If you’re anything like me then you want to bring your whole closet on a trip with you.
How will I know my outfit mood everyday in advance? How will I know that our plans won’t change and I’ll need my strappy sandals instead of my comfy ones? How will I know a cold front won’t randomly come through and I’ll need my parka?
All very reasonable questions that go through my mind when I’m packing.
This all had to change once I started flying back and fourth to see Andrew, unless I wanted to spend $50 extra on a bag each time. So I have mastered the art of packing everything I need in one BACKPACK! Here are my best tricks for you over packer. You too can be more resourceful than you think!
Shoes
I have a massive amount of shoes! I don’t even wear them all, just you never know when you’ll need red pumps right? Plan on wearing your biggest shoes on the plane. So if you plan on just bringing sandals and sneakers… wear your sneakers on the plane. This is going to save you a ton of room! Sneakers and wedges can take up sooo much space. I try to only bring two pairs of shoes, it’s really all that’s necessary.
Flip-flop hack: if you have side pockets in your backpack…perfect spot for them.
Roll it all up!
So after I plan out what I am bringing I have a very specific packing routine. Underwear and swimsuits go on the bottom;
1. Because they take up the least room 2. Because if airport security goes through your bag it’s super awkward to have your uh…delicates flung all over the place.
Next I fold my clothes in half and just roll them up. The key is to make them as small as possible! It’s okay if stuff gets wrinkled, chances are where ever you’re going has an iron. If not, my favorite trick to get wrinkles out is to hang it up in the bathroom while you’re taking a hot shower.
Check amenities
Hair dryers take up a lot of room. Find out if there is one where you’re going. Another important amenity is washer and dryer, if there is one then you can bring less clothes and do a load of wash!
Check the weather
This was like my number one mistake when I first started traveling, and it’s so simple and obvious. But I would just be Miss Know It All and assume it would be sunny and 85 every time. It’s going to save you time and probably money if you check it out.
If it’s only supposed to be chilly at night just bring one jacket and wear it on the plane. Planes are cold anyway. Oh, and chances are you kind of, sort of know what you’re doing while you’re there so just bring an outfit a day, I do a lot of mix-matching so I only bring like two pairs of shorts and five tops. Then just one extra outfit (if totally necessary) cause you never know!
Front Pocket-Back Pocket
My backpack has a front and back pocket, as do most. Front pocket is designated for bathroom stuff, back pocket is designated for clothes and shoes. Easy organization right there.
Packing Cubes
Packing cubes honestly changed my life. Changed the way I pack. I can fit so much more in so much less space. Honestly… life changing. If this is the only tip you follow, you win packing.
