How To Make Packing For Your Next Getaway Easier

Packing, it's not too difficult, right? You just throw it all in your bag and go.  This method does not always work, especially if you want to fly with carry-on bags only or if you actually want to have everything you need when you arrive at your destination. Packing doesn't have to be difficult though. Over the years, I have learned a thing or two about packing for a trip that may help you too.

Packing List I have always been a "list girl."  Lists just make everything run smoother in my life.  Whether it is a grocery shopping list, a to-do list, or a packing list, lists help me stay on top of my chores.  That is unless I forget to bring the shopping list into the store with me, oops. Seriously, my number one helpful tip is having a packing list.  I look at the average weather in the location I am going to and start a list that I add to as I think of things. Will I need a raincoat? What types of footwear will I need? Do I want a camera along, my charging cord, or sunscreen?  I find it super helpful to write it all down, then gather these items in one spot.  Some items that I use on a daily basis, like my phone charger, may not be able to be added until the day of my trip.  Other items may need to be purchased before my trip. It sets my mind at ease to check things off my list as I add them to my "gathering spot."

Packing Cubes I have not always owned packing cubes, but they are a game changer!  If you are not familiar with packing cubes, they are pouches that zipper shut that you can put your clothes and other items into, that fit nicely into your suitcase or backpack.  Packing cubes not only help me fit more into my suitcase, but also importantly, they help me stay organized.  For example, I put all my shirts in one cube, shorts in another, under ware in another, etc.. When I'm on vacation I can throw the cubes in the hotel dresser or keep them in my suitcase, and they make it very easy to get dressed. Otherwise, my clothes used to get all jumbled up in the suitcase as the trip went on, even if they started out neat and organized.  I also throw in some empty packing cubes to fill with dirty clothes during the trip to keep them separated from my clean clothes.  I use a backpack as my personal item when flying, and packing cubes are helpful in there as well. I bring a cube full of snacks and a cube with all my chargers, battery packs, etc.

I really like this set of packing cubes  by OlarHike.  OlarHike's six cube set comes in various sizes and they fit perfectly into a carry-on suitcase, using all the space.  The different size cubes are great for different types of clothes.  This set even comes in eight different colors, so each family member could have their own color. I also like that they are lightweight and have a mesh side for breathability and make it easy to see what is inside! Check them out here if you are interested.

Hard-sided Suitcase For years I only had mismatched and hand-me-down suitcases. I wouldn't call myself cheap, maybe other people would, but I prefer to think of it as only spending money on what matters to me. This past year I finally made the decision to invest in new hard-sided Samsonite carry-on suitcases for myself and family.  It was a great decision!  First of all, it keeps me from packing too much stuff.  With the hard shell, I am not tempted to try to squeeze in two more sweatshirts at the last moment and break the zipper, oops again. It also keeps my items safe inside it's sleek, durable exterior. I enjoy it's cool features like a USB port for charging devices at the airport and the four multi-directional wheels that help me fly through the terminal with ease. We each have a different color Samsonite suitcase to cut down on the confusion when we travel together. Plus, they were very reasonably priced! Check them out here if you are interested.

Folding Trick Here's my recipe for getting the most clothes that I can into my suitcase. I already mentioned the packing cubes. What I didn't mention is my folding trick.  I make a stack of similar clothing, like shirts.  I lay all the shirts that I want to take along on my bed.  I stack them with the long sleeved shirts on the bottom, then short sleeved shirts, and finally tank tops. I fold in all the sleeves, then fold them all in half together at once, finally I fold the stack in half again to the size of the packing cube.  If they don't all fit in the packing cube, it is time to make the tough decision - which shirts need to stay home?  It is easier to take less pants or shorts.  I like to pack neutral bottoms that can be worn with several tops during the trip. I fold them in a similar way, stacking them up and then folding them all together. This folding trick will help you fit more clothes into your suitcase too!

Wearing Your Bulkiest On The Plane I always wear my bulkiest shoes or boots on the airplane. Sandals or canvas shoes are easy to slip into a gap between the packing cubes and the side of the suitcase. If I need a different type of shoe, I fill them with something, like under ware. Likewise, I wear my coat or a sweater on the plane. If it is too warm, I just take it off and use it as a pillow or sit on it.

Personal Item Don't forget to take advantage of the personal item that most airlines allow you to take. I use a JanSport backpack, it is the most durable backpack that I have ever owned, in fact we have owned several of them for many years. This bag will be under the seat in front of me during the flight, so I enjoy having the little exterior pockets to keep my flight essentials in - my water bottle, gum, and Apple AirPods. This backpack will also be handy to use during the vacation as a day pack. I place my bag of TSA size-approved toiletries at the top of the backpack to make it easy to grab at security. I place my passport and driver's license in it's own pocket, to also make them easy to find when needed. Or I wear them in a super thin RFID blocking passport wallet like this one. The backpack is also very comfortable to wear when traveling and is hands-free. 

Check out the backpack here if you are interested. 

Check out the AirPods here if you are interested.

Check out the Passport Wallet here if you are interested.

I'm sure by now you can tell that I enjoy flying with no checked bags.  I mentioned that I only like spending my money on things I care about, and paying the airlines to get my suitcases where I'm going isn't one of those things.  Not to mention, it is so nice to save time at the airport before and after my flight.  It feels so good to just get off the plane and start my vacation without standing around at the luggage carousel hoping that my bags made it. However, if you simply can not avoid checking a bag, consider putting Apple AirTags in your suitcases.  With this little piece of Bluetooth technology, you will always know where your bags are, even if the airline doesn't.  Hopefully, your suitcases never get misplaced, but if they do, this piece-of-mind tag will help you recover them faster. Check them out here if you are interested.

I hope these things will help your packing go a little more smoothly. Enjoy your next trip and happy adventuring!

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