Merlin Mann has a very good list that matches a good number of the rituals I've adopted for life on the road. I still can't seem to keep myself intact however. On this last trip I left behind a jacket and a favorite white shirt. Anyway, my list for dealing with life on the road:
* Pack one sanity saving device (candle for rooms that smell like death covered up by Lysol or a few bags of green tea).
* Pack an Ethernet cable.
* Order three keys.
Place one immediately in your briefcase.
* Tape disposable list of "Don't
forget" to back of room door. List includes (items in closet; items hung
on back of bathroom door; chargers of all sorts). If you haven't packed don't
forget list, write it on a 3x5 card.
* Collect all marketing material, fake plants, magazines, cardboard tends
advertising flaming desert drinks at local bar and place them in closet.
* Put keys, money, notebook, index
cards, cell phone and everything else you must have on clean space nearest
door.
* Plug in and charge all devices
* Remove bedspread. It's the thing they never clean.
* Unpack but only in you can trust yourself not to forget your clothes in the dresser
* Place laundry bag from inside closet in your suitcase for workout clothes.
* Before going to bed set as many alarms as you can (cell phone, in-room clock and wake-up call).
* Put mini- flashlight and shoes next to bed for middle of night fire drill.
* Wear pajamas. Even if you don't wear them at home you may find yourself outside your hotel room and you're not the only one who has slept in that room.
* Never watch Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull. You'll never sleep for the guilt at having ordered it.
* Leave a tip for the maid.
* When you leave to check out always take your key. You'll need it when you have to go back to get whatever you've inevitably forgotten.
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