A vacation truth: it feels great to finally arrive home, open the door, and put your luggage down—that I’m done for the day feeling. But for many, that feeling can last for hours, if not days. Give yourself a break to decompress, but then commit the next day to getting things done. Use this guide to get post-vacation chores completed efficiently and painlessly.

• Empty your suitcase.
  Having all your belongings back in their original place is important to keep you in your usual routine and prevent a future filled with little scavenger hunts for your stuff. Take everything out of your suitcase soon after you get home, and store your suitcase away.

• Unpack your toiletries.
  This means more than just taking your toiletry bag out of your suitcase. Make sure each individual item is back in its home, and tuck your bag safely away for the next time you are on the go.



• Do laundry.
  Take a day to get all the laundry done once and for all. Chances are, you have a lot—especially if you have kids—so entertain yourself with a movie or a show you may have missed on vacation. You’ll be happy to have these loads done when clothes pile up throughout the week.

• Jettison the sand.
  If you vacationed at the shore, chances are your towels, bags, clothes, and vehicle still have a little bit of the beach with them. Take the time to vacuum and wash away any sand that traveled back with you—if you don’t, it very well may still be there next year.



• Go food shopping.
  Stock up on what you need right away so you aren’t scavenging for food all week or spending money ordering takeout—something you want to probably avoid for a bit after treating yourself to a vacation.

• Organize any expenses.
  Gather all your vacation receipts, and store them away. Anything you need to reference or take care of in the coming weeks should be in a place that is easily accessible.

• Catch up.
  Be sure to give friends and family a call or text to let them know that you are home. Arrange to get your mail, and check your inbox for any emails you may have missed while you were gone.

Share these tips with friends and family to help them cope with post-vacation tasks.

Thank You