With these ultimate packing tips for vacation, you will be more than prepared for your next adventure. From my own personal experience of overpacking, I realized that I needed to reevaluate my own packing process. Hence, these experiences have led me to find more space for what I actually need to bring with me. This post is all about packing tips for vacation.
Furthermore, I knew I needed to reevaluate my packing problem, better yet an overpacking problem, when I was coming home from Florida one year. The kind gentleman at the gate told me that my suitcase was never going to fit.
Well, lo and behold, I literally had to step aside, and start unpacking and stuffing my items every which way to lessen the bulk. Already embarrassed about moving aside while others were boarding, I literally started sitting on my luggage to smash my overpacked mess down. Yes, I was sweating by this point!
It was quite the scene, and I was really embarrassed by it all. Needless to say, with that behind me, I now know that I must try to eliminate items and organize my suitcase.
This post is all about packing tips for vacation.
Table of Contents
Packing Tips for Vacation
Research Your Vacation
With all travel, there seems to be both excitement and anxiety at times.
Perhaps, this is why people overpack and just start stuffing items into their bags. Maybe this doesn’t seem to be an end of the world problem, but it really is a huge hindrance when traveling.
Furthermore, you don’t want to be bogged down by your luggage. Instead, you want to enjoy your trip. So what do you need? You need to do just a little research.
Check the Amenities at the Hotel
Regardless of whether you are staying at a hotel or renting a home, check to see if any amenities are included. This way you are eliminating overpacking items that will already be available for you to use.
For instance, if they include body wash and a hair dryer, then you are making extra space with just those two items.
Check the Weather Report
Of course, this isn’t always the most accurate option; however, the weather report will definitely help you prepare how many layers you may need.
Also, you could check what the normal temperatures are for that area for that time of year.
Before You Pack
Select a Color Scheme for Clothes
Try to stick with just one shade. For instance, if you are going to pack a black shirt, then avoid packing brown items or navy blue. Unless, you have shoes, purses, and accessories that blend well with your color choice. Furthermore, if not, then you are going to end up overpacking, and this is how it goes wrong.
Thus, stick to something like neutral shades and work your way through the outfits you will need. If you know that you have an important event planned, try to have your outfit tried on and ready to go prior to packing.
If your zipper doesn’t work or there is a spot on your planned outfit, then this way you avoid these chaotic problems the day of the event.
Pick Easy Fabrics
Another great way to avoid having completely wrinkled clothes is to select easy fabrics that don’t wrinkle easily.
According to Who What Wear, six of the best wrinkle-free fabrics are wool, lyocell, polyester, cashmere, knit, and spandex.
Selecting these types of fabrics, will allow you to easily live out of your suitcase.
Also, if you want to bring a steamer with you, you could try out this travel steamer.
Pack in Layers
Also, try to think about layers that work well together. For instance, if the weather drastically changes, will you be prepared?
By packing a tank, a t-shirt, a long sleeve, a cardigan, and a jacket, you will be more than ready to brave the elements. Of course, try to make sure that they fit your color scheme too.
Plan to Wear Your Bulkiest Items
Additionally, wear your bulkiest items in the car or on the plane. For example, if you are planning on packing your running shoes, just wear those on the plane. Also, if you are just set on bringing a blanket scarf, just wear that too. Plus, it could double as a cover on the plane.
With these bigger items outside of your suitcase, you are freeing up extra space for those things that you couldn’t leave behind.
The Packing Process
Lay It All Out & Edit
Once you have all of your outfits ready to go, set them out on your bed or floor area.
Now, really look over each item and think about whether you are truly going to use that item. Furthermore, if you don’t like wearing that item consistently now, then you probably won’t pick it on vacation either. Therefore, kindly get rid of that item to make more space.
Also, by making these edits, you are making room for possible purchases. Who would be upset about that?
Categorize Like Items
Now that you have your items selected, categorize like items, and when you are going to actually wear those items.
For instance, if you are going on a three-day trip on a Friday, place your Sunday items under everything and then work your way to your most immediately used pieces.
Roll Don’t Fold
As tightly as possible, roll all of your clothing options. Also, be sure to keep those items in their categories for easy unpacking.
With all of these packing tips for vacation, remember that you are putting this emphasis on what goes in the bag so that you don’t have to stress about your items. Nonetheless, you will spend more time having fun and enjoying your trip.
Another tip for when you are coming home, stuff your dirty clothes within your packed shoes to free up space there as well.
Optional Items for Packing Tips for Vacation
Waterproof Bags
If you are planning on swimming or even working out, these waterproof bags are great for wet clothes.
Also, this allows you to really pack your bag without having to worry about these clothes ruining your other clean clothes on the way home. That will be one less thing you have to do upon returning. So that’s one positive!
Secure Your Toiletries
So this is where things can go wrong. Yes, those cosmetics and toiletry items can be tricky to keep closed and secured when your bag shifts or air pressure changes, but with a double zip double bag, you are sure to find a mess-free suitcase.
Nonetheless, just take your cosmetics and toiletries and place them in a zip lock bag. Then, take out all of the air, and secure them into another bag. Perhaps, this seems a little too cautious, and I get that. Nevertheless, this is a surefire guarantee that all will remain well.
Of course, you can stick these bags into your prettier cosmetic bag too. Don’t judge me too much for traveling with Up and Up bags stuffed with my beauty products and necessities.
Your Bag Is Ready – Zip It Up
Without a thing left on your packing list, you are ready to zip that bag up and enjoy your trip!
Remember, if you did forget something, there is always a Target. (fingers crossed)
This post is all about packing tips for vacation.
& Remember
Start with the Bed,
Juliet
