As an organizer, packing for a trip should be a breeze, but sometimes I find it can be stressful and challenging to make sure I’m making the right decisions of what goes in the carry-on, the tote/purse and the checked luggage. That is if I am checking luggage. Unless I am going somewhere for longer than a week, I typically don’t check a bag. So that means the carry-on bag better be a work of art, packed to perfection. Here are some of my packing and travel tips.
- Lists – I use the app AnyList and I have several packing lists for traveling based on temperature/season/location. This helps tremendously as I don’t need to reinvent the list each time, I can just call it up and check items off as I pack.
- Order of Packing – I recommend packing clothes first and then self-care and make-up. I find once I’ve made decisions about the clothes and shoes to bring then the hardest part is done. Though portioning out products into airline approved containers can take time, I find the clothing piece takes more energy and there is a sense of relief when those decisions are made.
- Capsule Wardrobe – embracing a full-on capsule wardrobe or an almost capsule wardrobe will really help with clothing decisions and guide you to take fewer clothes. Usually for me the base is either in the blue, black or tan color family which allows for easy mixing and matching of complimentary colors. Bringing accessories and a sweater/jacket that can change the look helps stretch the travel wardrobe.
- Clear Self-Care Bag – is helpful to use when going through security as all appropriately sized products can be seen clearly. On our last trip going through security, I observed many travelers transferring liquids to plastic bags to go through the scanner. All I had to do was take out my clear self-care/cosmetic bag and I was set.
- Slip on Shoes – no bending down to take off shoes is necessary if slip on shoes are worn. It is more comfortable on the plane too.
- TripIt – this is a great app that organizes all travel logistics into one place. The free version works fine for me.
- Curate a bring next time list – I find inevitably there are things that I discover or see other travelers with that I think I do want to add to my travel list. Some recent additions for me are a sun umbrella, personal fan, thin travel towel for outdoor concerts or picnics, and a better portable charger.
Wishing you happy travels as the wonderful season of summer gets closer to winding down.