Five years ago there would be no way that I could write this post. In fact, I would probably laugh in your face if you told me to give packing tips. I’m the girl that would have to sit on her suitcase, hoping that my body weight alone would be enough to somehow make all the contents compress to half the size, while someone else had to try and zip it. It was rough. I mean zippers broke, the sheer effort lacerated people’s fingers, and I was always left having to think of creative ways to somehow get all my stuff to my final destination. Clearly, I was an idiot. I never even wore half of that stuff.
Luckily, studying abroad in Spain my junior year of college was like going into rehab and I quickly learned how to be a smarter packer. Sometimes I do relapse (don’t we all) and over pack like a crazy woman but, for the most part, I’ve been able to pack extremely well. I even packed for 30 days in a small carry on. I know, I got mad skills. When time is of the essence you don’t have any to waste on packing and re packing so here are my top 10 tips for packing:
Do your laundry before you pack
It’s much easier to start packing when you have all your clothes to look through rather than realizing that you want a specific shirt and digging around in your hamper to find it 5 hours before your flight.
Make a packing list
Having a list makes it a lot easier for you to pack effectively and quickly. If you have this before you start, it will prevent you from grabbing random clothes and tossing them into your suitcase. Split it up into categories to make it easier as well. Need inspiration? Download this one here.
Don’t pack clothes that require ironing
Honestly, don’t even buy clothes that require ironing. Who even has time for that these days?
If you can’t afford to lose it either financially or emotionally DO NOT pack it
Things happen when you travel and you don’t want to ruin your trip by losing something valuable. If you have to pack it, be extremely careful and keep your eye on it. I once had my DSLR stolen in Spain and I was devastated. Ever since then, when I pack my DSLR I treat it like an extension of my arm.
The moment you think of packing something, pack it
There’s been too many times that I’ve told myself that I’ll pack something pivotal and ended up leaving it behind just because I didn’t put it in my suitcase right away.
Never bring more than two bags with you.
Any more than that and it’s just extremely difficult to move around. I mean how many hands do you think you have? You don’t need more than what’s in two bags. Trust me.
Don’t forget your camera charger.
You will go through that battery in a heartbeat especially when your friends insist on going through all the photos you just took to make sure that they look perfect in every one of them. Be prepared for the fights when they want to delete ones where they think their chin looks crooked. It’s better just to give in, my friends.
Pack articles of clothing that you can mix and match.
Bringing that one sparkly dress may seem like a good idea and maybe it is but the second sparkly dress definitely isn’t. Switch it out for some blouses and skirts that you can mix and match. On my recent trip to Argentina and Chile, with 2 long sleeved T’s, 2 button downs, and 2 vests I was able to make plenty of different combinations
Pack extra underwear
It doesn’t take up much space and who knows when you will need an extra pair
Leave room in your suitcase
If you’re going to a new place you are going to want to buy things. Leave room accordingly. Don’t be the person who has to buy a new suitcase just to fit their tawdry (er I mean important) souvenirs.
Those are some of the tips that have helped me travel in a carry on for the past 5 years no matter the length of my trip! Why don’t I just take a bigger suitcase? Read my reasons why I love traveling with a carry on here.
Love this post on my top 10 packing tips? Then you’ll love these other tips:
How to Travel with a Full-Time Job
5 Reasons to Travel with a Carry On
7 Things to Know About Taking Time Off Work
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20 Comments
Items that you can mix and match…such a great suggestion! That saves tons of space.
It really does! And you’d be surprised how many outfits you can come up with
These are great tips! I totally agree on picking pieces that mix and match – I had to live out of one suitcase for six weeks once, and it saved my life. And I really struggle to do laundry before a flight – it’s always just the last thing on my mind!
Glad you found them useful! Yes, pieces that can mix and match really is a lifesaver!
I’m with you: I don’t even buy clothes that need ironing! Too much work, lol. I also try to pack a couple items of clothing that I don’t mind ditching if my suitcase is overweight or I need more room for souvenirs!
That’s a good idea! I’m going to have to try that out next time
Great tips, packing is always a difficulty and these tips are excellent!
Glad you liked them!
hahaha I can totally relate to sitting on your case with the overflowing! I so used to be like that! I’ve really learned to travel minimally now, a round the world trip made that a necessity but I used to be so bad!
Same here! It’s a wonder how far I’ve come
As I am reading this, I just want to start packing now for another trip!!!!! Great tips, you thought of everything! 🙂
<3 So happy to hear it!
These are all really great packing tips! I stayed in Italy for a whole month on 1 carry on suitcase because I packed versatile pieces that could be mixed and matched! 🙂
Exactly! It’s totally doable 🙂
This post makes me excited for out trip in august. Such great tips and important ones too! Love the photos..great post!
Glad you found it useful! Where are you headed to in August?
So true on doing your laundry BEFORE you start packing. Nothing worse than saying you will clean it and then forget!
I def learned my lesson after a few packing mishaps!
Great tips! Very helpful!
I love to bring less items too! Especially when you don’t stay in one place during traveling, this is essential for not having to pack each and every day!
Glad you found them helpful! Completely agree! Ever since I’ve started packing with less, it’s been so much easier to travel around!