Time to start planning those summer vacations

Rosemary Chieppo, author of the book "Clutter, Chaos & the Cure" and longtime member of the National Association of Professional Organizers, offers tips for organizing a lowstress summer vacation.

•Make sure everything at home is in order so returning home is more enjoyable. Arrange for pet care, pay bills due before return, halt deliveries, take out the trash and wash dirty dishes.

•Roll clothes into tight cylinders to save space when packing.

•Pack a bag for dirty laundry.

•Leave extra space in suitcases for souvenirs.

•Put everything back in its place upon return.

Chieppo suggests that organization does not mean being rigid or perfect, but rather being able to find what is needed when it is needed.

"Think toothbrush," she said. "You never lose it because its home is where you use it."

Chieppo encourages travelers to apply the same logic when taking a road trip. "Make sure your jumper cables, tire jack and emergency kit are actually in the car."

She advises parents to pack a child survival kit with games, books or iPods for long car trips, plane rides and airport waits.

When traveling by airplane, Chieppo suggests carrying on an extra change of clothing in case luggage ends up lost. She also recommends tying a colored ribbon on luggage for easy identification.

"The last thing you want before, during or after a vacation is to be overwhelmed," Chieppo said. "It ain't rocket science."