It's time to start preparing to quit by creating your "Quitting Kit." Think of your Quitting Kit as your first aid kit for quitting smoking. It is going to contain food for thought, things to occupy your hands, and things to sustain your motivation. I recommend using a box, a drawer, or a chest as your Quitting Kit, in which you can collect some of the books, toys, and other items that will help you become a successful ex-smoker. Keep a journal or notebook for lists, phone numbers, and ideas to help you quit.

Before you start gathering the things for your Quitting Kit, take the time to make three lists. First, list all the reasons why you smoke. Common reasons for smoking are for managing stress, managing boredom, managing difficult feelings, rewarding yourself after a period of work, enhancing enjoyment of an activity, or socializing with friends. Second, list the times and/or places of your most favorite cigarettes. Common favorite cigarettes include your first cigarette in the morning, a cigarette with a cup of coffee, or a cigarette after a meal. Third, list potential problem times, places, or situations that you are likely to experience cravings to smoke. Common problem areas can be your car, smoking breaks at work with co-workers, at home with a smoking spouse, or when you are alone. As you compile your Quitting Kit, you will need to find one to three strategies for each of the reasons you smoke, to replace your favorite cigarettes, and to combat potential cravings.