Let’s Get Packing
Spring Break is almost here!
Who else is ready for a change of scenery?!
Spring break couldn’t be coming at a better time for me. I’m itching to get away from our normal routine. We packed the car a few weekends ago and hauled the fam to New Orleans for a long weekend and had the best time! Now it’s time to hop on a plane and really get out of dodge.
But what’s the BEST WAY TO PACK?
I always start by asking myself a few questions to lay the groundwork for success:
How many days/nights am I traveling?
What’s the weather going to be like?
Are there any special occasions/outings that I need to pack for?
Do I want to check a bag or only carry-on?
I do not enjoy being caught on vacation without my essentials. However, I do keep in mind that if I forget anything that’s vitally important, I’ll probably be able to buy a replacement when I get there (fingers crossed).
Now for the packing…
Make a list of essentials - these are the items you cannot live without. For me, this includes undergarments, pjs, toiletries, and any trip-specific or weather-specific items that are too expensive to buy a replacement if I forget them. If you have a list, you won’t forget to put it in your suitcase (fingers crossed!).
Plan out each day’s outfit - What do I want to wear on Day 1… Day 2… Make sure to take into account any special activities and needed items for those (hiking boots, swimsuits, etc.)
Pack light - I can’t stress this enough. Unless you want to haul 10 suitcases, you’ve got to pair it down. Can you remix items into different outfits without bringing additional pieces? By wearing the same shirt with a different bottom, or by adding a sweater, you can change the entire look and have a “new” outfit from what’s already in the suitcase. And if you can do laundry at your final destination, you’re winning!
File-fold your clothes - Pack the suitcase just like you would your dresser. The amount of space you can save by folding the right way is shocking. Plus, you can see everything you’ve brought at a glance!
Pack shoes in a shoe bag - Whether you like a canvas bag or a simple plastic bag, keep your shoes from touching your clean clothes! Tuck an extra shoe bag inside a shoe to double as a dirty laundry bag. And don’t forget to stuff socks and other small items into shoes as a space saver!
SHOE TIP - I always wear my largest shoes onto the airplane - simple trick to save space in the suitcase
Use a jewelry organizer - Accessories always finish the outfit, even when you’re on vacation. And there’s nothing worse than unpacking your jewelry and finding a necklace knotted up, earrings missing, you name it. A small investment in a zip-organizer with lots of handy compartments makes finding the perfect bracelet for your dinner out a snap.
Travel-sized toiletries are a must - Don’t try lugging a full-sized shampoo in your suitcase. If you can’t find a travel-size version of your toiletries, make your own. There are so many containers out there that can save space and keep you from checking a bag!
Use a large tote or backpack as your personal item - I don’t like to send anything under the plane that can melt, is valuable to me, or that can be damaged by the unknown trip your checked bag will take. I use the largest personal item I can get away with that will rest nicely on top of my carry-on suitcase. By using compact containers for jewelry, toiletries, etc., everything fits nicely together like a puzzle. I even put my purse inside the larger bag to make the best use of the under-seat space.
Now that your suitcase is packed, let’s go!!