Packing for a trip can seem like a simple task. However, if you’ve traveled separately, then you know that packaging mistakes can leave you with some risky travel lessons. From forgetting a few essentials for your trip to packing too much, there are many things that can go wrong with packing.
Here are some tips to help you pack smarter so you have everything you need and be lighter so you don’t have to carry heavy luggage on your trip.
- Check the weather
Before you start packing, know the climate of your destination. If you pack warm clothes only to find that the weather is cold, you may be spending money buying clothes that are too expensive to stay warm. Knowing the weather for the entire time you hope to stay will go a long way in making sure you are packing the right clothes.
- Put everything you want to pack first
You may be tempted to pick things up as you toss them in your suitcase, but that will only lead to overpacking or missing out on some important essentials. First, design everything you want to pack so that you have time to analyze and think about the role it will play in your trip. Pack only what you are sure you need and avoid “just in case I need it” items.
- Coordinate your clothes
Clothing is the most important item that you can take with you on your trip. You want to look good, be comfortable and have enough clothes for your trip without carrying everything in your closet.
To ensure that you only have the clothing you need, pack complete suits and not individual items. For example, if you are packing a shirt, make sure it is one that you can wear with the pants you are wearing. It is also recommended to pack more tops than bottoms with only two pairs of shoes. Make sure you pack shoes that you can wear with different outfits.
- Roll up your clothes when packing
Rolling up your clothes when placing them in the suitcase will save space and prevent creasing. It also facilitates its placement in the suitcase, occupying all the available spaces with ease. Also, put your socks inside your shoes to save space in your suitcase.
- Visualize your vacation before you pack
It is important that you have a clear idea of what your trip will be like before you start packing. Are you going to attend, for example, a special event? Will you go out to dinner or attend conferences? Having a clear idea of what you will do will help you choose relevant attractions and you should have the items you need to pack.
- Buy a small suitcase
The bigger the suitcase, the more you can carry. Having a small suitcase ensures that you only pack essentials rather than what you won’t use for the entire trip.
- Use packing cubes
The packing cubes keep your things organized and intact inside the suitcase. You can use color-coded cubes to easily find your things without cluttering your entire suitcase.
Take plenty of time to pack and don’t forget the essentials. Try using these tips to pack lightly for your next trip or vacation.
