suitcase travel packing ideas

Vacation is fun, packing is not. Personally, there’s always a little anxiety associated with packing.

Will I forget something? Will everything fit? What should I pack?

Over the years, I’ve developed a few helpful tips to mastering the packing process and I’m sharing my six best with you below.

1. Make a packing list.
Before I even bring out my suitcase, I bring out a pen and paper and create a list of everything I’ll need. This way I can sit and think about every little detail and while packing I can rely on my list instead of my memory.

2. Pre-pack a travel kit.
After too many vacations where I’ve forgotten toothbrushes and toothpaste, I decided to being pre-packing a toiletry travel kit that’s always ready and fully stocked.

Items like my travel toothbrush and travel size toothpaste, contact solution and deodorant lay waiting in my chic travel bag ready for me to grab and slip it into my suitcase. I never have to worry about forgetting something and making that desperate drugstore vacation run; it was all ready to go ahead of time!

3. Roll, don’t fold.
Suitcase space is always a concern and with the rising cost of airline baggage fees, we’re all doing our best to consolidate our vacation wardrobe into just a few bags. One tip is to roll your clothes instead of folding them. I’m not really sure about the physics of it all, but rolling pieces takes up less room in your suitcase and allows you to pack more.

travel packing hacks suitcase

4. Use your shoes for little things.
When packing, every inch of your suitcase is prime real estate. Use the insides of your sneakers or heels to pack smaller pieces like undies, bras and swimsuits. No space should be left behind when packing effectively.

No space should be left behind when packing effectively.

5. Use zip-lock bags to keep necklaces from tangling.
I learned this trick back in my days as a wardrobe stylist. Clasp your necklace together and slide it into a zip-lock bag, leaving the clasps on the outside of the bag. Pinch the zip-lock closed and then roll the bag vertically. This helps keep your necklaces nice and neat. When you arrive at your destination, simply unroll your zip-lock bag, open it and slide out your untangled necklaces. Voila!

6. Don’t rush the packing process.
I’m notorious for waiting until the last minute to pack, which inevitably stresses me out. Give yourself time to properly pack. Starting the process a day or two before you actually leave allows you to really be thorough and less likely to forget anything you’ll need on your fabulous vacation.

Do you have a secret packing hack? Share it with us below!

Images via Sylvia Gunde



2 comments

  1. Don’t overthink the process! I am known to struggle over what outfits to pack. Check the weather before, get a good idea of what you will be doing on the trip, but always stick to packing your favorite things- that is what will make you the most comfortable and happy when you are in a new place. Also, once you have your suitcase packed, leave it alone. I repeat, leave it alone! This is when the overthinking sets it. I know this from personal experience- I always take things out or stuff things in and wish that I hadn’t messed with it! But the most important thing to remember is that you are going on a trip for the experiences and memories! Having the ‘perfect outfit’ everyday is impossible. Also, imperfect is more beautiful anyway 😉 Happy travels! -M

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