10 Tips for Easy Packing

My role at work has changed recently and I’ve been traveling…a LOT! I am becoming a better packer with each trip so I thought I’d share some of my tricks.  For anyone who isn’t a regular “road warrior” or fears over- packing and doesn’t like to drag along a large suitcase on those 3-5 day trips…here are some tips for packing smartly, lightly, and swiftly so you can focus on your trip and not what you may have forgotten!

• Step #1: Invest in decent luggage! I admit I spent more than I’d planned but I’m really pleased that I now have what are referred to in the luggage world as “spinners.”  My bags have 4 wheels allowing me to roll them forward, backward and sideways.  I can also tip them for pulling on carpet or roll them upright on linolium and marble floors.  The less pulling and tugging you have to do the more relaxed you’ll be while traveling.  In addition, my luggage also has handles on top, bottom and side making it easy to lift into the car and a hidden zipper pocket in the top of each bag which easily fits my smaller items like; toiletries, jewelry, make up and/or sweats and shoes.
• Step #2: Start with a list. You’ll find that when you list your day to day needs it helps you to be more organized and you’re likely not to forget anything.  Record your events by day and fill in what you plan to wear for each.  You’ll be able to see at a glance what you can mix/match and or if you have too much.  (P.S. If you keep your list with you and your luggage is lost it will come in handy to help you make fast time at a store replacing those items you need).
• Step #3: Get a good toiletry bag! I found one at the Container Store that I really love.  It’s got plenty of pockets that zip closed so if something leaks it only effects one chamber.  It folds flat in my luggage and has a hanger for hooking to a towel rack in the hotel bathroom. Convenient!
• Step #4: Keep the toiletry bag packed with the basics you always travel with (deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrush, etc.) and restock after each trip.  With some of this  advance work done, it’s essentially ready to go when you are the next time you need it…this is particularly handy if you do a lot of  last minute travel.
• Step #5: Tuck items such as belts, socks, stockings, underwear, etc. inside shoes. This will not only save you essential space but it’s handy in the morning when you pull out the shoes you’ll be wearing and your matching socks or belt are right inside.
• Step #6: Rollin’, rollin’, rollin’…aside from being a great song this is the absolute BEST TIP I’ve ever learned!  By rolling your casual and corporate casual clothing (not suits, please) you are not only creating additional space in your suitcase but if you do so carefully  you can also prevent wrinkling!
• Step #7: Mix and Match your clothes. It’s handy to pick a color theme for your trip.  If you are going to be in a corporate casual environment during the day but need to dress more formally for an evening event, simply add a blazer to dress up your khaki slacks, dress or slack and sweater set.  You can toss in one pair of dress shoes that will work for all evening events…it’s easier to add an additional pair of shoes than packing an entire additional outfit for each evening function.  For ladies, toss in some dressier jewelry as it’s an easy thing to add as far as space goes and it will take your work day wear up a notch in the evening.
• Step #8: Take a close look. There’s nothing worse then bringing an outfit you haven’t worn in a while (i.e. it’s cold at home, but you’re traveling to a warm location) and pulling it out at your destination only to find that it doesn’t fit as well as it used to.  You also don’t want to find a spot on a jacket that you hadn’t noticed at home, or a missing button after picking up and packing a garment from the dry cleaner…yikes!
• Step #9: Remember your plastic bag for liquids. Though they’re getting better, not all airports have a bag handy for you as you approach security.  I keep one handy in my luggage so I when I open the bag to pack it’s the first thing I see.  I fill the bag with any liquids that might be an issue for a carry on going through inspection and have it handy to simply pull out and place in the bin.
• Step #10: Pack for the TIA! You never know when you’ll be picked for a bag inspection and you don’t want your dainties to be seen by all so it behooves you to pack for the boys and girls in white and blue when you get ready for your trip.  In addition, by keeping a possible inspection in mind you’ll be careful not to overpack as those bags take longer to inspect and can be more difficult to repack/close.

Please share your handy tips to make packing easier and travel safely!