There are a few things to purge from summer travel because if you are like me, you’re looking around this time of year and asking how on earth there is all of this random stuff laying around. All of those small things you shoved into retail bags, the airline tags that are still hanging on your suitcase, the summer clothing sitting there that is now better used in a warm beach setting. You get it.
It seems like this is the time of year I really begin purging around the house. Maybe it is the cooler weather keeping me indoors or the impending holidays but it gets under my skin. I look around at all of the “little things” that could be done.
One of the things I really focus on is getting everything from our summer travels put away. I honestly used to just leave random stuff inside of our suitcases like travel brochures, travel shampoos, etc. but I have learned that when the next year rolls around, it is more of a pain to clean out my suitcase then.
I like to ensure all of our baggage is cleaned, put away, and ready for our travels the following year. Plus, if I need to make any last minute travel arrangements or head out for some holiday visits, I’m not stuck cleaning my suitcase out beforehand.
Things to Purge from Summer Travel
Travel Brochures
Time to get rid of them. If you tend to grab them on vacation to dream about planning another round, I don’t blame you. I do the same thing. However, we can now Google our next fabulous adventures so let’s recycle the paper.
Airline Check-In Tags
Take off any of the airline check-in tags that are left over on your luggage. These can get tangled up and cause staining if any printing comes off onto your bags. Better to just remove them now. You’re going to need to for your next flight anyway.
Receipts
If you are saving receipts for any tax write-offs with business, put them away. If not? Recycle. I love reminiscing too but scroll through your photos on social media. What you had to drink at the pool bar (not to mention what you paid for it) needs to be in your wallet.
Travel Toiletries
You don’t need every travel toiletry item sitting in your suitcase. Besides, you don’t want it accidentally spilling everywhere inside. Toss them! No one needs a plethora of 3-ounce shampoos.
Business Notes
If you are coming back from a conference, look through all of your notes. Type them up to store on your computer, implement them, and recycle any paper.
Unless you have used a journal to write everything down or portfolio, there isn’t any need to keep notes lying around. Also, any handouts that can be scanned and stores, do so. The rest? Toss.
Retail Bags
Recycle or reuse these for small trash bags. Yes, they look cool but do you really need to save them? No.
Any Freebies You Don’t Need
Sometimes you get those little freebies while traveling. Mardi Gras beads, stickers, keychains. Do you need them? Probably not. If you do, put them away. If not, toss.
Magazines
If you purchased any magazines during travel, you probably either read them on the plane and they are outdated now. Recycle.
Room Keys
Room keys, point cards, etc. Any of that plastic that is taking up space in your wallet, recycle. I sometimes toss my special ones into our travel memory jar but you don’t need everyone. Just grab one for the scrapbook and toss the rest.
Plastic Drink Cups
Did you buy the plastic drink cup that flashes while on vacation because it looked cool? Yeah, I did too. I won’t judge but I have learned over time that these really don’t last forever.
They are fun while on location but they probably can get tossed when home after a few more fun uses.
Travel Documents
Double that no personal information is listed on travel documents and then toss. You don’t need a printed airline ticket or hotel confirmation sitting around.
These are some of the things to purge from summer travel that is better done now than later. Some other things you can do to prepare for travel next year is wipe out your luggage and put away things like packing cubes and other toiletry bags.
Keep everything together for easier access. Throw in a dryer sheet to each of your pieces of luggage too, to keep them fresh while storing.
Forget spring cleaning. It is time to snag these things to purge from summer travel and get them out of the house. You will feel better and only be left with the awesome memories of your vacation. A much better feeling.
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