What I’m Packing

For me, packing light is a major priority.  As much as I love the idea of having a different outfit for each day of my travel, multiple pairs of shoes and handbags, and multiple hair tools for different styles; no longer are the days of me lugging around one giant 75 lb suitcase (yes, it has happened).

I am actually completely on the opposite end of the spectrum now.  Long weekend?  Carry-on suitcase.  Week away?  Carry-on suitcase.  Month away?  Carry-on suitcase.  Yes, I have managed to limit myself to packing everything that I need for up to one month in just one carry-on suitcase, and this includes a bit of extra room for goodies to come home with me as well.

my favorite carry-on

So here are my tips and tricks for keeping you suitcase light, organized, and ready for anything.

• Check the weather and pack accordingly.  Traveling to a wet climate?  Pack waterproof shoes, umbrellas and ponchos.  Traveling to snow?  Winter boots and all the fixings.  Traveling somewhere hot?  Don’t forget a sweater for those cool nights.
• Determine how many outfits you will need.  For me, the key to packing light is re-wearing clothing.  No one will ever notice or care that you have worn something more than once.  So if I am going to be gone for a couple of weeks, I will plan on packing 1 weeks worth of clothing, and re-wear accordingly.  Additionally, plan to do some hand-wash along the way or have things cleaned at the hotel.  Worst case scenario: I forget something or something is stained or broken beyond repair?  Pretty much anywhere in the world I will have the accessibility to buy something.
• Accessories.  Here is the tricky part for me – I always want to bring way more shoes and sunglasses than I have space for, so I have to be really tough with myself here.  I try to limit myself to 2 pairs of sunglasses and 2 pairs of shoes for each trip.  For sunglasses, I pick one nice everyday pair and another pair that I wouldn’t be sad if they broke or got left behind.  For shoes, I try to pick one super comfortable pair / sneaker and a second pair that can be dressed up or down.  For example, for an upcoming trip that will involve a lot of walking, I’m already tentatively planning on these two:

navy loafers  / / new balance sneakers

• Toiletries.  Long had I been on the hunt for the perfect toiletry bag (here was the start), and you know what?  I think that I have found it.  The trick here is travel size everything (and the Container Store is a great place to find just about every size and shape).  There is no way I could bring all full size products with me, I would literally have an entire suitcase filled with products.  So, I’ve invested in enough travel-size, refillable containers for all of my beauty and health products.  I set out my toiletry bag a week or so before we are going to leave, and as I go through my daily routine, I visually check and make sure that everything is packed and ready to go.  Additionally, when I return from travel, I immediately replace or refill anything that I used.  That way my toiletries are always packed and ready.

find this organizing cutie here

Now for the packing.  Well, here I have tried several different methods – I have tried packing cubes, I have tried the rolling technique,or even just throwing things in on the way home…but for me, tried and true is just traditional folding and setting the items inside my suitcase.

And for a few extra tips, here are a few items that I never travel without:

• Ziploc bags (gallon and jumbo size) / /  These are great for storing items that you are bringing back that might leak or break.  They are also great for holding extra toiletries.
• Extra Cash / / Hide a little bit of extra money somewhere in your wallet or elsewhere, so that just in case you are in a pinch with no ATM in sight, you have a bit of reserve.
• Cable Ties / / Perfect for locking up suitcases or bags during travel or if they are being held at the hotel.  Sure, some one could still cut them open, but at least you would know if they had or not. (Here are the ones I use.)
• Ear Plugs / / Sometimes for the hotel, and sometimes for the plane, either way, pack them even if you think that you don’t need them.
• Neck Buddy / / I am a serious neck-bobber on the plane, remember my mention of it here?  Well, now with my new neck pillow, I am sleeping comfortably.
• Snuggly Socks / / Either for more comfort on the plane ride, or a particularly chilly night, I never ever travel without at least one pair of these.
• External charger  / / This little cutie is small enough to fit in your purse, but holds enough power to fully charge your phone or camera..

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What are your packing tips and tricks?  Do you have any items that you would never travel without?

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