No-Stress Packing & Organizing Guide for Cottage Trips and Camping
Heading to the cottage? Planning a weekend camping adventure? These summer getaways should feel relaxing — but let’s be honest: getting out the door is often the most stressful part.
Between forgotten chargers, melted snacks, and “where’s the sunscreen?!” chaos, it’s easy to start your vacation frazzled. At Simplify Life, we believe organizing should serve you, not stress you. Here’s our easy guide to prepping for your trip — so you can leave the overwhelm behind and focus on the fun.
🧺 1. Build a Grab-and-Go System
Don’t reinvent the wheel every weekend. Instead, keep pre-packed bins or pouches for your go-to summer adventures. Store them in the closet, trunk, or mudroom.
Essential Grab-and-Go Kits:
Beach bin: Towels, sunscreen, bug spray, hats, swimsuits, wet bag
Camping tub: Lantern, matches, wipes, first aid, utensils
Car kit: Snacks, extra phone charger, tissues, garbage bags, blanket
💡 Use clear containers or label pouches with icons (great for kids or ADHD households!). After each trip, restock as part of your unpack routine.
📋 2. Use a Visual Packing List
Whether you're heading to the cottage or campsite, a visual checklist helps you stay focused and avoid the “I forgot the...” moment. Hang it on the fridge a few days before you go so the whole family can help.
Create categories like:
Clothing (layers, swimwear, rain gear)
Food & snacks
Entertainment (books, games, outdoor toys)
Sleep stuff (pillows, noise machine, flashlight)
Essentials (meds, chargers, ID, bug spray)
🧠 ADHD-friendly tip: Print and laminate your list so you can reuse it with dry-erase markers!
🎒 3. Pack by Zone, Not Person
Instead of packing each family member’s bag separately, try packing by function or activity zone — especially helpful if you’re unloading into a cabin or tent.
Try:
One food cooler
One bathroom tote (toiletries + towels)
One sleep bag (pajamas, bedding)
One weather gear bin (raincoats, extra layers)
It keeps things centralized and saves time when you’re setting up or repacking.
⛺ 4. Prep Your Home Before You Go
Coming back to a messy house can undo all the relaxing you just did. Set yourself up for a smooth return with a quick pre-departure checklist:
Toss perishables or empty the fridge
Run the dishwasher
Take out the trash
Put clean sheets on the bed (you’ll thank yourself!)
🧽 Even a 15-minute tidy before you leave can make coming home feel like a treat.
🗓️ 5. Keep a “Trip Notes” Log
Every time you go away, make quick notes when you get back — what you forgot, what you didn’t need, what you wish you’d packed. Over time, you’ll create a go-to packing formula that works for your family.
📝 Keep it on your phone, or start a “Trips” notebook in the junk drawer. You’ll feel less flustered every time.
🧭 Want Help Building Systems Like These?
At Simplify Life, we don’t just declutter — we help families create organizing systems that stick, from everyday routines to weekend escapes. Ready to make packing easier and stress-free? Download our free checklist designed with busy families — and ADHD brains — in mind.
🚗 Ask us about setting up grab-and-go bins, seasonal stations, or entryway zones for your summer lifestyle. Let us simplify the stress so you can enjoy more of what matters.
