I don’t look forward to packing a suitcase, no matter how many trips I make in a given month. Even as a travel journalist, yes. Yes, even if you write a newsletter about packing lists. Substack. If you are going on a trip, packing is an important process that requires careful planning and thoughtful decisions. carry-on-only. To pack light, you need to make sure that every item has a purpose. Every inch of luggage space should be used, and it is important to start by making a rough packing checklist. As I write this, I am also going through what I will need for a trip I have coming up. Sensei Lanai, a Four Seasons Resort Hawaii (so, far, I am thinking mainly about packing) comfortable loungewear The a few bathing suits).
Each trip has its own unique requirements. packing formula—and every traveler will pack according to their own personal style—there are a few best practices I use that have removed most of my own packing apprehension (and ensure I never overpack or underpack).
I have outlined below the best way to pack for a carry-on, as well as tips on how to travel with more bulky clothing, shoes, or toiletries.
How to Pack Shoes
First, you should narrow down your footwear selection. As shoes take up so much space in your suitcase, it is best to pack as few pairs of shoes as possible. I usually travel with between two and three pairs of footwear, including a pair or sneakers. cute, comfortable sneakers The bulkiest shoes I wear are boots or sandals. The other two shoes, which are usually dressier, like heels, sandals, or flats will be stored in the trunk. travel shoe bag (or an additional packing cube). The shoes will stay separated from the rest of my luggage and won’t get dirty.
How to Pack Clothing
I The following are some of the ways to improve your own ability to do so.n’t care if you roll or fold your clothes—I do a bit of both, to be honest—but I do Use a set of packing cubes Keep your stuff organized. How I pack each packing cube depends on the length of my journey. For a longer trip (anywhere between four and seven nights), I’ll use one cube per top, one cube per bottom, and one cube per dress. For shorter trips, I’ll pack my outfits in packing cubes. (This makes it easier to find the pieces and get dressed if you don’t do a complete unpacking at your destination.
The packing cube does have one exception: jeans. It’s not space-efficient to roll or fold my jeans into a packing cubicle. Instead, I place them on top and zip or buckle the side before zipping it. Denim is a durable material that does not easily wrinkle or stain, so I never worry about my jeans being in their own cube. It’s no surprise that wrinkles are inevitable when traveling. I will occasionally bring a small portable steamer Freshen up pieces that are prone to getting creased.
Jack ＆ Rose Travel Steamer
Amazon
How to pack socks, underwear and other items
When it comes to packing socks and underwear, I recommend doing so together. When I travel I separate them. packing cubeYou can even add my pajamas to the cube if you have room. You can certainly use a regular packing cube—it gets the job done—but there are also versions specifically designed for this type of packing role. These styles are thinner and longer, so they can fit into those small spaces in your luggage that a standard packing cube cannot. You should look for one with either a mesh top (so that you can see the contents) one with compression features (to reduce the bulk).
How to pack Toiletries
Toiletries are one of my least favorite things to pack—but they are also the most satisfying to organize. Traveling with a complete skincare and makeup routine, which includes more than just a few products, my packing process has to be thoughtful and intentional. If I don’t, it is easy to end up with more than three full toiletry bags. Take inventory of everything. travel-sized products What I have in stock (these Sephora samples will come in handy) and which products I need to scale down. toiletry bottles.
Keep travel-sized products of hard-to-downsize products, such as small toothpastes You can also find out more about the following: bottles of contact solutionThis makes life easier. Usually, the only products to consolidate into smaller containers—I like these silicone bottles You can keep these in your pocket Cadence Capsules—are my shampoo, conditioners, and any leave-in hair products. After that, I place everything in my Dopp kit. At the moment, I alternate between an insulated bag like this one You can also find out more about the following: a clear version This slides right into my bag.
Line+Arc Neoprene Toiletry bag that can be machine-washed
Amazon
How to pack accessories and jewelry
Packing jewelry and accessories is a good idea if you can. I have trimmed down my collection to just a few earrings, bracelets and necklaces that are versatile. I store them in a small bag because I travel a lot. jewelry travel caseEven when I am at home. So, when I pack for a trip I can simply stash the case into my personal item bag, and I’m on my way. I keep more expensive pieces at home and bring more affordable items that I would not be upset to lose in transit or when I arrive. You may travel with a lot of accessories. If this is you, consider upgrading from a simple jewelry case to a. hanging jewelry organizer—this one has 14 various-sized zippered pockets for convenience.
How to pack winter clothes and outerwear
It can be difficult to pack for winter, or for any destination where you need multiple layers. There are still a few ways to solve this problem. To begin with, I would suggest investing time and energy into finding outerwear that is versatile and heavier clothing. You can, for example, bring just one heavier coat to wear when you travel, and not have to stuff the rest in your suitcase. You could also look for a packable lightweight jacket It doesn’t take much room in your luggage. Sweatshirts, sweatpants, and sweaters all fall under the same category. Choose versatile items that can be worn multiple times and are durable. The less you pack, the more space you will have in your suitcase.
Compression packing cubes You can also find out more about the following: vacuum bags They are also your best friends if you’re traveling somewhere cold. They both help reduce the bulk that extra layers and fabric can add to your bag, so you can fit more into it. Just keep in mind that this could make your bag heavy if you stuff too much inside—so make sure to keep a luggage scale Keep a pack of tissues handy when packing.
Outdoor Ventures Women’s Packable Lightweight Full-zip Puffer Jacket
Amazon
How to Pack Electronics
Organization is one of the most crucial aspects of packing in general, but it’s particularly important when compiling all of your electronics—your devices, cords, chargers, etc. These items are valuable and often used on a regular basis during travel.
I keep the number of electronics I pack minimal—a phone charger, laptop, laptop charger, and large Bose headphones—so I put the smaller items in a pouch, like this one. I know of other travelers who swear by zippable organizers It has a number of smaller pockets to prevent cords tangling.
You should first decide what type of electronic organizer is best for you. Write down the items that you use regularly when you travel and consider how you will pack them. I keep my laptop in its case and all of my chargers together.
Embla Makeup Bag
Amazon
How to pack dirty or damp clothes
Bring an extra pair of shoes. extra packing cube Travel-sized laundry bag In your suitcase. Even better if it’s a waterproof cube or bag. You can keep your dry, clean items separate by placing worn clothes (or wet bathing suits) in this cube or bag. It also makes unpacking easy: just throw the dirty clothes into your laundry basket when you arrive home. Then, all you have to do is put any clean clothes away and store your suitcase.
WiseBoy laundry bag
Amazon
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