This post is in partnership with Gillette’s new SkinGuard razor- new at Walmart today.

Have you ever walked into the door, and camo, gear, and boots littered your floor?Sounds like your spouse is preparing to leave! This year and last, my husband has left for more schools than I can count and that comes with lots of prep and making sure everything is packed.

If you’re the spouse who gets stuck (or volunteers) to help your spouse pack, then read on. I have learned a lot of efficient ways to make sure they are packed and not have to stress!

My first piece of advice, is to get the packing list as soon as possible. We’ve had a few times where he would bring the list home the night before, and as an avid planner I need more time than that. If their unit doesn’t release the list until that time, ask your spouse for an idea of what they may need. There are a lot of pieces that get easily lost since they aren’t used day to day!

Start with the gear, wash uniforms if needed and pack them, and make sure everything Military related is found first. If you forget anything after that, they more than likely can get a replacement. However, it’s not as easy with military gear! If you have space in your home, have a designated closet or room for everything. The more organized you keep everything, the easier it will be to spot and ensure nothing is missing.

My personal favorite part to pack is the toiletries. We hang on to a lot of hotel sample bottles, or you can buy travel size bottles at your store for pretty cheap. I pack a 2-in-1 shampoo-conditioner and body wash, just to keep liquids to a minimum. Deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste are things I pack morning of, so I make sure to write down on my “last minute list” to grab these items.

I also pack a comb, hair gel, and most importantly a Gillette razor. It’s no secret that military members need to be clean shaven, so having a reliable razor is a must! Since they are traveling, you want to make sure to pack a few extra razor heads since they normally shave every day or every other. My husband loves Gillette because with their new SkinGuard razor, he doesn’t have to worry about razor burn or bumps. With the frequent shaving the Military requires, this can be a big issue if your spouse has sensitive skin! These are now available at Walmart, making it very convenient for any other shopping needs you may have.

My husband often shaves without shaving gel, which for him could cause razor burn, but not with the SkinGuard razor. The blades ensure less tug and pull that normal razors do and pairing it with the PURE by Gillette shaving gel is the perfect duo!

Another helpful tip I have is having adequate storage for all of the things you will need. Keeping an inventory of military gear, toiletries, spare razor blades (trust me you’ll thank me on this! So commonly forgotten), twin bed sheets, pillow case, civilian clothes, and also something fun to do! That way when the time comes for another school/training, you’ll have everything you may need in one spot.

Speaking more on things to do, my husband has found some down time and with half of the schools he’s been at having no service… Finding a non internet relied activity is a must! He has loved soduku books, nintendo switch, and books, anything to take on the go will save their sanity I promise!

Whether your spouse is going for a few weeks or a few months, having the packing down to a science will allow you to savor those last few moments together! It’s no fun scrambling around your house last second trying to find a specific item, and I hope you find these tips to be helpful!

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