing suit was never on my mind when packing.

I only remember when I get to the hotel.

Now I have a Travel Checklist

suit
shoes
phone
charger
laptop
power cord
bathing suit
…

Now I always remember.

Here’s the 3 step process:

1. Make the List

The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago.

The second best time is today.

Next time you pack, create a list of everything you bring.

Keep the list in your daily organizer or PDA.

2. Remember

Forget something?

Add it to the list.

It’s not frustrating forgetting something once.

It’s frustrating forgetting it every time.

For years.

Remember to add things you forget to your list

3. Check the List

Before you leave, check the list.

Make sure you packed everything.

The best time to remember is while you are still packing.

Here are a few other checklists I find helpful:

Keynote Checklist (laptop, extension cord, handouts, note cards, …)
Chinese Food (what we like to order)
Burritos (ingredient lists for favorite recipes)
Vacation (what we bring on vacation)

What’s the most important thing on your checklist?