As someone who travels regularly, I’ve picked up some tips and tricks to use when packing.
How many times have you gone on a trip and realized that you’ve forgotten something at home? The first tip I have to offer is to write a list of things that you will need to pack a week in advance. Doing this allows you to add to the list throughout the week with the assumption that you won’t remember everything that you will need when you write the initial list. A week later when you can start packing everything on your presumably edited list, you can check off the items that you’ve packed as you go. This method kills two birds with one stone.
The second tip that I have is to roll your clothes rather than folding them. This saves a ton of space in your suitcase and allows you to fit more clothes or other belongings that you would want to pack. However, it’s important not to over-pack just because you have the extra room. Don’t pack clothes and shoes that you haven’t worn in years just because you might wear them on vacation. Why not pack something that you normally wear? This way you know that you will feel comfortable and look good while on vacation, no risk involved.
Minimalism is “in”. Not only is it trendy, but it is also efficient, and it should be used when packing. Minimalists pack only what is necessary to pack. For clothes, they’ll pack a few t-shirts, a jacket, a coat, a sweater, a pair of boots, and shoes. As far as toiletries, you should keep it simple. Bring a toothbrush, your favorite body wash/shampoo, and deodorant and you’re good to go. Instead of lugging around a forty-pound suitcase with unnecessary items, you can carry everything in a much smaller bag if you choose to go the minimalist route.
Another tip is to always put any creams and liquids into a large plastic bag before putting it in your suitcase. Nothing’s worse than arriving to your destination only to see that your favorite lotion spilled all over your clothes and shoes.
And now for some super quick tips:
- Check the weather for the place you are traveling to
- Pack one extra outfit
- Create a playlist for music to listen to on your journey
- Pack a satin pillowcase if you’re a curly girl that normally sleeps on one
- Pack a sweatshirt
Have a great vacation!