8 Tips That Make Coming Home From Vacation Much Easier
When it comes to vacationing, we all know that getting away is the fun part. Coming home? Not so much. Between potential jet lag, laundry, general mess, and an empty fridge, post-vacation life can hit hard. A little preparation before you leave can make the return feel less like a crash landing. Do these things before you leave and you'll find yourself feeling much more relaxed when you get back.
Wash and Change Your Sheets
Fresh sheets after a long day of travel feel better than you remember. Make the bed with clean linens before you leave, so all you have to do when you get home is fall into it. It's a small detail, but it brings immediate relief when you’re tired and adjusting back to your old routine. Don’t forget to put out clean towels too.
Plan At Least One Easy Meal Ahead of Time
You won't want to cook, and sometimes, takeout might not sound great either. Before you leave, stock the freezer with one or two simple meals, or at least make sure you have the basics for something easy. Think frozen soup, pasta, or even breakfast-for-dinner ingredients. It doesn't have to be fancy, nor should it be. It's just meant to save you time, energy, and money on food during your first day or two back.
Put a Hold on Mail or Ask a Neighbor
A stack of mail might seem like a small thing to worry about, but it can add up fast, especially if your trip is decently long. If you're gone more than a few days, either pause your delivery or ask someone to check in and collect it. It’s about more than keeping the porch neat, it’s one less mountain of things staring at you the minute you step inside.
Pack with the End in Mind
It's easy to throw everything into a suitcase when you’re eager to leave or make it out on time, but unpacking then becomes a nightmare if you’re not intentional. At the very least, pack dirty and clean clothes separately. Even better, bring a laundry bag to sort them. Keep any small items in pouches or bags. Group those items together, like one bag for toiletries and another for on-the-go items, etcetera. When everything has a place, it’s much easier to unload and sort when you return.
Do Laundry Before You Get Back
If you're staying somewhere with laundry access, do a load before heading home. Coming back with clean clothes shrinks the post-trip to-do list and relieves some of the mental load. Even doing just your essentials like your underwear, socks, and basics makes a big difference. It’s easier to unpack when everything isn’t balled up and dirty.
Leave a Clean House Behind
The best gift you can give your future self is a tidy home. Do the dishes, wipe down counters, and take out the trash before you leave. Vacuum if you can. It doesn't have to be spotless, but walking into a space that doesn’t smell like the garbage you forgot to take out or a sink that doesn't a mountain of dishes in it makes returning home far less stressful.
Leave Yourself a Note or List
No matter how much you get done before you leave, coming home still often means playing catch-up. Make it easier on your brain by leaving a short list of what needs to be handled when you're back. Things like upcoming bills, appointments, or deadlines, whatever might slip your mind while relaxing on vacation. Leave it somewhere you know you'll see it. A little guidance once you get home will keep you from forgetting anything important!
Give Yourself a Buffer Day if You Can
Jumping straight from vacation to work or errands can wear you down fast. If possible, return a day early, or take the following day off. Use that time to ease back into your life, not to rush around. Unpack slowly, grocery shop, take a nap, or do nothing. That extra day can make the whole trip feel better remembered.
Coming home doesn't have to feel like punishment for taking time off. A few simple moves before you go can soften the landing and help you hold onto that calm a little longer. You don't need to do a full-house deep clean or anything like that, just think a step ahead. You'll be practising a bit of kindness to yourself right when you’ll need it most.