Some people pack for a trip by chaotically tossing everything (and anything) into a suitcase.

Packing for a trip then becomes a frantic, stressful activity often resulting in surprises (such as when you forget something).

Simplify packing by making a check list of everything that you need. If appropriate, prepare different versions of this list for different types of travel (such as, business, informal, vacation, conference, international, and so on). Organize these lists by grouping similar types of items, such as underwear, accessories, toiletries, and so on.

Save these lists as the first column of a table or of a spreadsheet, so it can be used several times.

Now, packing becomes a scavenger hunt to collect the things on the list.

Then check off each item as you put it in your suitcase.

This helps you save time in the following ways:

* It makes packing more efficient. I've found that packing takes half as long with a check list compared to without one.

* You will remember everything that you need.

* Preparing the list helps plan what to take. As a result, you will pack only what you need for a trip.

* Packing only what you need saves time when you unpack since you have fewer things to put away.

Steve Kaye

Steve Kaye helps leaders hold effective meetings. He is an Certified Professional Facilitator (with the International Association of Facilitators), author, and speaker.

Since 1992 his innovative workshops have informed and inspired people nationwide. Clients include Avery Dennison, IBM, and Unocal.

His workshop topics include:

* One Great Meeting - How to plan and conduct meetings that produce results others will support

* The Human Side of Communication - How to win trust, earn respect, and establish rapport

* Winning Words - How to design and deliver presentations that inspire and impress people

* Behavior Styles - How to get along with others

As a meeting facilitator, he helps people obtain results that they could not obtain by working on their own. Read about examples on his web site.

He is the author of:

* The Manager's Pocket Guide to Effective Meetings

* Meetings in an Hour or Less

* 117 Tips for Effective Meetings

With a Ph.D. in chemical engineering and 20 years of experience working for major corporations, Steve specializes in working with engineers, scientists, and high tech professionals.

Call 714-528-1300 or visit his web site for over 130 pages of information (including program details, client guides, FAQs, cartoons, and more).