Lifes game of tetris: Packing
This is what you've been practicing for, packing for a trip in an overnight for a week long vacation. Can you do it while still having options? I like to think you can!
I've read dozens of articles on packing tips and tricks. Some useful, some unrealistic. I am here to give you my two cents!
Become a Meteorologist
Track that weather forecast, but know it's weather and well it may change! Also, if your visiting multiple locations that you need to be prepared for ALMOST anything!
Knowing the weather is step 1 in my travel packing game. It helps me get an idea of what items I may need and things I can cut if space does not permit it!
Activities, Activities and more Activities!
Whether your planning a spa weekend to just relax or a bachelorette party in Vegas, have an idea of what you may get into on your trip. I always try to workout, just because it keeps me sane and I tend to indulge more on vacation and would like to come back from vacation without gaining 10 lbs. Packing my running shoes and some workout clothes is essential! The nice thing is these kind of clothes can be worn as pj's before working out in them and hand washed if need be. In addition to workout gear, I almost always pack a swimsuit. Let's face it, hotels often have pools and you never know when you'll want to take a dip. So just pack one, they are so small and a bikini top can also double as a bra depending on the style and your support needs.
Time to Start Pulling Options
You've checked the weather and decided you won't be hiking the Himalayas, time to start pulling options. It might sound crazy, but I start laundry and pulling items a week before my trip. I lay everything out on my guest bed or floor and literally pull what every I'm into at the moment. Often laying out enough clothes to last a month. I'm a dress/romper girl, they are a complete outfit all in one, making them a go to travel option. I usually try to pull 4 dresses/ rompers because they can be dresses up for a fancy night out or down for the day. I always pack 1 pair of jeans and 1 pair of leggings, these too are basics that you can play with depending on your agenda. Tops are my kryptonite, they are the hardest for me to decide on and need to go with either jeans or my leggings. The only nice thing about tops are they tend to be smaller so you can pack more while saving space. Sweaters are hard, but I say keep it down to two, if your traveling with a friend or man sharing is caring! I don't over pack intimates either since you can hand wash them on your travels. So just pack enough to last a few days. Lastly, shoes.... I always pack three shoes; sneaker, flats and boots. I usually wear my boots on the plane and the other two can get smashed in the bag. If I have to pack heels I usually forgo some items to give more space.
The Final Act: Packing Part 1 The Carry On
I've picked my clothes and now it's time to put it in the bag... I go with the rolling trick! I stack like clothes on top of each other and roll them in to little logs. This keeps them organized and as wrinkle free as possible. I am weird about my shoes touching my clothes so I always save those linen bags that come in purses, why they don't always come with shoes amazes me, but I always put my shoes in them. They then can work as a dirty clothes bag when coming home. Depending on what I'm packing I put my shoes on the bottom of the bag. I always stuff my socks in the shoes to save space. I like to put my big items in first then shove my intimates in the small space pockets on the side.
More demonstrations of the "rolling" technique!
The Final Act: Packing Part 2 Everything Else
Now on to the backpack. Here is where I put electronics, accessories and beauty supplies. First, I never pack a blow dryer and I have a mini Wet brush I bring to save space. If I'm staying in a hotel they always have a blow dryer and most airbnb's have them too! If not I shower at night to let my hair air dry over night. When it comes to beauty I pack 1 liquids bag and 1 dry makeup bag. Minis are awesome because they can be ditched at the end of the trip making a little more room coming home, but I also have specific product I CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT, those go in the travel size container I got from Target. A tip I picked up from Jen Atkin, the hair guru, is to pack your own pillow case, its brilliant! I suffer from acne and you never know what is on the pillows from airplanes. I invested in a silk pillow case so it's a nice luxury when traveling. Necessary items in my beauty bag are eye masks, moisturizing face spray and an acne spot treatment! Disinfectant wipes are also a must! I don't want to come off as a germaphobe, but no offense to the airplanes , but they can be dirty and I'm not trying to get sick on my trip. I use them to wipe down my airplane space. Lastly, I always pack snack because I hate over paying for treats at the airport!
When it's all said and done packing can be a pain in the ass, but if you give yourself some time and try out some of my tips it can make it less frantic/last minute and you can travel without feeling like you have nothing to wear! Don't forget to leave yourself a little space in case you want to bring something back!
Leave a comment below of what you liked and what you want me to review or blog about next!
