Confession: it took me way too long to transfer my Canadian driver’s license after moving to Texas. I knew it was important and I swore I’d get around to it, but obstacles kept popping up (including the ever-present obstacle of not wanting to sit at the DMV for four hours). My friend who moved to Austin from out of state was stuck in the same struggle, so we finally bit the bullet and made a date to get it done together. Ever since I received that shiny plastic card in the mail, I’ve been craving a real all-American road trip.
Mike’s grandparents both passed away this year. The family is getting together to celebrate their lives in Dawson, Minnesota over labor day weekend. Perfect opportunity for a road trip, right? I know it’s way easier to fly, but wheels on the road will give us a chance to see more of this beautiful country and save a few bucks in the process. As an added bonus, we’ll have countless hours to catch up and bounce ideas off of each other.
Before leaving for any kind of trip, I always make an effort to take care of a few things so that when I return, home feels like a welcome sanctuary. Here’s my standard routine before I hit the road:
Empty Garbage and Recycling Bins
Throughout my entire house. Kitchen, bathrooms, laundry room, whatever. This takes ten minutes, tops, and it’s one of the easiest ways to make my space feel fresh and clean. If I’m feeling ambitious, I might even wipe down the bins for extra sparkle.
Clean the Kitchen
By far the most time-consuming task on my list, but so worth it. I clean and put away anything in the sink, empty the dishwasher, and wipe down the counters. Cleaning the kitchen might be my least favorite chore, but anything beats coming home to dishwasher mildew and damp food stank.
Put Away Any Laundry
Piles of clothing (whether clean or dirty) have a high impact on the perceived cleanliness of a room. Putting them away is the fastest way to make your zone feel tidier. I do my best to get through all the laundry, but at the very least I sequester all the dirty stuff in a hamper.
Make the Bed With Fresh Sheets
This is my last step right before I leave. If you don’t have a second set of bed sheets, invest. I promise you it’s worth it. Popular culture says successful people make their bed every day. I am not a successful person. But I do love the feeling of sliding into crisp, clean sheets and laying my head on a fluffed-up pillow. When I open my bedroom door after a long journey and see a bright, hotel-worthy bed, I say a little thank you to Past Me.
You don’t have to sanitize every inch of your house in order to feel clean and comfortable. These tips are fast, relatively easy, and effective.
Of course, my road trip prep doesn’t end there. I also want to make sure I’m set up well for the 1,175 miles I’m about to spend with my husband in a small, enclosed space. Here’s my checklist for an enjoyable journey:
Aim to Entertain
I love my husband and we have great conversations, but it’s inevitable we’ll go through dry spells on a drive this long. We’ll be glad we came prepared when we’re starved for entertainment. I plan to bring my camera, a few books (Mike is reading Catch-22; I’m reading The Very Worst Missionary), and some actual CDs. We also have a very singable road trip playlist and some podcasts/sermons. If all else fails, we’ll play some road trip games or even create one as we go (ideas here).
Food For Thought
Is it just me, or is snacking one of the best parts of a road trip? We like to have an abundance and variety of snacks as we drive, but we try to bring low-mess options. We stock up on classics like potato chips, beef jerky and trail mix, and throw in some healthy alternatives like fresh fruit and Babybel cheese. Water is an absolute must. We keep a flat in our trunk for emergencies and rely mainly on our reusable bottles which we fill up as often as possible. Coffee is another non-negotiable. We each have a travel mug we carry with us. They don’t take up much space and don’t require clean up (which means I have more time to sing along to “Life Is A Highway”).
Words of Comfort
No doubt about it: it’s hard on the body to drive long distances. I take whatever measures I can to alleviate some of the strain: I bring pillows and blankets along and keep a little garbage bin going so that our space remains uncluttered. I set my seat so that I have lumbar support. If your car’s seats don’t have a built-in feature, you can shop for lumbar car pillows here. We’ll also be sleeping in our car, so I thought to bring along our outdoor furniture cushions. They’re narrow enough to fit well and thick enough to act as a decent mattress. Last but not least, we’re going to grab a set of stick-on car window shades for increased privacy.
2400 miles. 8 states. Just the 2 of us. I’m so ready.
Mike’s birthday falls on one of our driving days. How would you celebrate a birthday and make it special while on the road? Let me know in the comments.