Packing can be one of the challenges of getting ready for a trip. It can take awhile and be difficult for some. As a regular traveler, I’m often asked about how I pack quickly and what tips I have. I thought we would start the new year with some ways to make packing easier.
#1 – Dedicated Toiletries Bag
Put together a bag that has all your toiletries that you keep for travel. I like to use the free toothbrush and toothpaste you get at a cleaning at the dentist. When my perfume or creams are almost done, I move them to my travel bag and open a new one at home. I have duplicates of my makeup as well. I also use makeup wipes and/or face wipes since they are easy to travel with and are not liquids.
I save space by skipping the shampoo, conditioner, and soap since most hotels have them, but I do keep a loofah in my bag since they usually have liquid soap at hotels. I also try to pack light. I’m not usually away from home for more than one week, so I don’t need everything I use at home.
#2 – Laundry Bag
I always pack at least one laundry bag or pop up hamper. If I am traveling with my family then we need a few. These bags are great for many reasons. They work well in destinations if you need to do a load of laundry. Usually, I sort the laundry while on vacation into multiple bags and take my laundry home. When it is time to pack to come home, I put all the laundry in one or two pieces of luggage. Once I’m home those go right to the laundry and the laundry is already sorted. It makes unpacking much easier.
#3 – Packing Cubes/Organizers
I am obsessed with my packing cubes. They are great for lots of reasons. First, it keeps my luggage organized. I do a cube for personal items, socks, and pajamas. One cube is all my bathing suites, coverups, etc. Another cube has all of my day clothes, park clothes, etc. and then a cube is for dinner wear or dress clothes.
Second, unpacking is a breeze. I just pull out my cubes, put them in the drawers, and I am done. At the end of the trip when my clothes are all in the laundry, I condense my cubes, put them back together, and I’m ready for my next trip. Lastly, packing cubes can really help you pack more. They compress the items, so you can pack more in less space. Amazing!!
I also have an organizer for my electronics. I have extras of my chargers, cords, and portable chargers. I even have an extra charger for my watch. Some hotels don’t have a lot of plugs, so I have a six port USB charger as well. For international travel, I bring a small cube with outlet adapters and other plugs. Don’t forget this has to go in your carry-on.
These are the packing cubes I have had for several years. They have been very durable.
#4 – Medical Bag
I always have a medical bag that I can put in my suitcase. These are duplicates of what I have at home, so it is always ready to go. I have a thermometer, pain reliever, decongestant, cough drops, antihistamine, and motion sickness medicine. Some of them I don’t really need at home, but you never know on vacation. For example, we may need motion sickness medicine on a cruise, long bus ride, or boat excursion.
Besides medicines, I have a small first aid kit with bandages of various sizes, antibiotic cream, and hydrocortisone to name a few. I often keep this with me in my park bag, especially with little ones.
Another part of this is sunscreen and aloe or after sun. I like to have a spray, a cream, and a stick. This bag goes in my luggage depending on the destination, but always stays together and is ready to go.
#5 – Luggage Scale
I LOVE having a luggage scale. I keep it with me when I travel too. It is important to know what your luggage allowance is for your airline and make sure your bags are within the limits. No need to open up and rearrange luggage at the airline counter. It makes everything a breeze when all your luggage is within the weight limits.
Packing can be the least fun part of going on vacation, but with a few tips and the right items, you can make packing easy. Cheers to 2024 and lots of opportunities to travel this year.
