When Everyone Forgets Everything

Anyone who knows me knows that when it comes to planning anything I’m beyond organized. Sometimes to the point of frustration, but everyone deals with it because they know I’ve got them.

We’ve been going to cottages my whole life and we’ve been doing my annual cottage trip for my birthday for almost 10 years, and with all that time I’ve learned some things about packing.

Our cottage trip can be anywhere from four people to ten people. And I think the most important thing to tell yourself that for every person they’re going to forget at least two things. If not more (probably more if you have friends like mine).

Lists

I literally could make you a list of reasons why lists are important. You need them, they’ll keep you and everyone else organized. My best suggestion is to actually write out the lists. I know your phone is more convenient but the physical act of checking things off is not only satisfying but it will make sure you forget less.

Side note: Don’t make so many lists that you start to lose track of them and what you’re checking off

I’m going to include the packing list I use for our trips just to give you an idea or go ahead and use it if that makes things easier.

The Always Forgotten

From all the cottage trips we’ve taken I’ve noticed a pattern of things that are always just missed or forgotten. These are things that I always make sure to highlight on my list and bring extra –

Socks: Cottage weather can be difficult, it can be muddy and wet this always require extra socks which people always forget. My suggestion is to bring both extra small socks and bigger socks. It can get cold at night or at the camp fire and ankle socks just won’t do.

Sweaters/Sweatshirts: Cottage country gets cold at night, and I guarantee someone didn’t think about that.

Toothbrush: I’ve fallen victim to this multiple times. Tooth brushes are usually the last thing to be packed because you need them in the morning but because of this it can be left behind. Just slip in an extra one into your purse or bag the night before, you or someone else will be super thankful.

Book or Magazine: It’s always the worst when everyone starts reading on the dock or deck and you go to your bag and realize

you totally forgot. I always try to remember an extra book if not a magazine for someone just in case.

Towels: Whether it be a beach towel, or a shower towel we’ve had to run out and grab a couple of these before. Towels are needed for more than you expect, so always keep an extra around.

Side note: You’re not super human, you can’t always predict who will forget what. Only bring reasonable extras because you don’t want to end up over packing like crazy.

Spices & Sauces

In the back of my head when I’m planning out the menu I’m picturing my own kitchen. You kind of just assume all the condiments, spices etc. will all be there. I’m here to tell you they most definitely won’t, 9 times out of 10.

Burger/Sandwich Condiments: Ketchup, mustard, mayo, relish etc.

Cooking Oils: Olive oil, sunflower oil, garlic oil etc.

Spices: Most cottages will have pepper and salt but if you are needing anything else such as paprika or garlic powder you’re on your own. I make sure to put all my spices in a large baggy when packing so I don’t forget.

Entertainment

You always go into the trip hoping for the perfect warm sunny weather when you’re at the cottage. But, it’s probably going to rain at least once. For times like these make sure to bring your own movies and board games because there is no guarantee that the cottage will come with these.

Side Note: If you’re worried about space just find a deck of cards, smaller than a board game but so many activity choices.

#touristy