I've read dozens of articles on packing tips and tricks. Some useful, some unrealistic. I am here to give you my two cents!
Become a Meteorologist
Track that weather forecast, but know it's weather and well it may change! Also, if your visiting multiple locations that you need to be prepared for ALMOST anything!
Knowing the weather is step 1 in my travel packing game. It helps me get an idea of what items I may need and things I can cut if space does not permit it!
Activities, Activities and more Activities!
Whether your planning a spa weekend to just relax or a bachelorette party in Vegas, have an idea of what you may get into on your trip. I always try to workout, just because it keeps me sane and I tend to indulge more on vacation and would like to come back from vacation without gaining 10 lbs. Packing my running shoes and some workout clothes is essential! The nice thing is these kind of clothes can be worn as pj's before working out in them and hand washed if need be. In addition to workout gear, I almost always pack a swimsuit. Let's face it, hotels often have pools and you never know when you'll want to take a dip. So just pack one, they are so small and a bikini top can also double as a bra depending on the style and your support needs.
Time to Start Pulling Options
You've checked the weather and decided you won't be hiking the Himalayas, time to start pulling options. It might sound crazy, but I start laundry and pulling items a week before my trip. I lay everything out on my guest bed or floor and literally pull what every I'm into at the moment. Often laying out enough clothes to last a month. I'm a dress/romper girl, they are a complete outfit all in one, making them a go to travel option. I usually try to pull 4 dresses/ rompers because they can be dresses up for a fancy night out or down for the day. I always pack 1 pair of jeans and 1 pair of leggings, these too are basics that you can play with depending on your agenda. Tops are my kryptonite, they are the hardest for me to decide on and need to go with either jeans or my leggings. The only nice thing about tops are they tend to be smaller so you can pack more while saving space. Sweaters are hard, but I say keep it down to two, if your traveling with a friend or man sharing is caring! I don't over pack intimates either since you can hand wash them on your travels. So just pack enough to last a few days. Lastly, shoes.... I always pack three shoes; sneaker, flats and boots. I usually wear my boots on the plane and the other two can get smashed in the bag. If I have to pack heels I usually forgo some items to give more space.
 |
| I know this looks like a hot mess of a situation, but I just pull like items and put them in piles. The the hard part, what to actually pack! |
I've picked my clothes and now it's time to put it in the bag... I go with the rolling trick! I stack like clothes on top of each other and roll them in to little logs. This keeps them organized and as wrinkle free as possible. I am weird about my shoes touching my clothes so I always save those linen bags that come in purses, why they don't always come with shoes amazes me, but I always put my shoes in them. They then can work as a dirty clothes bag when coming home. Depending on what I'm packing I put my shoes on the bottom of the bag. I always stuff my socks in the shoes to save space. I like to put my big items in first then shove my intimates in the small space pockets on the side.
 |
| I have pulled about 5 dresses laying them on top of each other. |
 |
| First fold the sides in..... |
 |
| Then start to roll, like a burrito, sushi or cigarette if your into that! |
The Final Act: Packing Part 2 Everything Else
Now on to the backpack. Here is where I put electronics, accessories and beauty supplies. First, I never pack a blow dryer and I have a mini Wet brush I bring to save space. If I'm staying in a hotel they always have a blow dryer and most airbnb's have them too! If not I shower at night to let my hair air dry over night. When it comes to beauty I pack 1 liquids bag and 1 dry makeup bag. Minis are awesome because they can be ditched at the end of the trip making a little more room coming home, but I also have specific product I CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT, those go in the travel size container I got from Target. A tip I picked up from Jen Atkin, the hair guru, is to pack your own pillow case, its brilliant! I suffer from acne and you never know what is on the pillows from airplanes. I invested in a silk pillow case so it's a nice luxury when traveling. Necessary items in my beauty bag are eye masks, moisturizing face spray and an acne spot treatment! Disinfectant wipes are also a must! I don't want to come off as a germaphobe, but no offense to the airplanes , but they can be dirty and I'm not trying to get sick on my trip. I use them to wipe down my airplane space. Lastly, I always pack snack because I hate over paying for treats at the airport!
When it's all said and done packing can be a pain in the ass, but if you give yourself some time and try out some of my tips it can make it less frantic/last minute and you can travel without feeling like you have nothing to wear! Don't forget to leave yourself a little space in case you want to bring something back!
Leave a comment below of what you liked and what you want me to review or blog about next!
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