16 Packing Tips
When it comes to packing for a trip I get kind of crazy. I make multiple packing list and check all of them off. I don’t allow my husband to put anything in the suitcase, unless I am watching. I lay all his stuff out on our bed and let him pick out what he wants to take and I place it in the suitcase and mark it off my list. I believe I do this because I hate getting to our destination and realize that we forgot something. Then we have to put vacation on pause to shop for what we need. These 16 packing tips help keep things under control.
To avoid forgetting things and making sure everything fits into our suitcase, without overpacking, I follow a few key points. I have listed them below for you and added a few other practices that friends and family use.
1. Make A Packing List
This should be the first thing you do when going on a trip. I am a forgetful person so I use lists daily. But this one is most important. You don’t want to be stuck in a place you aren’t familiar with trying to find a local pharmacy because you forgot aspirin.
2. Pack Light
Don’t overpack! Most people do this big no no! I promise you will need less than you think. When it comes to clothing, pack more tops than bottoms. Don’t pack 5 pairs of shoes when 2 will do. Check the weather before you go to make sure you are only packing what you need. Plus you are going to want to save some extra space for souvenirs.
3. Buy Good Luggage
Don’t buy the cheap stuff. Especially if you plan on doing a lot of travel. You can purchase decent luggage at decent prices. Make sure you get spinner luggage, you’ll thank me later. I use hard sided suitcases because the airlines are not gentle with your luggage. I don’t want to purchase something and find out it was broken when I get home.
4. Buy A good Backpack
Or a good laptop bag. I prefer a combo. Something I can carry my laptop in but also use as a backpack. We use a backpack when we are out discovering a new destination. It’s great to pack some water in and if you purchase souvenirs while out and about you can toss them in your backpack.
5. Know Your Airlines Baggage Policy
It is very important to have this information before you pack. Every airline is different on size of luggage. And you don’t want to get to the airport with over weight luggage either. This information should be on your airlines website.
6. TSA Rules & Restrictions
Don’t know if you are allowed to bring that disposable razor? How about those fingernail clippers? The TSA website will answer all these questions for you. If you have never flown before, make sure you check out their website to answer any questions you might have on what you can pack in a carry-on.
7. Luggage Tags
Make sure to purchase luggage tags before your flight or cruise. You can usually get luggage tags for free from your airline at their airport counter. Make sure you have your name, address, and a phone number in case something happens.
8. Weigh Your Luggage
Buy or borrow a luggage scale. I have a digital scale that works great. They are not expensive and come in handy. Most check luggage can not be over 50 lbs. So it is better to know how heavy your luggage is before you arrive at the airport.
9. Travel In Layers
To keep this simple, where your heaviest shoes and jacket on the plane. Or anything else you can think of. It keeps the weight out of your suitcase and makes extra space.
10. Minimize Clothes
So we touched on this topic in #2, but it is worth giving it a spot on the list. Pack things that can be interchangeable, reuse pants and shoes, you only need 1 pair of pajamas.
11. Don’t Pack Unnecessary Items
Check with your hotel to see if the room has a hair dryer, beach towels, etc. If so, then you don’t need to pack your own. And don’t pack all those hair products. You should be able to sacrifice some of those things while on vacation to make room for all those souvenirs you plan on bringing back.
12. Roll Your Clothes
At least some of them. You may want to roll clothes that are less likely to get wrinkled. It does make space in your suitcase.
13. Toiletries
Store your toiletries in plastic zip bags. I pack my stuff in plastic bags then pack those in a toiletry bag then put them in a grocery bag. I do this because I don’t want my shampoo leaking out all over my clothes. Plus I use the grocery bags to pack my wet swimsuits in for the travel back home.
14. Electronics
Never pack your electronics in a checked bag. Always pack these in your carry-on. With that said, keep them organized. It makes it easier to get what you need on your flight and your cords aren’t all tangled up when you arrive. Speaking of that, get a cord organizer, it will change your life.
15. Use Empty Packing Space
Pack socks and underwear last and pack them into the empty small space in your luggage. Pack them in your shoes or around the bulky items.
16. Don’t Pack Last Minute
Don’t wait until the night before to pack. You may find out that those pair of pants you wanted to take with you need to be washed. Or you forgot to pick up those special shoes you wanted for that hike you booked.
Summary
If you follow these simple practices and tips it will make your pre-travel journey easier. And after a while these things will be second nature. Happy Packing!
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