EXCERPT: 'Lists for Life'

Oct. 9, 2009— -- In her new book "Lists for Life: The Essential Guide to Getting Organized and Tackling Tough To-Dos," Rory Tahari offers checklists and tips for handling major life events, such as traveling overseas, selling a car, planning a wedding, buying a house, coping with a divorce and planning a funeral.

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INTRODUCTION

I have been a compulsive list maker since I was old enough to write. Some detractors mightsuggest the word obsessive, but I like to think that I am highly functioning and efficient. Otherlist-obsessed women I'm aware of (Madonna) seem to back up my claim. In any case, fromthe packing list I compiled for summer camp as an eleven-year-old to the college applicationchecklist I already have handy for my kids (who are all under the age of ten), I like to deal withlife's challenges one step at a time. For years, I was a personal resource libraryfor friends and family who needed information. The minute someone got pregnant, engaged,bought a house, or experienced any other milestone, my phone would start ringing. I wasalways happy to dash off a list and was proud that my checklists were helping others navigatelife. When I started getting calls from friends of friends asking me to share my checklists for life'sdifficult moments, I realized it was time to go public.

So here it is. This book isn't a beach read; it's not chick lit. Instead, it's more of an owner's manual forKeep it on the shelf with your reference books, in the kitchen near your day calendar, by your bedside,or anywhere that's handy. When you find yourself in need of a road map, tear out the appropriatechapter, tape it to your computer, and let me help you break down an overwhelming orchallenging situation, step by step. I know that sometimes the toughest part of tackling a to-docan be figuring out how to get started, and I hope that the following checklists, resources,action items, and suggestions will have you on your way to a more organized and less stressfullife.

TRAVEL

I love to travel. I love to see new places, eat new foods, and, of course, shop. However, my love oftravel is almost equal in measure to my aversion to packing. I have often thought that my ideal vacationspot would be a nudist resort. Sunscreen? Packed! And not much else.

But alas, travel planning and packing are the prices one pays to delight the senses withnew experiences. That being said, nothing can kill a good time like forgetting your antinauseamedication or realizing, in midair, that you never reconfirmed your hotel reservation.

Follow my handy guide to preparing for your trip and, whether you are a senior or takingalong Junior, you will be on the road to fun and adventure! And if you're still not into packing afterreading this chapter, follow the advice of my first boss who always told me that I could forgetanything as long as I have my credit card, passport, and driver's license. You can always buy therest!

TIMELINE

Seven to Ten Days Prior to Leaving for aTrip

• Get cash or traveler's checks if necessary.

• Take care of any beauty appointments.

• Cancel any recurring appointments you willmiss.

• Type up an itinerary and a list of importantphone numbers needed for the trip. Includeemergency phone numbers and the number ofthe nearest consulate if you are traveling abroad.

• Start thinking about what you want to packand tie up any loose ends (i.e., pick up items youwant to take from the dry cleaner).

• Alert friends and/or family that you will be outof town.

Two Days Before Departure

• If traveling abroad, alert credit card companiesthat you are traveling overseas. For all trips,let them know that you will be charging morethan usual so they don't suspend your card dueto suspicious activity.

• Put a hold on any delivery services (mail andnewspapers) if you're going to be away for morethan a few days.

• Set a timer for the lights in your house so theycome on at night and it appears you are home.

• Alert your neighbors that you will be out oftown; ask them to be watchful.

• Prepay your bills that might come due in yourabsence.

• Check the weather report for your destinationso you will pack appropriately.

• Refill any medication you will need for travel.

• Pack! (See packing checklist on page 156.)

One Day Before Departure

• Reconfirm all hotel reservation requests.

• Reconfirm your seat assignments with the airlineand ask to be added to the standby upgradelists.

• Set your email on auto-reply.

• Be sure you know how to check your emailand voice mail messages from anywhere in theworld.

• Give a spare house key to a family member,friend, or neighbor in case of emergency.

• Water your plants.

• Empty your garbage cans.

• Empty the washer and dryer.

• Hide your jewelry, valuables, and important financial documents.

• Charge your cell phone, BlackBerry, and anyother electronic devices you want to take.

• Print out directions to your destination andany phone numbers you may need.

• Give your contact information to family orclose friends so they can get in touch with you incase of emergency.

• Clean out the refrigerator.

• Run the dishwasher.

Day of Departure• Turn off air-conditioning or turn down heat.

• Unplug all major appliances.

• Turn off the washing machine water valve toavoid flooding.

• Check the oven and stove to make sure they'recompletely off.

• Check all doors and windows to make surethey are closed, locked, and secure.

• Throw out garbage.

• Be sure to pack all of your medication in yourcarry-on bag in case your luggage gets lost.

• Pack snacks to bring on the plane with you incase there are delays, and especially if you haveyoung children.

• Check in for your flight online. This will saveyou time standing in line at the airport.

• Confirm that your flight is on time and whatterminal/gate you are departing from.

• Make sure younger kids are wearing Velcroclosureor slip-on shoes. This makes it much easierto go through airport security.

• Tidy up (it's always nice to come home to aclean house).

• Set the alarm.

• Lock the house.

• Have fun!

After the Trip

• Reinstate all your deliveries.

• Plug in appliances.

• Try to spend the day after your trip as a vacationday or come home on the weekend so youcan take care of everything that needs to betaken care of.

• Schedule a massage (traveling is stressful).

• Make a photo album of your trip.

PHONE NUMBERS TO TRAVEL WITH

If possible, bring email addresses as well, when applicable.Airline (the 800 number); also know your frequent flier number.

Car rental company

Cell phone numbers of everyone traveling with you; know their passport numbers as well.

Concierge

Credit card companies, in the event your cards are lost or stolen

Doctors (all family doctors)

Family and friends at destination

Family to call in case of emergency

Friends to call in case of emergency

Hotel phone and fax number

Nearest consulate in case your passport islost or stolen

Nearest hospital. Have the address, too.

Nearest pharmacy. Have the address andfax number.

Restaurants where you have reservationsTravel agent