Travel offers adventure and escape, but coming home can sometimes feel overwhelming, as unpacking and readjusting have a way of quickly draining that post-vacation high.
Luckily, there are easy-to-implement strategies that travel pros and professional home organizers swear by to gift your future self a little calm, and make the return as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Leave your home in a clean, organized state — but tackle small tasks one at a time.
Tackling a to-do list before you leave definitely isn’t as exciting as heading out on vacation, but a little planning and effort up front can set the stage for a peaceful return.
If time is tight, Denise Caron-Quinn, founder and CEO of professional organizing firm In Order to Succeed, says the key is not to aim for perfection. “I recommend setting a timer for 15 minutes and focusing on just a few key areas: make the bed, clear the kitchen counter, remove any perishable items that will turn bad while you are away, and take out the trash.”
Instead of viewing these as chores to complete before you leave, think of them as ways to create a welcoming, serene space for your return. “I encourage clients to imagine how they want to feel the moment they walk back in, and prepare with that intention in mind,” Caron-Quinn said.
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1. Make the bed.
Turn your bedroom into a hotel-like retreat by making the bed with fresh linens before you leave. “After all, part of what makes a hotel stay so relaxing is the crisp sheets, so when you recreate this experience at home, you’re easing the transition between away and everyday,” said Marta Parfan, a frequent traveler and professional organizer. This small step also reminds you that comfort and rest aren’t just for vacations, but something you deserve every day.
Choose sheets in a color and texture you love, put a book you’ve been wanting to read on the nightstand, fold the blanket at the foot of the bed, and fluff the pillows. For an extra touch, lightly mist your freshly made bed with linen spray or set a diffuser on a timer. “Scent is deeply tied to memory and emotion, and coming home to a familiar smell can instantly boost your mood and create a pleasant atmosphere,” Parfan said.
2. Tidy the first-glance zones.
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