How to beat the Post-Vacation Chaos (and Blues!) like a Pro Mama

Hello lovely mamas!

Mid-August already… that bittersweet moment when the sun-soaked days of our big annual getaway come to a close, and we find ourselves back home—jet-lagged, suitcase-stuffed, and slightly dazed from the transatlantic whirlwind.

If you’ve ever returned from a long vacation with kids, you know the drill: try to balance the mountain of laundry along with the emotional rollercoaster. In this post, I’m sharing my method for easing back into reality with grace! From tackling the unpacking beast to lifting those post-holiday spirits, here’s how I make the transition smoother—and maybe even a little fun.

Step 1: Gratitude

While still on the plane, I take a moment to soak in the joy of what we just experienced. I scroll through our vacation photos, reliving all the amazing moments we shared. It’s my way of turning the “end” into a celebration of everything we gained. Those summer memories? They’re like little diamonds—sparkling reminders that will warm our hearts all winter long.

Bonus Mama Tip: I love sprinkling our home with tiny souvenirs from our trip—seashells my kids collected, a quirky little decoration from a local shop and definitely, a printed photo collage of our happiest moments. It’s like bottling up summer and keeping it on display, so the magic never really fades.

Step 2: Pick Up the Mail

Before I even unlock the front door, I make a beeline for the mailbox. After a month away, it’s usually bursting with flyers, bills, and mystery envelopes. But here’s the trick—I sort it immediately. It takes about ten minutes, and it gives me an instant sense of control, like I’m gently steering my life back on track. There’s something oddly satisfying about tossing the junk, stacking the important stuff, and reclaiming my space one envelope at a time. Mama’s back—and she’s got this.

Step 3: Welcome Home!

There’s something so heartwarming about stepping back into your own space after weeks away. I always enter our home with a deep sense of joy and gratitude. I do a quick walk-through, checking that everything’s in order, opening the windows to let the fresh air in, watering the plants and just soaking in the familiar comfort.

And let me tell you, finding the house clean (thanks to my pre-vacation deep-clean ritual—check out my earlier post on that!) is a total mood booster. It’s the cherry on top of a smooth homecoming.

Step 4: Refreshment

After a long-haul flight from our home countries, we usually land feeling like we’ve been spun in a washing machine—dizzy, disoriented, and staring down a mountain of luggage. Six suitcases, friends. Yes, six. Plus an equal number of backpacks filled with everything from beach sand to half-melted snacks, spilled vitamins, and chewed gum (don’t ask).

So what do I do? I step back. I refuse to let the chaos win. First, I hop in the shower and let the warm water wash away the travel grime. Then I slather on my favorite coconut-scented cream and brew a strong cup of coffee. Only then, feeling slightly more human, do I approach the suitcase battlefield. Still tired? Absolutely. But now I’m refreshed, recharged, and ready to unpack like a mama on a mission.

Step 5: The Unpacking Ritual

Now for the grand finale: unpacking. I’ll be honest—I prefer to do this solo. Partly because I’m a bit of a control freak and partly because I have a method that might be slow, but keeps me sane.

First, I ask everyone to drop their luggage in one designated spot — not the kitchen, not the living room. Somewhere out of the way, so the chaos doesn’t spread.

Then I tackle it piece by piece. Backpacks and handbags come first. I empty them completely (yes, even the sand, chewed gum, and mystery crumbs), toss the trash, and reorganize them beautifully. Anything washable goes straight into the machine—along with our flight clothes. Passports, jewelry, and important documents get returned to their rightful places immediately. No clutter allowed!

Next up: the suitcases. I handle them one at a time, and I don’t move on until one is fully unpacked. Everything goes directly where it belongs — dirty clothes in the laundry, clean clothes in closets, shoes in storage, electronics and cables in their spots, medicines in the cabinet, and cosmetics back in their cozy corners. It’s a bit of a dance, but it brings me mental peace like nothing else.

Once everything’s out, I give the empty suitcases a good wash on the balcony. The whole process might take up to two days, but I try not to stretch it longer. By the end, the house feels refreshed, organized, and ready for the next chapter—and so do we.

I hope this little peek into my post-vacation routine gave you a dose of motivation (and maybe a few laughs). Coming home doesn’t have to feel chaotic — it can be a beautiful reset. So here’s to smooth landings, grateful hearts, and homes that welcome us back with open arms!

Take care, Katerina