Getting organised for your first family holiday can be a hectic and stressful experience if you haven’t taken the time to plan things out. Putting things together at the last moment can feel like completing a jigsaw puzzle on a timer with your whole family standing over your shoulder. After all, if you don’t get your plans organised in time, the holiday simply won’t be as entertaining or fulfilling as it could be. With that said, here are some simple tips you can use to make sure everything is in proper order when departure time comes:

1. Make a Shopping List

Unfortunately, holidays are never free. There are going to be expenses. A whole list of them to be more specific, so go ahead and get started on list-making. This is something you should be doing in the weeks leading up to the adventure, not at the last minute. You don’t want to be rushing into making financial decisions, especially when it comes to choosing the right destination. Speaking of which, click here to see some examples of luggage items you might want to include on your shopping list to help get your belongings organised for the trip.

2. Create a Schedule

Going on a holiday without first creating a schedule is like asking for the entire situation to become disorganised and poorly directed. You need to figure out exactly what needs to be done, when it needs to be done by (usually the departure date), and when you’ll be able to work on getting it done. With that simple approach you should be able to devise a realistic schedule that will help you comfortably operate with any allocated time frame.

3. Avoid Renovations or Other Commitments in the Weeks Before

A common mistake people make is working on their kitchen, living room, or yard area in the months before the holiday, and then having to leave things in disarray when the project isn’t completed as quickly as they had expected. You don’t want to be in a rush to finish a flooring installation, or have your front yard in disarray the same week you’re leaving town for a getaway.

4. Make it a Team Effort

A holiday is supposed to be a time of enjoyment, when you finally get to step away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy some time with your family, friends, or significant other. Don’t overburden yourself with tasks if there are other people that would be willing to help. For example, one person can look up flight tickets, while another makes a list of popular attractions that you’ll be visiting upon arriving at your destination.

5. Don’t Obsess Over It

In closing, we’d like to remind you that having an enjoyable holiday is difficult when you’re constantly worrying about everything being perfectly organised and scheduled. Thus, once the holidays do arrive, set everything aside and focus on enjoying yourself and your friends and family.