When packing for any trip, whether it be for a weekend, a week, or a month, deciding on what to bring can become tedious. I’m one of those people who, if not given much time in advance, throws everything I think of into a suitcase figuring “at least I’ll be prepared.” I end up regretting this when I have to carry around a heavy suitcase and a bag not meant to fit all the paraphernalia I packed into it. After having this happen quite a few times, I’ve been able to come up with eight tips that make packing for any trip much easier.
1. List everything you will be taking on a checklist.
Make sure you can take the list with you, whether it be on your phone, in a journal, or on a sheet of paper tucked into your suitcase. You don’t need to go into too much detail about naming each item, just generalize it. For instance, instead of writing “one button up long sleeve, one long sleeve blouse, two long sleeve T-shirts,” just write “four long sleeve shirts.” Making a list will help you to think about what you need and will help you avoid bringing an excess amount. It will also be helpful when you are heading back from your trip. Check off the items a second time so you don’t forget anything!
2. Choose plain colored clothing and simple prints.
This makes it easy to mix and match outfits for more variety. I used to pack outfits but realized I didn’t really feel like wearing them once I arrived at my destination. Packing clothes that could match with each other allows you to change it up! If you are staying somewhere for an extended period of time, you may want to find somewhere you could wash your clothing. Then you’ll be able to pack less, and use your clothes more than once.
3. Pick two pairs of versatile shoes.
Shoes take up a ton of space, so it’s a good place to cut back. Choose two pair that you could wear with almost any outfit. Some of my favorites include the Keds Champion style lace up shoes, Birkenstock sandals, Toms, and generic ballet flats. You can wear these styles with skirts, dresses, jeans, or leggings.
4. Roll clothing.
You can fit almost a third more in your suitcase if your roll your clothing (or you could downsize). This can also keep your clothes from creasing on the folds.
5. Minimize the makeup bag.
Choose a neutral eye shadow pallet, one eyeliner, mascara, and foundation. Or, skip the eye shadow pallet all together and pick two eyeliners to mix it up. Unless you are on a fashion tour, you’re not going to need your entire makeup collection. If you don’t wear makeup, this is one less thing to think about!
6. Leave room to bring things back.
When I go on trips, I know that I like to bring back souvenirs for my family and friends as well as some memorabilia for myself. If you do the same, it makes the trip home much easier when you have space in your luggage to take it back with you. Who wants to be carrying a ton of shopping bags as well as their luggage?
7. Bring a large purse with a large wallet.
I like to carry books and my journal with me for the journey. Those won’t fit in a normal size purse, so I bring a large purse or messenger bag. For those nights on the town or tours in the city, however, a large bag would be annoying to carry around. This is why I like to bring a large wallet with a wrist band, or a small purse that can fit inside my larger purse.
8. Leave soap behind.
It may sound like a strange idea, it’s a necessity after all, isn’t it? That’s why you can leave it behind. If you’re staying in a hotel, there’s usually soap and shampoo. If you’re not, there’s almost always a place nearby that sells it. You can buy it when you reach your destination, and throw the rest out when the trip is done. This also avoids the possibility of your bottles bursting in the checked luggage if you are flying.
That’s it! Happy packing!
