In a few very short days I leave for my spring break trip. Have I began packing? Abso-fruitley not.
I am a habitual over-packer. Ask my mom, grandma, girlfriend, any of my friends, they all know it. What I take for one week could supply anyone else for a least a month.
But they say the first step to overcoming a problem is recognizing you have one, at least I’ve made it that far.
I’m not sure if I over-pack because I am also an unwavering procrastinator (we all have our flaws), and I just panic last-minute and throw everything in my suitcase or it is because I genuinely believe I need 86 items of clothing for FOUR days. I just like to be prepared.
This time I’m making an effort to do better and pack less. After Pinterest-planning and writing in my notes to procrastinate doing something else, I have come up with a list of packing tips to help me this time around.
Keep in mind, we are driving so I’m not bound by airport regulations.
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Pack your suitcase by rolling instead of folding and stacking to optimize space
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Pack HALF of what you think you need. Make a list, and cut it all down. The likelihood that I will actually wear five different dresses plus all my other clothes during five days is just not realistic.
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Pack mix-and-match essentials, especially bathing suits, and one-piece outfits like dresses and rompers.
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Condense liquids like shower necessities into small travel bottles, especially ones you can throw away before you leave, making room for any new souvenirs picked up during the trip.
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Pack beach bag ahead of time – go ahead and store beach towels, sunscreen, etc. in the beach bag during the car time. This keeps the bulky towels out of your suitcase and saves on time later.
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Don’t forget you can buy things there. This goes especially for things like hygiene products, razors, and even beach chairs/toys that you have plenty of access to without having to take up packing space.
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Narrow down shoes to just a few pair. I normally need an entire extra bag just for shoes and only wear two of them the entire trip. Pick a few pairs that match everything and even wear one during travel.
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You don’t need your entire hair and makeup collection for a relaxed vacation. The beach more than anywhere is the place I tend to let the salt water work its miracles and keep the makeup minimal.
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Prioritize comfort – you’ll be happier with fewer options if you feel great in all of them.
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Bring e-books, not real books. I always *try* to read on vacation, but usually ends up in heavy books weighing down my suitcase and never being read.