How to Pack Efficiently for Vacation

Packing for a trip is much easier than unpacking, that’s something we can all agree on. However, it can be stressful especially for those with larger families and little kids. You have to pack for yourself and each one of your kids, make sure there is enough room for everyone, and ensure the suitcase does not exceed the weight limit.

The first tip that helps with packing efficiently is using packing cubes. Packing cubes are small bags created to make packing for trips more organized and convenient. These cubes help people pack smarter, not harder. By separating each item into separate compartments, making it easier to find as well as reducing space in your suitcase. You can easily find packing cubes on Amazon and Walmart.

Next, pack only the essentials. You don’t need 20 outfits if you’re going on vacation for a few days. You can wear the same shoes and shirt twice in the same week, nothing will happen. If you are vacationing in a location where there are clothing stores and brands that you are familiar with, you can always shop there. If you are expecting to go on a shopping spree during vacation, ensure that you’ll have room in your suitcase. Additionally, you can wear your thickest and heaviest clothing on the airplane, such as coats, chunky sneakers, and thick skirts. Therefore, those garments won’t weigh down your suitcase leaving more room for lighter items.

The next tip is something debatable, either you fold your clothes or roll them. I personally fold them. I fold each outfit with the matching skirt/shirt/pants and fold it in one corner of my suitcase. As a result, each of my outfits are conveniently organized instead of having all my clothes scattered throughout my suitcase.

Another extremely helpful tip is to bring a laundry bag! If you don’t have a laundry bag, pack a few plastic bags into your suitcase. Throughout your trip, clothing will get dirty and stained. You do not want to put those dirty and smelly clothes right next to your clean clothes. Instead, put those dirty clothes in a plastic bag and when you return home, dump those clothes into your laundry basket.

Lastly, take advantage of your carry-on. I feel like many people do not use their carryon privileges well. If you are going on a long flight and are bringing a pillow from home, you can stuff a few items in your pillowcase. Some airlines allow passengers to bring a backpack and a purse as a carryon. You can put all your shoes or any other heavy items in your backpack and have your essentials like your phone, charger, headphones, hand sanitizer, passport, and so on in your purse/handbag. If you are worried that your airline will not allow that, you can give them a call beforehand. Or before boarding your flight, stick your purse/handbag into your backpack as well.

Do you have any other tips for packing efficiently? Please share them below, we would love to hear. Safe travels!