Spring break is right around the corner and summer is just another minute away. Hopefully you have a trip planned to escape from the everyday madness and unwind. But before that can happen, you’ll need to pack. Ugh. Dreaded, but obviously a necessary part of travel. Want to know what to pack and then how to pack a suitcase like a pro?
Standing in front of a wall of clothing in your closet, it can be a tad daunting. What to pack? Legit – this is THE most challenging step. What to bring. What to leave behind. Don’t want to forget anything important. You want to dress for the weather where you are going. To be on the safe size, you should just take it all. Kidding! Actually, what you should do is take out everything you want to pack. Then, put half of it back in the closet. This little tip is pretty genius – it helps you narrow down your absolute favorite pieces. Smart, huh?
Ah, Cotton garments. You are our friend. Resistant to most wrinkling and easiest to pack. With cotton or knits, you can simply do that “rolling” technique and add to the bottom of your suitcase. Items like denim or tee-shirts or sweaters all roll like a champ. Also, these types of garments take up the least space in your bag.
Once all your cotton-type items are nicely rolled like little sausages on the bottom of your suitcase, start the next layer. Those wardrobe essentials that would become a hot mess of wrinkles if rolled. Think a J.Crew blazer or button down shirt. Here’s where you can put any retail clothing experience into action. Having worked for The Gap for a few years, I don’t mean to brag – but I can fold anything like a boss. Carefully layer your folded items evenly on top of the rolled items.
Besides the obvious types of square-shaped folding for standard items like button downs or fabric that contains more “weight” to it, you can also fold long ways. Meaning, if you have a lined pair of pants from Banana Republic or a silky skirt from Zara, you can fold it with one simple fold. Or, you can just drape it over the other folded items. And if you had any items dry-cleaned before your trip, keep those plastic bags from the dry-cleaner. Use those in-between your layers to allow for slight wiggle room of your clothing – a little trick to reduce even more wrinkles for the win!
The hidden gem of a suitcase. The sides. Almost like a magic trick on how many items you can add to the sides of a suitcase. Just when you think you are plum out of room, think again. Look to the sides of the suitcase. Add those smaller items like a flatiron or baseball hat or clutch. The sides are also where you pack your belts and shoes.
Be super selective with what shoes you pack. Why? Shoes can add weight and be a space hog – even when you add them to the sides of your suitcase. And, chances are you will tend to wear a few (most popular/comfortable) pair of your shoes for the majority of your trip. Choose a pair for the daytime, for casual and for dinner. Done.
Bring on the Bling… to your CARRY-ON Bag!
Word to the wise – never pack anything in your checked luggage that you would be heartbroken without. Keep those types of items with you. This includes jewelry, medication, cell phone and charger, iPad/laptop, car/house keys and (duh) wallet. Keep a scarf or wrap with you during travel to snuggle up with a chilly airplane or to wad up as a temporary pillow during delays.
I stink at packing, so I am totally following these tips when we go away next weekend. Everything you have here makes perfect sense and I will be packing like a pro from now on.
These are great tips! I usually roll my clothes and put into Ziploc freezer bags. We’re heading to Europe next month and I’m going to try out packing cubes for my kids’ clothes.
That is totally the way we pack! I try to keep luggage to a minimum with a family of 4, so instead of taking a bazillion bags, we each have one.
I have lots of trips planned soon. And I do a great job packing to get there but repackaged g it to get back home seems to just be a mess!
I am awful at packing! I always stuff so much in the bag that I can barely shut it…then on the way home I have more stuff and it never closes right, so I can use some of these tips
I’ve gotten relatively good at packing a lot of stuff into a small space, but I always end up packing the wrong things, somehow! I’m super in love with that Bric’s suitcase!
Packing a suitcase can be tough. One wrong move, and all your stuff is wrinkled for the duration of your trip!
I have a trip to Cancun planned in May. I’ll be using a lot of your tips since we all plant to carry a carry on. The book is so adorable. I want one.
I really hate packing – I am always afraid that I won’t like what I pack or that I will forget things!
That “How to Pack” book seems like the perfect gift for a friend of mine who looooves to travel! I like the point you made about shoes – its so true, whenever I travel, I usually wear the same comfy pairs over and over again… and 3 pairs is really all anyone needs.
Great tips (and lovely photos!) – especially that you should never put any super valuable in the bag you check in! Once my friend’s bag was missing for two days when we flew to the Caribbean. Learnt my lesson there!
I totally stink at packing. My husband who was in the Navy packs like a pro LOL. I need to follow your tips!
We travel a lot so I am pretty proficient at packing to go. I need a primer on how to fit it all in the suitcase on the way home!
Yes I definitely agree on your suggestions. Those are really great tips especially using the sides of the suitcase. Thanks for sharing!
Shoes are definitely my downfall when it comes to packing. I love the idea to pick three pairs and be done with it.
Ugh! I hate packing! We will be going on a week long trip to St. Louis next week and I’m dreading packing! These are some great tips, especially about the shoes!
I’m heading to Alaska in August, I need to keep these tips in mind! I LOVE your suitcase, too. Super cute
I am so guilty of packing a suitcase all wrong. I don’t roll as much as I should and my stuff takes up too much room. Haha! Thanks for the tips!
These are all awesome tips! Love that little book! So cute!
These are wonderful tips. I especially like the adding the dry cleaner bags in between layers for some extra wiggle room. That books looks awesome and super handy!
Thanks for theses tips. We are going away in a few weeks and it gets harder and harder for me to only pack what I need!
Your tip on keeping the bling in your carryon is super important!
I love to travel so obviously I love to pack when I am about to go on a trip 🙂 love the tips! I also love the suit cases in your pictures they are so pretty well that’s because their pink (favorite color!!). The only time I don’t like to pack is if I am coming home after a nice vacation away, lets face it who want to come home/work after a vacation in paradise lol..
What amazing packing tips! I can’t wait to try them on our next trip!!! I also LOVE the pink suitcase. I think a case like that would make traveling even that much more fun!!!!!