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How to Pack Like a Pro for Your Next Vacation
Packing for a long vacation can be a lot of fun, but it can also create a lot of stress, particularly if you are trying to fit everything into a single, airline-approved bag. You can recognize experienced travelers simply by the tidy appearance of their carry-on luggage. It isn’t bulging at the seams, and it doesn’t have anything sticking out of it, except maybe the luggage tag. You can look like an experienced traveler as well. Here are a few tips to help you pack like a pro for your next vacation using a single carry-on bag.
Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
First things first. Waiting until the last minute makes it easy to pack more than you need. If you can avoid doing this, you are more likely to pack everything you actually require without packing a lot of stuff that you won’t use.
Start with a List
Whether you buy a printed list of items to pack or create one of your own, every packing task should begin with a list of what you will need while on vacation. You can always tailor the list according to your destination. For example, if it’s going to be warm, you won’t need to pack boots or sweaters.
Roll Your Clothing Tightly
Whether you fold or roll your clothing, your items are going to become wrinkled. Rolling them typically takes up less room, especially if you roll them as tightly as possible. If a piece of clothing won’t roll tightly, you might want to consider choosing something that is less bulky. Not only will you be able to roll a thinner shirt or pajamas more easily, but you’ll avoid overstuffing the bag.
Put the Bulkiest Items in First
It’s a lot easier to squeeze small items into a suitcase than it is bulky jeans and sweaters. If you pack your largest pieces of clothing into your bag first, you’ll have an easier time fitting everything else into your suitcase. You can squeeze items next to bulkier items, freeing up space where you actually need it.
Limit Footwear
Shoes, sneakers, boots, and sandals are perhaps the bulkiest items going into your bag. If you limit how many of these you bring, you will have more room for clothing. Try and stick to a rule of only one pair of each type of footwear and wear the bulkiest pair onto the plane. You can also use the inside of your footwear to pack your socks to save room and help maintain the shape of your shoes. You might even limit yourself to one pair of dressy shoes or sandals and a sturdy pair of walking shoes to save room in your bag.
Pack by Outfit
One of the best ways to avoid overpacking while ensuring you have enough clothing to wear on your vacation is to choose your outfits ahead of time. Since pants, shorts, and skirts can be worn more than once, you might want to limit these to one of each. Choose six different tops that can easily match the pants and skirts you’ve selected. For the best results, choose a base selection of neutral shades with a single accent color. Doing so makes it easier to mix and match your clothing to create new outfit choices with the option of layering them.
Limit Your Toiletries and Makeup
In most cases, the hotel you are staying at is going to provide a small selection of toiletries that you can use instead of packing your own. Bring only the bare minimum. Instead bring items that the hotel won’t provide, for instance, a toothbrush, toothpaste, and deodorant.
Hint: Some resorts have a hospitality kit. Ask for one to keep-just in case. Worst case, you can always purchase an item if needed.
Be Realistic
If you pack for every possible event, you’ll quickly find yourself with an overstuffed bag. Try to be realistic and only pack items that you will need no matter what you decide to do.
Take Your Bag for a Test Run
Once you have your suitcase fully packed, see how easy it is to carry it up and down a flight of steps. If you find yourself struggling, it is time to take a few things out. Buying lightweight durable luggage can be a lifesaver, if it has an organizer to make packing and unpacking a breeze, even better.
My personal favorite Brand is Rise Gear. This brand has a variety of options that are durable and keep your items tidy and organized with plenty of room for electronic devices.
Miscellaneous Tips
To save space, try and line belts around the perimeter of your suitcase instead of trying to fold them. Choose clothing that is wrinkle-resistant and thin. You’ll be able to hand wash it overnight so you can wear it again the next day. Whenever possible, pack the smallest and lightest items you have that you might need. For example, choose a narrow brush over a wide one.
It doesn’t take a lot to pack like a pro for your next vacation. Just use a few simple suitcase packing tips to select what you need. Consider the location, the weather, and your expected itinerary to help you limit what you pack into your bag.