If you follow me on Instagram, (which you should), you would have seen my poll where I asked if anyone would be interested in a blog post with my best packing tips. The response was an overwhelming YES so here it goes! The reason I decided to do this is because I am a recovering over packer. Yes, I used to over pack ALL. THE. TIME. However, I recently bought a carry on size suitcase and was able to pack everything I needed into a carry on and a backpack for my most recent trip to Scottsdale, AZ. It was impressive and somewhat freeing! I don't think I'll be able to pack like this for every trip but it's nice to have these tips for any kind of packing.
I have three main points I want to discuss in this blog post. First - being prepared. Second - downsizing. Third - organization. Let's get to it.
1. Be Prepared / Plan Ahead
I used to pack in a large checked bag. I would have room for a lot of things. I also could pack any size liquid/hygiene product. This made it easy to just throw in anything I was using at the moment and be a last minute packer. I've realized that in order to pack light/in a carry on (especially for flights), you really need to be prepared. You need a travel size of each product you use. What I did, was buy travel size products whenever I saw them, even before I planned a trip. I figured, they won't go to waste because I love to travel and will most likely plan a trip soon, and if I don't, travel size can be used at home anyways! When I was at Sephora, I bought travel sizes in things like my spray makeup primer and my eye makeup remover. When I was at Ulta, I bought my face wash in travel size. The week before my trip, I went to Target and bought some last minute travel size things like sunblock and body wash. My shampoo was the only thing I had to put into a travel size bottle. It's good to have some of these things on hand and if you buy them when you see them, you'll be more prepared.
The next way to be prepared is to plan outfits ahead of time. I used to just pick out a bunch of my favorite things or things I wanted to wear and toss them in a bag and have a ton of options. I'd also throw in some plain t's or tanks or whatever it was "just in case" and sometimes it didn't even make sense. I'd say, oh I have room, it's just a tank top. But really, what's the use if you won't ever wear it on your trip? I still like to have options and backups, but it's way more refined. What I do now is physically pull out all the clothing I'm thinking of wearing and lay it out on the family room floor. This way I can see what outfits I have and what goes with what. And I can also see if a piece of clothing can be worn multiple times or with other pieces of clothing. Then, I try on anything I need to, to make sure it looks okay paired together. This brings me to downsizing…
2. Downsizing
For my most recent trip to Scottsdale, AZ, I brought a couple pairs of cute high waisted shorts and a couple of cute tanks (one striped and one cheetah print). These tops and shorts could be mixed and matched for whatever I was feeling that day. I also brought a pair of biker shorts that I wore for both a night out and for hiking. I brought a jacket that was versatile enough for me to wear for traveling (because my home state of MI is COLD) and for those fluke times when your travel destination might be chilly. These are really good ways to downsize on your clothing items.
I typically used to bring a couple purse options, a couple sunglass options, some shoe options, etc. This trip, I made myself pick ONE purse and ONE pair of sunglasses. The purse was versatile enough to be used for both day and night. I downsized on shoe options and made sure that the pairs I brought, went with all the clothes I brought.
Doing this does require planning and isn't always easy, but it does make it easier once you're on vacation! Just put on your pre-planned outfit and you're good to go.
Now, don't get me wrong. I am one of the first people to say I need options because 1. you never know what you'll feel like wearing and 2. weather. However, I do believe there's a way to downsize and still have options. I brought enough clothes on my trip for two outfits a day. One for daytime and one to go out at night. Along with hiking clothes and swimsuits. I didn't end up wearing every outfit, but I was still prepared and had options.
3. Organization
Organization is SO important! I am telling you, buy every single container or bag or packing cube that you can. It is SO nice to be able to find what you’re looking for in your suitcase. Awhile back, I bought these packing cubes from Amazon (linked here). They come in different sizes. Sometimes I’ll use one for shirts and one for bottoms. Or one for nicer, “going out” clothes and one for casual clothes. This time, I packed all my clothes in the biggest one. Then I use the “secret pouch” bag for undergarments and socks! It’s perfect. I also have a few smaller, almost make up sized bags that I use for really anything I need them for. Hair stuff like hair ties and bobby pins. Pills or vitamins. Or any miscellaneous things. Just as long as everything is organized into a container, it helps! I've linked a few good ones here and here.
And, like any packing tip blog will tell you, roll your clothes. I find that along with taking up less room, it's also easier for me to find what I'm looking for in my suitcase when the clothes are rolled up.
My backpack (linked here) was PERFECT for travel. I could put a water bottle in the side pocket, my DSLR Camera, a book, and my wallet. It really helped with organizing everything I’d need.
All in all, I really think that beyond these tips, a big thing that helps is to really know yourself and be comfortable in your decisions. I used to be so anxious and want to make sure that I’d pack everything I could possibly need. But when I stand firm in my decisions, it’s easier to trust myself and to pack less. I'm also better able to reassure myself and be less anxious if I do forget something. Aside from some essentials, everything else can be bought!
Have any packing tips I missed?
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