Spring cleaning is upon us and while everyone is organizing their homes, most people forget about things like luggage and preparing for more travel in the warmer weather. Spring cleaning for travelers is the perfect time to spruce up your travel totes, updated any travel documents, and prepare for road trips.
Spring Cleaning for Travelers
Cleaning Luggage
This is a great place to start in spring cleaning for travelers. Start by taking out your luggage pieces and give them a once-over. Look for damage, lost zippers, etc. Update information cards with any address or phone number changes in case you lose your luggage. If there is any significant damage to your luggage, it might be time to purchase some new luggage pieces.
Toss any old travel documents that you don’t need. We all have those leftover airline printouts, old magazines, etc. in our luggage. The only thing I recommend is hanging onto any larger plastic bags from souvenir purchases. These can be left in luggage and are great for dirty laundry.
How to clean luggage? Give the inside and outside of the luggage a good wipe down with a warm washcloth and small amount of all-purpose cleaner. Make sure to get those small pockets too where the residue of liquids might be.
Cleaning Toiletry Bags
Take a look at your toiletry bags. Replace any that look frayed or are worn. Empty and wash out any travel bottles and perhaps it might be time to replace those. Give your toiletry bags a good wipe down. Now is a good time to remove makeup and any other residue. Toss any old chapstick, empty lotion bottles, etc.
Update Travel Documents
Update any travel documents you might have. This spring cleaning for travelers tip is probably one of the most important things to do. I keep all of my documents (birth certificates, Passports, etc) in a filing folder. Take a look at these and ensure you do not need to update your passport or any other important documents.
This is also the time to update any new frequent flyer miles, check out mileage you might be earning with credit cards, etc. It is good to have an idea of how many miles you might have earned. It might inspire a trip!
Update Any Camera Equipment
Spring cleaning for travelers is also a great time to look at your camera equipment. Toss any cords you don’t need, manuals you no longer read, etc. You can find most tips about equipment online if you ever have issues.
Give your camera a good wipe down with a dust cloth and clean lenses with a lens cleaning cloth. If your camera needs servicing, now is the time to send it to the manufacturer before you travel. Be sure to also check your lenses for the need for servicing and calibration.
Clear SD cards and download any photos you might have missed. A great time to reminisce and prepare for future travel. Make sure you have the rechargeable batteries for all of your camera equipment too. If any have been lost, be sure to order replacements.
Clear Travel Apps Off of Phone
If you have any old travel apps on your phone that you no longer use, delete those now. Maybe you switched preferred airlines or you don’t have plans to return to a location for a while that offers an app. These can quickly drain your battery with background usage on your phone.
Update Travel Wardrobe
Take a look at your travel wardrobe. How are your items for warmer weather looking? Need new shorts, t-shirts? Maybe your walking shoes need a good clean? It might even be time to toss and replace them. Now is the time to update your travel wardrobe as spring and summer clothing begin hitting the stores.
Prepare the Car for Road trips
Road trips planned for spring break or the summer? Be sure to check your oil and fluids in your car. Schedule any appointments now to have those changed.
If you have kids with car seats, check those over too. Ensure the harnesses are correctly placed and give each car seat a good clean. Car seats also expire. It is a good time to check that date. Most car seats expire after 6-years from the date of manufacture. If you can’t find the expiration date printed anywhere on the seat, check the owner’s manual. Be sure to also check online for recalls.
Give the inside of your car a good cleaning too. If you’ve packed extra clothing for the kids for those “just in case” moments, ensure they are still the correct size. There isn’t any use for outgrown clothing. Refresh wipes, stock water, and ensure your first-aid kit is stocked. Spring cleaning for travelers is a great time to update the emergency needs in the car.
Don’t forget to clean the headlights of your car. Check out tips for this in How To Easily Remove Grime from Car Headlights.
These are some ideas for spring cleaning for travelers. If you’ve begun cleaning and organizing your home, don’t forget to do this too. It will help prepare for any travel fun planned this spring and summer. You will even be ready for any spontaneous trips. Happy spring cleaning, travelers!
Need to update your travel needs? Check out some below:
