Whether you’re going on a weekend business trip into the city, or escaping for a week long vacation in the Caribbean, chances are you’re going to have to pack. Even as the excitement and anticipation of the trip itself builds, for most, packing is not a fun task. What will I wear? What should I bring? What if it’s cold out? But, wait maybe it’ll be hot. If you’re anything like me, all of the endless possibilities come swirling in and you’re officially prepared to pack away you’re entire closet, complete with backups and spares.
I most definitely fall into the always prepared, over packer category, but on the opposite end of the spectrum there is the dreaded under packer. What do you mean you didn’t bring swim trunks on our trip to the beach? I’m always amazed when I run into these people, and quite envious at the ease with which they pack. But today, no matter where on the spectrum you fall, here are a few tips on how to pack like a pro.
First thing’s first, start your trip on the right foot and pack early! There is nothing worse than packing at the last minute. It’s the perfect trap for the over packer in you: you’re out of time, you’re overwhelmed, you’re starting to worry, and as a result, pack all the things! Except, that’s exactly what you shouldn’t do. Avoid the added stress and pressure of packing at the last minute and plan in advance. Checklists are the perfect way for you to make sure you don’t forget anything important, yet don’t bring anything you don’t absolutely need either.
Speaking of planning in advance, pack outfits, not separates. You don’t want to end up on the trip with a fantastic top, without a pair of pants to match, or a pair of shorts that don’t look good with any of your shirts. Pack versatile pieces that can be worn interchangeably with different outfits, that way you can get more outfits out of fewer pieces instead of bringing your whole wardrobe. Remember, less is more!
If you’re packing any kind of liquids or toiletries, always put them inside a zip lock baggie first. The only thing worse than packing at the last minute is finally getting to your destination only to find that your shampoo decided it wanted to wash all of your clothing on the way over. As a plus, zip lock bags can be surprisingly useful on trips; trust me on that one.
When packing the actual bag, I’ve heard people swear by ‘the rolling method’ which basically requires rolling up clothing after you fold it and placing the rolls into the suitcase to maximize space. I’ve found clothes stay a bit less wrinkled if you fold them and layer them on top of each other carefully in the bag, using socks and underwear to fill in the extra spaces. When you arrive at your final destination, unpack immediately to minimize wrinkles. Especially for a business trip, consider leaving pieces on hangers so that you can put them straight into the closet upon arrival.
For baggage that is going to be checked, throw your bag onto a scale to check the weight before leaving. Not only will it help you to pack light, but it’s also a great way to ensure you avoid overweight baggage fees. Overweight bags are never fun, and while packing may not be all that fun either, it should be the easy part! Take time to plan for packing, just as you have taken the time to plan for your trip. Try out some of our tips for your next trip, and let us know what you think! What are some of your best packing tips?
Written by Stevie Guarino
