Michael, Andrew, and I will be embarking on a trip from our home in Illinois to Flagstaff, Arizona Labor Day weekend. Of course, this means I have been in planning mode for the last few weeks.

I have started my lists. Also, means I found a good use for the fluorescent graph paper I picked up while buying school supplies for Andrew. (Told you I would need this paper for something, Zakary!)

Lists that are currently in play:

• Master list
• Travel timeline
• Travel binder – me/Michael
•  Road trip binder – Andrew
• Packing lists
  • main luggage – will be shared
  • car bag – Andrew
  • pit stop bag
• Snacks
• Shopping list
• What to see on the road
• blog/social media posts

One of the questions I often get asked about my lists: “does this help?”

Answer: “It helps me.”

I can’t vouch for everyone. I know that the thought of putting this much time and effort into all of this would drive some people crazy.

Lists help me attempt to control the chaos. Yes, I said it. I can be a little bit of a control freak.

But lists also help me when I am not surprised when something goes wrong. For example, I know that I need to pack a “puke bucket” in the car, because 3.78% of the time we have taken a road trip, Andrew has gotten sick. Not even close to every time, BUT if I don’t pack it, he’ll need it. (also the container of Dramamine with all the pills split in half is already in a pouch for a car bag.)