My Tips + Tricks for Packing as an Avid Traveler

Tip #1: Pre-Plan Your Outfits in Pictures

Tip #2: Use the Right Bags

A surefire way to over or under pack is by using the wrong bag for your trip! If you use a duffle for a weeklong trip, you’re going to sacrifice something you may need for sake of your bag; and if you bring a huge suitcase for your weekend trip you’ll wind up with a hodgepodge of random outfits, and are far more likely to surpass the weight limit. Plan your outfits first, check your travel accommodations (check for stairs or an elevator too!) and make sure your bag will hold everything, but that you will still be able to carry where you need to go!

Tip #3: Pack Smarter - Not Harder

I’m honestly so guilty of overpacking and bringing too many bags with me, here’s a few packing methods that have helped me cut down on the bags and consolidate a lot of my stuff!

1. Pack with packing cubes - I love these ones, but any packing cubes will make a huge difference in your bag!

2. Pack your shoes around the edges of your bag - most suitcases have an edge that you can fit your shoes into while packing, this helps de-bulk the inner part of your suitcase and protect anything in the center of your bag with the shoe soles around the border of your bag!

3. Put your essentials in your personal item - I like to keep a basic bag of skincare / makeup, and an extra comfy outfit in my personal item just in case I make it to my destination before my bag does! Not only does this prevent you from wearing the same outfit for a few days, but it helps free up your luggage a bit too!

Tip #4: Get Creative

Before packing all of your outfits, do a quick inventory and see what items you could swap around to use for multiple outfits, and where you can mix and match to make new outfits out of the same items!