People
Choose your companions wisely, as you would for a longer expedition. Be sure to go out with folks who are looking for the same type of experience you are. It helps to go with experienced paddlers/campers, but what matters most is attitude. It also helps if they have developed their own efficient gear systems. You don't want to waste the time you've saved with your gear system while you wait for someone to root around in closets searching for paddling gloves.

I know that one of the reasons I got that call from Laurie inviting me out for a spur-of-the-moment overnight paddle was that she knows I'm ready to go on short notice and I'll have all the gear I need.

Conditions
If preparing for a trip is a quick and easy process, you are in a better position to take advantage of brief windows of good weather in the off-season. Even if your plans for a quick get-away get foiled by lousy weather or rough water, it is easier to make the wise decision to go somewhere else or wait for another opportunity, because you haven't invested a lot of time and effort getting yourself organized and to the launch site.

With efficient gear systems, you can take advantage of those lovely winter days when other paddlers are just beginning to wonder where they stashed their gear at the end of the last season. Most of us lead busy enough lives that we can't get out on many long trips. However, with the proper preparation and attitude, you can make the limited time you have go a long way toward feeding your soul in some of the same ways a longer, more complex trip does. Whenever and wherever you go, you can get out of the house with a minimum of fuss and get on the water with the equipment you need to have a pleasurable and safe outing.