Who out there loves packing for vacation? I do! Yes, it’s true I actually love packing for vacations. Years ago I used to dread packing, but over the years I’ve researched the best packing tips and modified some to make them work better for me. I’ve got my packing tips down to a science now and don’t even start packing weeks in advance like I used to. Below I’ve shared my packing process and my best packing tips to make travel prep stress-free.
11 Packing Tips for Any Trip
1. Buy suitcases that stand out. They don’t need to be obnoxious patterns or neon colours to stand out. I just mean, don’t buy dark coloured suitcases! Or buy them, so mine continue to stand out. We have 2 identical light grey hard shell suitcases, bright blue luggage belts and patterned luggage tags. Our suitcases stand out in a sea of dark coloured suitcases on the conveyor belt, without looking embarrassing. This way we won’t accidentally run off with someone else’s luggage, and we will see ours if someone grabs it by mistake.
2. Check the weather 5-7 days before your trip. By checking the weather it will help you decide what to pack. If it’s going to be hot, cool, or somewhere in-between you will be able to select the right clothes for the destination.
3. Inventory your clothing. Check your closet to make sure you have the right clothes for the destination and that they all fit you. If not you have time to do a quick shopping trip.
4. Type out a packing list with specific categories: clothing, accessories, shoes, toiletries, carry-on items, purse items, important documents. I have found over the years that typing it out is so much easier because you can make slight edits for different trips and save it as that trip name. You can always refer back or modify for a similar trip in the future.
5. Print the list. Yes, print the list on an actual piece of paper. It’s helpful to be able to cross of items as you put them into your luggage so you don’t forget anything. You can also keep this list on you in case your luggage is lost and you need to remember what you actually packed in it.
6. Use packing cubes. My packing game was taken to the next-level when I invested in two sets of packing cubes. I used to do the rolling method which caused serious wrinkles to my clothes. It also took much longer to roll everything. Another point to consider is that without packing cubes your clothes would be everywhere if there was a zipper malfunction on your suitcase. With my packing cubes I can avoid almost all of the wrinkles, and my undies won’t be on the luggage carousel if my suitcase busts open.
7. Pack half and half. I typically travel with my husband and am in charge of the packing. I have an irrational fear of losing my luggage so I always pack half of my outfits with half of my husband’s outfits in one suitcase. The other half of our clothes go in the second suitcase. When it comes to toiletries, I try to split them evenly between the suitcases to keep them relatively the same weight.
8. Use freezer bags. I always buy extra large freezer bags to pack my toiletries and double bag them. It has multiple benefits: you can see everything inside, it’s waterproof and you can always use one of the freezer bags for dirty laundry or dirty shoes on the way home. It’s not very stylish, but once you’ve had a container of Moroccan oil explode in your suitcase, function trumps style.
9. Carry your valuables with you. Don’t put anything valuable in your luggage! It seems pretty straightforward, but I’ve heard many stories of people missing things from their luggage (they usually don’t lock it though, so double shame on them!). Carry any valuables with you, or try not to bring non-essential valuables with you on vacation.
10. Lock your luggage. I know luggage locks are easy to break open or cut off, but it adds a little peace of mind on your travels.
11. Store travel gear in a storage tote between trips.After I get back from a trip (not immediately because I actually hate unpacking) I put all of my travel gear neatly back into a storage bin. Then I know where everything is for our next trip and if I need to buy anything I write a note and stick it on the lid.
So there you have my top 11 packing tips to help you prepare for any trip. If you’re looking for specific packing lists, packing inspiration or additional destination packing tips you can refer to my printable packing lists for:
