I travel a handful of times throughout the year, some times for business some times for fun, but each time requires me to effectively pack luggage. The more organized you are before and during the packing process, the better!
Pre-packing
Depending on the length of my stay, I start planning my outfits and collecting needed toiletries a few days in advance. This helps to alleviate any last minute stress before my trip. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve waited till the last minute and once I was at my final destination I realized I had forgotten something.
If you’re looking for what to pack, check out my latest printable checklist!
Time to Effectively Pack Luggage!
OK, so you have everything that you’d like to pack laid out across your bed/couch/kitchen table. There is a method to packing that will alleviate a lot of problems when you are ready to unpack at your final destination. Here’s my step-by-step guide on how to pack effectively and efficiently:
- Put all of your heavier items along the wheel base of your luggage (if it has wheels, of course). Put any socks inside shoes. Toiletry kits should lay right above the heavier items.
- The best way to pack your clothing is to roll it. It takes up less space in the bag and also reduces the chance for wrinkling. I despise ironing at all, especially when I am on vacation!
- Anything like dresses, folded pants, etc. go on top of the rolled clothes.
- Sweaters and jackets come next!
- Anything that is crush-able is next in line.
- Other socks, loose toiletries (that will not open and leak all over the place) should be packed in the compartments in the “lid” of the suitcase. Have delicate necklaces and bracelets that you don’ t want to get tangled or broken? String them through a drinking straw – now that is cool!
- Bring extra plastic bags to deposit dirty clothing in during your trip. If I’m staying at a hotel, I use their plastic laundry bags that they provide.
- Since I try to bring my luggage on board, I make sure to put all of my liquids and lotions in the required zip lock bag and have it easily accessible in the outside zippered pocket of the luggage. If you are checking your luggage, make sure that any liquids and creams are first placed in zip lock bags before packed. A great way to ruin your trip would be to open the luggage and find your lotion has exploded 🙁
Looking for a comprehensive list of must haves for your carry-on luggage? I’ve got that covered as well!
What are your tips to successful packing? Please share below?
Cara says
Yay! You posted this just in time for my vacation starting Saturday! This is so helpful, and I’m definitely pinning!
Dana says
Yay! I’m glad I could be of help with your packing Cara! I hope you have an awesome vacation! 🙂
Susan says
Great info thanks
Dana says
Thanks Mama!
Carolyn says
I love those type of suitcases. I bought a hard sided suitcase a few years ago and loved it so much I have been slowly changing all of our luggage to it.
Dana says
Carolyn, they are great! Nothing gets overly squished because of the hard sided luggage – and I feel like they hold more too.
Shann says
So many great packing tips! We’re heading on a road trip soon, so these will come in handy. I always forget plastic bags, and we have so many. I also love the rolling up clothes idea.
Dana says
Thanks Shann! I hope these tips will help you on your upcoming road trip! I thought the rolled clothes would make them more wrinkled but it doesn’t (surprisingly!).
Tiffany says
These are awesome tips. It’s all about strategy! And I am ALL ABOUT the ziploc bags!
Dana says
I totally agree with you Tiffany! Ziploc bags are useful on so many levels!
Allison Jones says
These are great tips. I consider myself and expert packer and I had no clue that it’s best to put the heavier items along the bottom.
LiveLifeWell,
Allison
Dana says
There’s always something new that I learn when I pack – I’m glad I could add that new tip to your expertise Allison!
Karen Grosz says
No tips from me, I am a horrible packer. Thanks for the tips. I do agree since I started to roll my clothes it makes it much easier.
Dana says
LOL Karen, you aren’t a horrible packer – you already knew to roll your clothes! 🙂
Jenny says
Great tips! I am always a crazy overpacker so I always need help with something llike this.
xoxo, Jenny
Dana says
I used to always overpack Jenny, and then realize that I would only wear like 2 pairs of the 7 pairs of jeans I packed!
Felicia says
I ised to struggle so much with packing. I learned a few years ago about the rolling method and it changed everything!
Dana says
Felicia, it is the best way to pack – I thought it would wrinkle everything but it does the exact opposite!