2021 Packing Tips
Warmer days are here, school is out for summer, and now it’s time to plan that family vacation! Grab your flip flops, sun hat, and sunblock!
Regardless of your destination, cold or hot, far away or close by, there is one pivotal part of your travel plan… packing. Forget an essential item and you’re left scrambling to find the nearest store at your destination. Pack too much and you end up disorganized, burdened with heavy bags, and losing money to pay for pricey airline baggage fees.
That’s why we are going to bring it back to the basics and get organized first. Here are 10 packing tips that will help you and your family pack like a pro!
10 Best Packing Tips
- Make a list
By making a list of items you need for your trip it ensures nothing is left behind. Start a packing list a week or so in advance so you have enough time to complete your list. This will also ensure you have time to purchase items you don’t have on hand or are out of like sunscreen, bug spray, etc.
Creating a packing list is a fail-safe way to ensure you don’t forget anything important. Remember to include things like daily medication and inhalers, phone chargers, and ID/passports if you are traveling far.
- Pick Outfits
Before you even start packing items make sure you decide on each outfit you plan to wear. This will eliminate over or underpacking. Better yet, use dual pieces like jeans for multiple outfits.
- Roll Don’t Fold
No one likes wrinkles or creases in their clothing. The best way to prevent this and make the most of your space is to use the roll method. Lay tops facedown, fold in the sleeves and roll from the bottom up. For pants, put the legs together and roll from the waist down. Add smaller pieces like tank tops, underwear, and socks on top of your shirts and roll everything together.
- Heavy Items at the Bottom
Keep heavy things like shoes and books by the wheeled end of your suitcase. This placement helps your bag stay stable when upright, plus it stops your other items from getting crushed and bent under the weight.
- Bring Plastic Bags
Store plastic bags between items. You can use the plastic bags from the dry cleaners, storage bags, or grocery bags. These bags are great at keeping items separated and prevent pulls. They also work great as laundry bags. Once you wear an item just roll it back up and insert it in your suitcase to ensure it doesn’t disrupt your clean clothing. Bags are also great for items that may get wet such as swimsuits.
- Secure Your Liquids
It’s happened to us all before. The shampoo bottle leaks and gets everything in your bag sticky, wet, and ruined. Avoid spills by storing your liquids in storage bags or water proof containers. Better yet, purchase travel sizes of your items, or use small containers to transport your usual products. This way you pack lighter and you are only taking what you need, leaving the full size containers at home. Plus, smaller items mean less liquid that could spill.
- Space Bags
Use compression bags to pack clothing especially if you are packing for weeks at a time. Not only do they save space in your bag, but they also double as waterproofing. These bags certainly aren’t a must, but are a lifesaver when trying to pack many outfits in a small space.
- Emergency or Quick Fix Kit
Create a “quick fix” kit to take with you on trips. Inside it store things like earplugs, a sleep mask, lip balm, ibuprofen, extra contact lenses, tissues, wipes, and bandaids. Vacation is meant to be fun and relaxing but long drives, or crowded airplanes aren’t always calming. This kit might come to the rescue when you least expect it.
- Make a Decision & Stick to It
There is nothing wrong with souvenirs, but I find it is helpful to set some guidelines for yourself and family members before arriving at your destination. How many souvenirs do you want to try and pack and lug home? How many souvenirs can each family member bring back? Do you really need it, or want it, or will it just take up space back home? Deciding on these things ahead of time prevents frivolous spending and saves you stress when it comes time to pack for traveling home.
- Bring the Right Bag
Before your trip make sure you check your bag over for holes, rips, or tears. Is it in good condition, or is it at risk of making the trip a burden? Ensure you are using a suitcase with wheels so you can save your back. Packing is important, but the item you use to hold your items is just as crucial.
Packing Tips for Success
There you have it! Now you are well on your way to packing like a pro and being able to stress less, and enjoy your vacation even more.
Did I miss any of your favorite packing tips? If so, send me a message and let me know.
Ready to use these tips to pack like a pro? Download our free packing checklist below!Free Packing Checklist
Wandering if you need professional organizer? Get our guide here.
See you soon,
Audra
