Packing to go home for the holidays can be harder than you think. For most of us it's not a priority....until it the morning you're leaving, and you're stuffing anything and everything into your bags. Many of us (including me) need some tips and tricks on how to pack effectively.

1. Make a List.

I know what you're thinking "wow really I never would have thought about that", but it really does help. By making a list, you know exactly what you need to pack which helps you limit the amount of stuff you're packing, instead of just throwing tons stuff that you might need (most of which won't ever get unpacked) into bags. If you're like me and are really bad at making lists, there are tons online that you can use.

2. Label.

If you pack multiple bags, it might be helpful to label what you put in each. Write on painters tape and stick it on the side of your bag, a cheap easy way to label your bags. Another labeling hack is to have an "inventory" on what is in each bag. Just get a piece of paper, and write down what you put in each bag, and stick the paper in the side or right inside the bag, so when you get home and you're looking for something, you don't have to go through every bag to find it.

3. Don't just throw your clothes in your bag.

Everyone is guilty of this one. We all tend to just throw our clothes into a bag without folding them. Folding your clothes might be a little time consuming, but it will save you so much room. Other than saving room, folding your clothes also prevents wrinkling. Another trick I learned over the years was that if you're really pressed for packing space, roll your clothes instead of folding; but if you're lucky enough to have access to a vacuum sealer, that is the best way to save room in your bags.

4. Ziplock bags.

Ziplock bags are a Godsend, to be honest. You can literally put anything in them. From snacks for the road trip or flight back home to jewelry, chargers, and small miscellaneous items you find around your room; Ziplock bags are definitely a must for packing.

5. Avoid last minute additions.

I know it's super tempting to throw one more t-shirt or pair of jeans into your bag at the last minute, but don't do it. If you really needed that shirt, you would have thought about packing it sooner and not when you're walking out the door. If you have the time, give yourself about fifteen minutes to go back through your bags, and try to take out at least one item form each.

6. Be realistic.

I know in your head that your winter break is going to be so lit that you're going to need three different outfits a day, but in reality, the only places you're going to go is your bed and work. The main reason people overpack is that they assume they will need more than they do. They think of things that they might need instead of things they will need.