This is fitting as my first official post, how to pack like a pro…or at least let me share how my packing method has worked for me.
The suit case not your enemy. Not planning is. Planning is essentially a stress reliever. There’s a lot to consider when determining what to bring: the type and length of your trip, your itinerary, the weather, the size of your luggage, and any weight limits imposed by your mode of transportation. It’s easy to overpack or underpack, especially if you’ve waited until the last minute. I will admit, last minute packing happens, I loath it.
Lay Your Items Out
Grouping things together on the floor helps me see what items don’t pull their weight. A pair of pants that can only be worn with one top, or that requires shoes I wasn’t already planning to pack? Back in the drawer.
Use Packing Cube
Think of them as a space saver but also as your chest of drawers. Smaller cube for undergarments. Larger cube for larger items. Have an extra cube? Pack it for that designated dirty laundry or the souvenir items you plan to bring back.
Separate Jewelry with Snack Bags
To prevent tangling, give each jewelry piece its own bag and fasten the clasp.
Pack by Outfit
There’s nothing more annoying than struggling to stuff everything back into your suitcase at the end of a trip only to realize you didn’t even wear half the clothes you brought. Not just any outfit. I make sure tops and bottoms are versatile. For instance, one tank can stretch for days: Pair it with a skirt and heels for dinner on Saturday, capris and sandals for shopping on Monday, and shorts and sneakers for a Tuesday hike.
Bring Half of What You Initially Packed
Pack everything you would like to — and then remove half of it from the suitcase. I find this really helps in terms of figuring out what I actually need for a trip and bringing just the essentials.
Pack a Towel
You never know when you will need it, whether it’s at the beach, as a blanket on a plane, or just to dry off after getting caught in that Florida rain. While many hotels offer towels, you never know and carrying a small towel won’t add that much more weight to your bag.
Be Prepared for Wet Swimwear
No matter how many times I have tried drying my shoes, my swim wear, and whatever caused me to be drenched from head to toe, placing it back in the luggage just makes me clinch. Pack a plastic bag or use one of the cubes as a designated laundry bag.
Don’t Fold
Pack for a 1 week even if it’s two weeks. Make your outfits versatile. Think Light. Roll your pieces instead of folding to minimize space and keep out the wrinkles.
Keep Essentials Packed Upon Your Return
After travels, instead of emptying your toiletry kit, keep it the way it is. Designate a traveling toothbrush, grab a extra contact case, refill the shampoo bottle, and put it away.
How to Pack that Suitcase : packing your bag efficiently.
1. Line the bottom with a plastic trash bag. After you’ve packed, add another one on top. This helps fend off wrinkles. If your luggage is loaded from the airplane in the rain, your clothes won’t get wet.
2. Stash footwear and heavy stuff along the wheel base. Fill shoes with socks or bulky bangle bracelets, then put them in individual bags with the soles facing the sides of the suitcase. Rest other heavy items, next to or on top of shoes.
3. Lay the foundation. Start with tightly packed rolled clothing or by cube size.
4. Move on to the third level. Add thick sweaters, jackets, and folded shirts.
5. Wrap belts around the interior frame of the bag.
6. Stock essentials. Like loose toiletries (bandaids, wraps, q-tips, non that require TSA check), and chunky costume jewelry in the lid compartments.
7. Tuck leftovers—swimsuits, hosiery, underwear, scarves—into corners and any remaining nooks.
8. Cradle fragile souvenirs in your bulkiest sweaters and arrange them in the center of the bag.
Download my checklist here:
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