Packing Efficiently
The hardest part of traveling is often what comes with you and what stays at home. Do you pack a carry on or do you need to check a bag? With airlines charging to check a bag I have fought to fit everything I need into a carryon. Here are my tips for packing efficiently for a five day trip with only a carryon.
1) Pack the small stuff. Start with underclothes, socks, pajamas, and gym clothes if you plan on working out on your trip. Accessories such as a purse, backpack and jewelry can also be easy to make a decision when you start packing. Roll as much of your clothes as you can!
2)Start your outfits with shoes. I personally like to build my outfits around footwear that is comfortable and can be worn more than once. For a five day trip I prefer to have 3 pairs of shoes (this includes the pair that I will wear while flying).
3)Check the Weather. Check the weather of the place you are traveling to. This will help you be prepared for whatever weather is on the way. 1 pair of water proof shoes and a raincoat go a long way! Once you know the weather, choose your clothes based on the weather each day. Several people will also build their outfits in their phone notes with pictures. This can be helpful if you aren’t sure how something will fit or how they will look together, try on the outfit and take a picture of it then add to your notes. These pictures can also help when thinking about what outerwear you want to wear. Typically you would only travel with one coat, so lets make sure it works for all your looks.
4)Actually Packing. People love packing cubes but I have taken it a step further and purchased compression packing cubes. They flatten your clothes so they take up even less space in your carryon. Every inch of space counts when you are traveling so if there is a hack to save space I will gladly try it! Get the cubes! I also like this backpack for traveling, it has a ton of pockets and you can fit all of your items in there as well.
5) TSA and the Liquids. I purchased travel sized lotion bottles once and I have continued to reuse and refill them all year long. If you happen to come across a travel sized container that seals well, use that so you don’t have to purchase every time you travel. For hair products, this is usually the toughest part. I would recommend purchasing a few travel containers or travel size hair products. If you are going somewhere where there is a Target you can check the app in advance and order prior to arrival so you can save yourself the heartache of packing the items and simply pick up upon arrival.
6) Did you forget something? Walk through your daily routine. Do you have each step for your morning/night routine? Is there a backup outfit or piece of clothing that you want to squeeze in, now is the time to assess if that item can fit.
7) Feminine Products. If you are a woman leaving the country pack your own feminine products, they tend to be very different outside of the US and no one needs those kinds of surprises. Its also nice to have them in your travel bag, since feminine products are terribly overpriced at the airport.
