Kim Kubsch
After you research the weather forecast and main attractions, it’s time to make a vacation packing list. The list is the best way to write everything down on paper or in your phone. Organize the list into clothing, shoes, documents/electronics, and hygiene products/cosmetics. Itemize by bag: personal carry-on bag (purse), carry-on suitcase, backpack, and checked luggage.
If you are not a list person, try PackPoint, an organization app that helps you organize your list based on your destination, local weather, and length of stay.
Fill in contact information on inside and outside luggage tags.
Take luggage restrictions into account when packing.
Pack the carry-on bag first once you know the carry-on and checked baggage dimensions and weight limits.
Carry-on bag
Carry-on luggage is for the essential, necessary, or important items. In addition to medicines and electronic cords, pack a change of clothes. If space is very limited, at a minimum, pack underwear and a T-shirt.
Use clear, compression packing cubes.
For the best visibility, use cubes with clear tops, sides, or spines. The cubes are basically pouches with zippers, used to compartmentalize the contents of your bag by type. The compression cubes help keep a suitcase organized while also saving space.
Practice the 1 2 3 4 5 6 rule.
A simple and easy-to-modify suitcase-packing tip for a week-long trip is 1 hat, 2 pairs of shoes, 3 pairs of pants or skirts, 4 shirts, 5 pairs of socks, and 6 sets of underwear. Stick to a strict color palette. Use colorful masking tape to label each cube. The cubes for my last trip were labeled Dressy Outfits, Casual Outfits, and Very Casual Outfits.
Roll all clothes.
Rolling clothes conserves space, reduces wrinkling, and makes it easier to find clothes in your suitcase.
Replace printed material with digital.
Books are bulky, but bytes don’t weigh a thing. If you’re bringing a phone or another mobile device, consider downloading maps, translation apps, travel guides, and reading material for your trip. Store digital copies of your passport and itinerary on your phone, and pack a few printed versions as well.
Use a purse organizer or clear bags to organize purses and bags.
Purse organizers come in every size, shape, color, and a variety of materials. Moving a purse organizer from bag to bag keeps all the essentials organized in the same position every day.
Don’t forget adapters and power banks.
Pack a small power bank and universal plug adapter to charge your electronics everywhere you go.
Pack a laundry bag.
Place all dirty items in a laundry bag to put directly in the washing machine.
Take a full suitcase for a test drive.
Try out your suitcase—carry your suitcase by the handle for a while, roll it up and down the street, spin it, and try lugging it up and down stairs. This exercise will show you what it feels like to actually travel with your bag. You may need to lighten your load before you depart!
Pack realistically with the right amount of items for the space you have. Wear your heaviest items while flying or driving. Never depart with suitcases at 100% capacity. You will be overflowing during your time away should you acquire any items.
Stay tuned for monthly articles about decluttering, downsizing, organizing, making transitions, and clearing of estates. Call me at 480-720-8566 to learn about my free 30-minute consultation or to speak to your group.
To purchase my books Getting Your Life Together Organizer and Joy of Downsizing, visit Amazon.com or www.JoyfulDOWNSIZING.com.