He who would travel happily must travel light.
– Antoine de St. Exupery
Every journey begins with a well-packed suitcase.
– Andrea Walker, CPO
Tip 1: Travel Light
I’m a fan of traveling with only a carry-on bag and a personal item. It makes the entire process of air travel that much easier. It’s entirely possible to travel for over a week with just a carry-on bag and I’ll show you how.
Tip 2: Start Big
Start by gathering ALL the garments you anticipate needing. Then, edit with the intention of putting half of them back. Look at what you gathered. Do you see multiples? Do you see clothing you’ve never worn before? New shoes? What items can do double duty?
The excitement of travel may lead you to imagine multiple outfit changes per day. Our mind is chock full of what-ifs “What if I go horseback riding? What if we go out to fancy dinners eight nights in a row?” Keep to a reasonable amount of items by looking at what you are planning to do while on vacation. What might you need for planned activities – beach days, site seeing, travel, evening? Be realistic and aim to wear items multiple times.
Pro Tip: Travel is not the time to try new things (never bring new shoes on vacation, for example). You want to be comfortable.
Tip 3: Go with a Color Scheme
Select clothes in the same color family, or keep it all neutral with a pop of one color. When surveying the large pile of potential items, arrange possible outfits. Flexibility is key. Mix and match tops and bottoms – do the outfits work? Will you be comfortable? Pack more tops than bottoms. Avoid items that can be only worn for one event.
Pro Tip: Choose forgiving fabrics like knits or synthetics that resist wrinkles and are versatile (some garments can do double duty, like yoga pants that moonlight as pajamas).
Tip 4: Use Packing Cubes
Not sure what I’m talking about? Packing cubes are basically zippered pouches that come in a variety of sizes and quantities but typically come in sets of three: S/M/L
They will change how you travel.
How you use them is really up to you but I recommend grouping similar items together. Use the larger cubes for the bulkier items like pants or sweaters. Use the cubes to pack outfits or categories. In either case you can fit a lot into these cubes that then fit neatly into your suitcase.
As you pack (with or without packing cubes) roll softer garments and fold stiffer ones. Arrange rolled items in the bottom of the suitcase and layer folded garments on top. Alternate waist bands and collars.
Pro Tip: Use dry-cleaning bags in between items. It’s like Botox for your clothes. Because of the bag’s slippery surface, folded clothes don’t stay in one place long enough for creases to set.
Tip 5: Dedicated Toiletries Bag
Avoid forgetting your toothbrush or other items by keeping a dedicated toiletries bag with all your must-have items. Review it prior to each trip to refill your travel size items and add anything new. This is the faster and easiest way to grab and go.
In summary, packing doesn’t have to be stressful or time-consuming. With these key strategies you can pack “light” and still have plenty of options.
BONUS
Your Shoes and Accessories:
Step 1: Follow the rules of three. Consider one casual sandal or loafer, sneakers, and an evening shoe to be your holy trinity. Wear the heaviest pair and pack the other two.
Step 2: Stuff shoes with socks, belts, and other accessories (recommend that sunglasses and electronic items be in your personal item). Or tuck belts around the perimeter of the suitcase – though I recommend choosing one appropriate belt and wearing it on the plane.
Step 3: Slip shoes into dedicated shoe bags or use grocery bags – anything to protect your clothes from dirty shoes and make them easier to squeeze in the side.
Pro Tip:A gate change may mean a mad-dash through the airport so we suggest comfortable walking or running shoes on those travel days.
Your Jewelry:
Minimize the jewelry you bring – wear your most expensive pieces on the plane and consider double-duty accent pieces – just as you selected a color scheme – do the same for jewelry – pick all silver or all gold, leave behind the truly expensive items. Use a soft-sided jewelry organizer (less weight to carry) and tuck it into your personal item (never check your jewelry).
Your Dirty Laundry:
I’m always asked about dirty laundry – my best advice – unless something is truly dirty, I refold or rehang items after wearing because you need to have the option to re-wear it. So, don’t ball it up and put it with your dirty underwear. That said, we all end up with some dirty laundry and you can simply use a grocery bag, purchase a dedicated travel laundry bag, or allocate one of your packing cubes for dirty laundry.
I hope this quick packing refresher course makes your next trip a smooth & easy one. Need a little more help preparing? Reach out and we’ll work our magic in no time!