Ultimate Packing Tips: Simplify Your Vacation Prep

Welcome, fellow adventurers! The weather is getting warm (or hot, depending where you are), school will soon be out for summer, and vacation season will be in full swing. But one stress that can ruin the fun is packing - what to take, and how to pack what you need without overpacking is truly a skill. Over the years (and with a lot of trial and error!) I've learned a thing or two about how to streamline the packing process and avoid last-minute packing panic. This week I'll share some packing tips to simplify your vacation prep and help make your trip less stressful.

1. Plan Ahead: Before you even think about reaching for your suitcase, take some time to plan your itinerary. Consider the activities you'll be doing, the weather forecast, and any specific dress codes you need to adhere to. This will give you a clear idea of what items you'll need to pack. Be real with yourself: there's probably no reason to take that super-cute dress and sandals if you're going camping or even glamping.

2. Make a List: Once you have a rough idea of what you'll need, create a packing list. Divide it into categories such as clothing, toiletries, electronics, and documents. Having a checklist will help you stay organized and ensure you don't forget any essentials. Pro Tip: Start your list with any required prescription medications for you and/or your family members. That's the one thing you can't buy more of if you forget it.

3. Pack Light: This is so hard for me, but one of the golden rules of packing is to pack light. Your goal should be to pack versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits. Stick to a color palette that complements each other to maximize outfit combinations while minimizing the number of items you need to bring. Again, be realistic; if you don't wear 2-3 outfits a day at home, then don't pack for that on vacation!

4. Roll, Don't Fold: When it comes to packing clothing, rolling items instead of folding them can save you a significant amount of space. Not only does rolling prevent wrinkles, but it also allows you to fit more items into your suitcase. For bulkier items like sweaters or jackets, consider using compression bags to minimize their size. Even without a vacuum cleaner, you can remove excess air by compressing the items by hand, which saves a surprising amount of suitcase space.

5. Try Packing Cubes: Packing cubes are a game-changer when it comes to staying organized while traveling. Use them to group similar items together, such as tops, bottoms, and undergarments. Not only will packing cubes keep your suitcase neat and tidy, but they'll also make it easier to find what you need without having to rummage through your entire bag.

6. Maximize Space: Don't overlook any available space in your luggage. Utilize the interior pockets, shoe compartments, and even the space inside your shoes to pack smaller items like socks, underwear, and accessories. Every inch counts when you're trying to maximize space! Items like socks and underwear don't have to be wrinkle-free, so you can stuff them into small spaces with no worries. This is especially important when you're flying with just a carry-on. You can pack more than you'd think without checking a bag!

7. Pack Smart with Toiletries: Even if you're checking a bag or driving, consider investing in travel-sized containers or opt for solid toiletries instead of bringing full-sized bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. Another tip: if you get small free-with-purchase items from cosmetic companies (i.e., Clinique), save them to use for travel. Even when they're empty, you can refill the little jars with your favorite moisturizer or makeup remover for travel-sized convenience.

Photo: Clinique.com

8. Don't Forget the Essentials: While it's easy to get caught up in packing clothing and toiletries, don't forget about the essential items you'll need during your travels. This includes travel documents (passport, tickets, itinerary), medication, chargers, and any other items specific to your destination (such as adapters or language guides). I keep things like that in a separate backpack; I also keep all my chargers and adapters in that bag at home so they're always packed and easily located.

9. Leave Room for Souvenirs: If you're anything like me, you'll likely want to bring back souvenirs from your travels. To avoid exceeding your luggage weight limit on the return journey, leave some extra space in your suitcase or pack a collapsible bag that you can use to carry your souvenirs home.

Another option is to ship your purchases to your home. That way, you don't need to worry about the extra luggage space, carrying extra items on the plane, or breaking your new treasures on the trip back home. When I recently purchased local pottery as gifts during my travel to Utah, I found a local FedEx office and shipped them to my home address. The shipping fee was worth my peace of mind.

10. Review and Edit: Once you've packed everything, take a moment to review your luggage and see if there are any items you can remove or replace. It's easy to overpack, so try to be ruthless in editing down your belongings to only the essentials.

With these tips in mind, you'll be ready to tackle any packing challenge that comes your way. Remember, the key to stress-free travel is preparation and organization. So go ahead, pack your bags, and take on on your next adventure with confidence! Safe travels!