Did you know that “packing anxiety” is a real thing? This term refers to the stress one feels when packing for a trip. Regardless of whether it’s for business or pleasure, one may worry about being unprepared or forgetting something essential like underwear! Should packing uncertainty apply to you, understand that being organized and prepared is well within your reach. Gain control with our top packing tips.
Ways to pack like a pro:
- Packing efficiently requires thought and advanced planning. Begin packing early and ahead of your trip rather than at the last minute. This avoids stress associated with a time crunch.
- Determine how long you will be at your destination, the weather, and events. These will likely influence your luggage size and what you pack.
- If you’re flying, decide whether to check luggage or go with carry-on, or both. This will also influence your luggage size(s) and what to bring.
- Observe what storage options your luggage offers. Is there a shoe compartment? Are there places to store toiletries or pockets for small items? Make use of this information when packing.
- Before you begin packing, it’s a sound idea to create a packing list as a guide. Bring only what you need to avoid overpacking.
- Always try on clothes before you pack them. That way you won’t pack things that are ill-fit or unflattering.
- When preparing your packing list, think head to toe and write down the essentials you’ll need.
- Don’t want to create your own travel list from scratch? Look for printable travel packing lists online.
- Always check items off your list once you’ve packed them. That way you’ll avoid forgetting items or packing duplicates.
- Invest in packing cubes. These lightweight and thin bags are used to compartmentalize clothes in luggage. Many can compress clothing to maximize use of space.
- Note that not all packing cubes are of equal quality. When poorly made, the mesh netting may give way when fully packed. Before buying, read customer reviews and choose wisely.
- Use packing cubes to group like items together. For example, pack tops in one cube, bottoms in another, and so forth.
- Or use cubes to categorize, such as packing clothes by day. For instance, Monday’s outfit is packed together in one cube, Tuesday’s clothes in another, and so on. This tip is great for packing for kids as deciding what to wear is already done!
- Experts recommend packing clothes vertically when possible or rolling clothes. To observe a YouTube demonstration on rolling clothes when packing, click here.
- Packing cubes can also be efficiently stacked to save space.
- No packing cubes, no sweat. Perform the “skivvy roll” used in the military. This involves tightly rolling three items of clothing together such as a t-shirt, underwear, and socks into a tight bundle, then packing them.
- Consider packing suits or jackets inside out to reduce wrinkles.
- In general, heavier objects like shoes fare well when placed toward the wheeled end of the suitcase.
- If you must pack shoes near clothes and you do not have shoe bags, use shower caps to cover the soles.
- Limit accessories! Packing too many non-essentials can lead to overpacking.
- Toiletries, particularly liquids, require special consideration to avoid leakage. For checked luggage, they should be in leak-proof sealed bags.
- Properly sealed toiletries can be placed in the center of the luggage where clothes can act as insulation. Alternatively, use specialized compartments of the luggage.
- Consider using clean, spare contact lens cases to store bits of liquid makeup like undereye concealer or liquid eye shadows.
- For carry-on rules related to liquids, be familiar with ever-changing TSA and airline guidelines.
- Do check TSA rules for transporting medications as they also require special consideration.
- Packing meds in checked luggage is not recommended, as checked luggage may be lost.
- It’s generally best to keep medications on you, in a purse or carefully guarded carry-on bag, following TSA provisions.
- Guard your passport. Keep it on your person in a protected and safe place. Note that your passport should also be accessible to you when needed.
- Never place passports in unattended baggage or checked luggage.
- Use pill boxes to store small jewelry items to avoid tangles.
- Cloth jewelry bags are also wonderful for organizing jewelry for trips. Have an extra? Use it to store phone cords and chargers all in one place.
- Are you a hat wearer? When packing one, stuff it with socks or scarves. Not only does this save space when packing, but it helps to keep the hat in shape!
- Bring an empty laundry bag to contain dirty clothes when traveling. This keeps your unworn clothes fresh on the return trip.
- Concerned with odors? Simply add some dryer sheets to your suitcase before you zip it closed.
We hope you enjoyed our top packing tips. Click here for our sister article– with more great packing ideas just for you!
