A few weeks ago, I told you about a new spreadsheet I had created to help with taking inventory of meds in preparation for travel. It occurs to me that I should also share my packing list. But with the packing list, I have stayed decidedly old school. I do not have a spreadsheet or a word processing checklist – just a dry erase marker board (pictured above) containing a checklist of EVERYTHING I might ever want to take with me on a trip. Of course, I don’t ever bring ALL of this stuff on any one trip, but by having it all on the list, I can rest ass-sewered that I have at least considered everything and not forgotten anything.

So, how does it work? And why am I asking you? Well, first, it’s divided into three sections – one for my suitcase, one for my laptop computer (Lappy) bag, and a section labeled “NOT IN BAGS”. This last section lists tasks (such as topping off my fuel tank or having the Post Office hold my mail) as well as items that will come with me but will not be packed in luggage. For example, I have my phone on the list because I HAVE forgotten to take a phone on at least one occasion. Notice also that the Suitcase and Lappy sections are divided into compartment-specific subsections. This ensures not only that I remember each item, but also ensures that I can find the damn thing when I get to where I’m going.

As I work my way down each column, I just put an X next to each list item(s) that I have either packed or decided not to bring on this particular trip. Over the last several years. the number of items on this list has grown, but the markerboard has not. So, some items are forced to share a line. This can lead to situations where I have packed one of the items on a line, but not ALL of the items on that line. In these cases, I’ll put half an X in the check box. What does half an X look like? I suppose < or > or even ^ could be considered half an X, but I use / in these situations. Most people don’t realize that an X is actually a slash and a backslash gettin’ it on, but I notice these kinds o’ things. Why do you think the letter X was chosen as the rating for pornographic movies?

Anyway, in the example photo above I (for some reason) have packed my coin purse and my bike shorts but not my binoculars. Now, go forth and apply this model if/as you see fit.