If you’re
like me, packing light is a constant challenge. Instead of packing light, I’ve
realized that I should just try to pack smarter.
1. Creating a packing list:
· Check weather. Will it rain? Do I
need a coat or will a light jacket be enough?
· Determine your itinerary and list of
activities for each day.
· Stick to a color palette that can
mix and match. Choose items that are versatile and opt for layering clothes
than bulky items.
TIP: If you plan on doing laundry on your trip consider your color of
your clothes. On a recent trip, I was able to save by just doing one load by
keeping all my clothes in the dark colors. Unless you're bringing enough
clothes to maximize two separate loads for the light and dark colors.
· I then plot out on a calendar the
list of the day’s activities and outfit.
· Then it’s time for the shoes and
accessories. Do you need a hat? Will you need boots or rubber shoes?
· For toiletries, I transfer to
smaller travel bottles, my usual toiletries to save space. I always bring a small
sewing kit. Big hotels usually have but if you’ll be staying at hostels or
budget hotels they usually don’t provide such amenities.
My Must Have Travel Accessories:
o
If
traveling abroad, check the electrical voltage and plugs. I also bring an
extension cord. This is especially useful on cruise ships and if you have a lot
of gadgets to charge.
o
Luggage
scale. Avoid paying for overweight baggage.
o
Travel
journal.
o
Gadget
chargers
o
Laundry
bag
o
Extra
bag.
2. Packing Your Bag
In the
past, I’d usually pack the same things together. If you’ll be traveling to one
hotel and are able to unpack this is no problem. But I’ve learned that it was
easier to pack outfits rolled together when traveling to multiple destinations
or when there is limited area to unpack. For instance, when I traveled last
staying at hostels. I had to unpack and repack every time I needed to get
something from my suitcase. With limited area and storage space to unpack, it
was tiresome and I had to unpack in the hallway not to disrupt the other people
in the room. So I’ve learned to put together in packing cubes my clothes for
each segment of the trip. This way I just had to bring this out on the specific
place.
I found
this handy label for each day from Pink Label. It helps me complete the outfits
per day and helps me pack it afterwards. After completing, I roll each outfit
together and pack it in packing cubes. Then finally putting it all together in
the suitcase.
I include a
label with my information inside the suitcase in case my luggage tag gets lost
in transit. I attach a label tag and a printed ribbon on the outside. Sometimes
I also use cute luggage covers to easily spot my suitcase on the conveyor belt
and to protect it while in transit.
#packing
#packsmart #travelcubes