Whether your trip is for leisure or business purposes, there are some key things you can do to make packing a little easier. Follow these smart packing tips to help reduce stress while traveling.
Pre-plan for Efficient Packing
- Make an activities and events plan. Know what events you’re attending before hand so the items you pack will coincide with your plans.
- Know the details of where you’re staying. Becoming familiar with your lodging is beneficial. Being aware of the landscape can save you from packing clothing that will dirty easily. Check whether there are laundry facilities so you can more accurately plan the amount of clothing you should take.
- Know the airline luggage rules. To avoid added stress and fees, it’s good to know the largest dimensions and allowable weight for each bag, as well as how many pieces of luggage you can check. Keep in mind only a few airlines, like Jet Blue, don’t charge for carry ons.
- Make a checklist and stick to it. Much of what you put on your checklist should come directly from your activities and events plan, however, items can get left out. To be sure you listed everything, you might find it helpful to use a generalized checklist. You can find some quick and handy pre-made checklists courtesy of Susan Foster’s smart packing lists.
- Avoid over-packing. When making your checklist, avoid adding “might need” items. If your thinking of packing an item not listed on your checklist, or adding an item that you don’t specifically need, think again. The key is to pack less. Make sure you can match the items on your checklist to the plans on your activities/events plan.
Keep it light: Carry on Bags
It’s important to have a well-packed carry on with you during travel, in case luggage is lost or delayed (know your rights). Think of which items you would need with you to make it through 24-48 hours without the rest of your luggage.
Here are some items you’ll want close by.
Your absolute needs:
- Your passport or another official form of ID
- Money
- Prescriptions, including eyeglasses, and/or any other medical devices that you use
Your basic needs:
- A change of clothes, include an extra outfit, night-clothes, and undergarments
- A toothbrush, toothpaste, shaving kit, makeup, and other hygiene items
Your comforts:
- A travel pillow and blanket
- A book, deck of cards, or other source of entertainment
The key, again? Keep your bag light, but be prepared. Your carry on could be your best friend in the midst of a travel glitch.
Condense, Condense, Condense
When you’re planning what clothing to take, think of easy to care for materials. Synthetic fabrics wrinkle less and dry faster. Also, plan to take items which can be layered easily. Pick 1 or 2 versatile colors that can mix and match, and remember, dark colors look clean longer than light colors.
Because toiletries and cosmetics can weigh your bag down, condense them into the smallest possible containers. Buying travel and trial size supplies will allow you to bring the things you need while using minimal space.
When it’s all is said and done, condense. The key to smart packing is: travel light!
