Photo by Anete Lūsiņa on Unsplash.
Packing your suitcase efficiently is very important, whether for a short weekend or for longer. Here are 9 steps, in chronological order, on how to pack everything. These recommendations aim to avoid excess luggage and enjoy every piece of clothing you will take with you.
1. ‘Favoritas’
I start with the things I enjoy wearing the most, like a new dress or something I rarely wear. I always choose appropriate clothes for the destination. For example, when I spent a week in Corfu during a heat wave, with temperatures reaching 40 degrees, I took light clothes that I could easily change into. Accessories are also included here, such as a special necklace made by indigenous in Colombia, which I can only wear on the beach due to its style. When it comes to shoes, I always go for things that, while they may be BOLD, are comfortable and I can easily mix and match. For this reason, I don’t have many pairs.
2. Complementary clothing
After the favorite ones, there are those that go well with the first ones, but that I can also wear with other things, like a tank top or trousers/skirt. Especially if they are comfortable or that I can wash and wear again during the trip. Another way to put it, this is the basic category of clothing, which I aim to get comfortable ones and in one color, for example white, black, jeans etc.
3. Third’s the Charm
Underwear is always taken in excess, and as a bonus it does not take up space. Also consider the clothes you will be taking with you to pack accordingly.
4. Accessories
Next, I pack the accessories that can style the outfits I chose. I try to get a pair that goes with two outfits, or isn’t a problem to pack. For example, I get a pair of earrings that can be big, but in addition to being part of ‘Favorites’, they also go with some outfits, otherwise I get 2-3 small earrings. Another example could be a light scarf that can be used in different ways, or a necklace like in my case.
5. ‘Toilette’
Now it’s the turn of shampoo, toothbrush, cosmetics, hair clips, etc. I make sure I also take the products I use every day, like eyeshadow, deodorant, comb, etc.
6. Travel topic
If I’m going to the beach, I take sunscreen, a beach towel, swimming goggles, a pair of bathing suits for each day. Even these do not take up much space and are important. If the trip is to a snowy country, I take a thermal top, sunglasses, sunscreen, gloves, winter hat, and other similar things.
7. Travel factors
I consider factors such as camping, hiking, or a road trip of several days. For these cases, I may need a small pillow to support my head during the trip and a speaker for music. And of course thermos of water is never missing.
8. ‘One list to rule them all’
I check my travel list. This list contains everything possible that I might need on a trip, from toothpaste, passport, to a jacket or a hat depending on the season. I check the list and make sure I packed everything I need. If I’ve packed everything I need for this trip, I have peace of mind.
9. ‘The final count down’
So that I don’t forget anything on the day of the trip, I collect all my bags and things in a corner of the house. If I have more than one thing I need to get on the day of the travel, that I don’t have it ready, like frozen thermos packs, I definitely make a temporary list. This helps me by reducing my anxiety before the trip, knowing I haven’t forgotten anything. Then, I delete the note.
And now look at you, all packed and ready to go! 😉
!! Bonus tip: When you are tight with space, try to wear the biggest shoes, or the biggest coat. But hey, there’s no reason, you’ve got as many things packed as you need.
