I love traveling, but before going anywhere, you have to prepare! Packing is at the forefront of any trip and can make or break your adventure.
Spring break is coming up, and with it, travel time! I am a packing fanatic, so here are some of my top tips to pack efficiently.
- Picking the right bag
-
Packing starts with picking the right bag. In almost all situations I recommend a suitcase.
Suitcases offer more organization than a duffle bag, and usually more protection. I find duffle bags handy for weekend trips or when you have a small amount of items to keep at the foot of your bed. For longer trips, I will sometimes bring a foldable duffle bag to unfold and use for storage or day trips.
- One step at a time
-
Take packing one step at a time.
If you have the time, make a list! It doesn’t have to be super pretty, but write down everything you are thinking of bringing and break it down.
Start by just putting everything you are going to bring on a flat surface (I use my bed). This gives you time to visually see everything, physically make edits, and decide what goes in what bag.
Make sure to keep anything you might want during the ride accessible in a personal item-type bag.
- Inside the bag
-
For packing inside, I cannot say this enough… PACKING CUBES. These organizational tools make packing phenomenally more efficient. I can go on about these, but I already have an article about them, which I will link here.
When packing, try to know what your destination offers. Hotels usually offer hairdryers and basic soap, so it isn’t always necessary to fit a large hairdryer in your bag.
Also, make sure to check the weather of your destination, and keep your activities in mind. Jeans aren’t the most comfortable to hike in, so plan ahead!
- Mini Tips for inside the bag
-
Little packing tips to make everything run smoothly.
- Put a shower cap around your shoes to keep the rest of your bag clean.
- Wrap saran wrap at the top of your bottles and/or give your liquids each their own bag to prevent spills.
- Throw dryer sheets into your bag (and individual packing cubes) to keep everything smelling nice.
- Use every nook and cranny!! Put items in your shoes or purse.
- Use all of the features of your bag! Compression straps or inside pockets offer great last-minute space saving.
- After it’s packed
-
Once everything is packed, make sure to test a couple of things.
If you are flying, weigh that stuff. You can get a cheap bag weigher from Amazon or Walmart (I got mine from Ross). Make sure any checked bags are the correct weight, and make sure you can lift everything else.
Practice carrying your luggage up and down stairs. You might not always be able to use the wheels, so make sure you can handle what you have!
- TSA specifics
-
Check that what you are bringing is TSA-approved! Take a look at the online website and see what is and is not approved, you might be surprised.
TSA isn’t as scary as a lot of people think they are, they are just people doing their jobs. Just follow the posted signage, and let them know if you have trouble with anything they need from you.
You can bring a water bottle through! You just have to empty it prior (some airports have specific spots to dump your liquids). Make sure to take out your large electronics and wear socks that day.
*mini mention: weighted stuffed animals like the ones at Target tend to set off TSA, so they may need to check your bag if you have one. It isn’t a big deal, they just swipe it really quick and send you on your way.*
- Don’t Forget!!
-
Don’t forget important items!! Write it down on a sticky note and put the note ON YOUR BAG. Give yourself reminders, whatever you need.
Some items I always remind myself of:
- Charging chords/international plug adaptors
- Headphones
- PASSPORT/ID
- Wallet
- Water bottle (empty for TSA if flying)
Make sure to remember a luggage tag and luggage lock as well, you never know if these will come in handy!
- Products I love
-
- Foldable duffle bag. I throw this into my suitcase when I think I may need an extra bag for the way back. (bonus if it has a strap to sit on a suitcase)
- Foot hammock. This goes on the tray table of a plane and lets your feet sit a little higher for the flight, comfy!!
- Packing Cubes!!! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. I can’t pick a brand so my list is on here.
Hopefully, this gets you well-equipped for your next trip!! Happy Packing :)