Vacations can be awesome experiences, but planning for them isn't at all. Finding passports, packing luggage, and a finding house sitter can really dampen the vacation spirit. However, it doesn't have to. Getting a little advice can help you get organized, and then all you have to worry about is having fun. First, find your passport. If you can't, consider getting an expedited passport renewal. It costs extra, but the peace of mind is definitely worth it.
Keeping a passport with you is a good idea even if you aren't going out of the country. It serves both as a form of identification and an indispensable lifeline if your wallet or purse gets stolen. If your passport is looking a little rough, look into a damaged US passport replacement. You'll most likely have to do it sooner or later, and duct tape only lasts so long.
Over packing is so easy to do, and you should do your best not to. When you're walking fifteen blocks to your hotel and you're carrying seven bags full of every outfit you own, you will come to appreciate the notion of packing light. First, relax, sit down, and start a check list. Write down everything, no matter how obvious it is, and don't forget the important stuff, like your passport, travel itinerary, social security card, and all that. It's generally not a good idea to stuff things into your bag as you think of them, as this could have you panicked and scrambling for your ticket at the airport.
What will the weather be like on your trip? What kind of activities will you be doing? Where will you be staying? These are all important questions to consider when packing, as they can heavily affect exactly what you bring. For example, for a beach trip, you are definitely going to want to bring sunglasses, sunscreen, a cover-up, flip-flops, as well as your bathing suit. If it's going to be 90 degrees, you would want to bring tank tops and shorts. If you're going to be hiking, you'll need a good pair of walking shoes and a backpack. Knowing specifically what you will need prevents any last-minute panic attacks when you are met with an unexpected rainstorm in sunny Florida.
Especially if you are flying, try to bring the miniature travel-sized versions of your toiletries. These take up so much room in your bag and hold the potential to explode or leak. Chances are you won't be in the middle of no-man's-land, and you will have access to a grocery store or a drug store where you can restock your supply.
Scan and make copies of all your important information. This includes your passport, your social security card, important phone numbers, itineraries, directions, insurance information, and the like. Email this information to yourself so it's stored safe on a computer where it can be accessed anywhere with an internet connection. Leave the copies with friends or family so someone knows where you are and what you're doing.

Know all you need to do is manage to squeeze it into your suitcase. Eliminate anything you know you won't need. Be sure to have your passport, and invest in an expedited US passport renewal or a damaged new passport replacement http://www.uspassportnow.com/services/DamagedPassport if you need too. Now you are ready to go.