Do you love to travel, or do you dread it? For many people, travel is fun, except for the packing part. What to take, what to leave, how will I know if I have everything I’ll need? There’s a fine line between packing too much and not packing enough. Here are seven of my favorite tips to make packing quick and easy.
- Use a packing list. I use a spreadsheet to keep track of what I need to pack, and over the years, I’ve added and subtracted items until I created my Ultimate Packing List. I’ve refined it with items I can’t forget, and I also learn to strike off things I never use. The list template I start with has everything I could possibly need on it, and when a trip comes up, I can print it double-sided and cross out anything I won’t need for that particular trip (like not taking Disney World gear to a conference in Tennessee!) I love it because I never forget anything important as long as I check my list.
- Pack as light as possible. After lugging a too-heavy duffle bag all over the airport during a long flight delay, I had to really ask myself if I was packing smart. As soon as I got home from that trip, I shopped around for a small wheeled case that fits under the seat of most airlines and doesn’t require me to kill my shoulders hauling it around the airport. Its small size also limits what I can carry! Ask yourself, “Do I really need this? If I need it, am I willing to cart it around? Can I find a suitable alternative at my destination?” Most items can easily be found at your destination, and few things are really a necessity in the first place.
- Trim your wardrobe. Pack a simple collection of outfits — only 2 to 3 days worth, choosing fabrics that are quick dry, wrinkle resistant, and that coordinate in colors so you can mix and match. I like to pack black, white and then either red or cobalt blue for a pop of color. Many places have laundry facilities available (especially if you’re staying with family or friends,) and sink washing in a hotel is a snap. Use accessories to dress up your simple wardrobe for maximum impact. Limit the number of shoes you have to carry as well — they’re bulky and take up a lot of room in your bag. Make sure at least one pair is super comfy for those long travel days.
- Tuck a reusable tote bag that folds up into a small package into your suitcase. I find them useful for souvenir shopping, for taking necessities down to the pool, for laundry, and many more uses. They come in very handy!
- BYOB (blanket… and pillow). I admit, I get a little weird about traveling, especially in hotels and on planes, and I like to have my own pillow and blanket. For compactness, I made myself a travel pillow and pillowcases out of scrap fabric and pillow stuffing — large enough to comfortably sleep on, but so smushy it easily crams into my bag. I also have a no-sew fleece blanket that rolls small but is warm and cozy.
- Corral your in-flight (or in-car) necessities. Pack small must-haves in a resealable gallon-size bag or small tote that you can keep handy when your suitcase is sealed up. I like to keep my iPhone and earbuds, my iPad Mini, my glasses, some baby wipes, a snack and a refillable water bottle. Add in your wallet and any must-have medications as well.
- Set your luggage apart. Lots of people have plain black suitcases, so bling yours out a little so you recognize it at a glance. Colored duct tape (arranged in your initial perhaps) or a few brightly colored zip ties are more durable than ribbons or fancy luggage tags. Best bet: get a suitcase in an unusual color.
