How To: Pack for a Trip

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I am not one of those people on Pinterest who can pack a week's worth of items in a carry-on bag, although I give them props!  I guess I love my clothes too much ;)

I will tell you how I make packing for a trip a little less stressful though.  If you know me or have been following me for awhile, you know this is something I do quite frequently.

-I start early and plan everything out.  I need to feel prepared or my stress level would be through the roof!

-I plan out my outfits based on the number of days we will be gone and activities we will be doing.  I lay out my outfit, shoes, accessories, and anything else I might need for a certain outfit (such as a certain bra for a dress or a clip for a cami under a racerback tank).

-I try to stay within a color scheme as much as I can.  That way shoes, purses, and basic jewelry will go with everything. That way you aren't trying to pack a pair of shoes for every outfit!

-I have a basic packing list saved on my computer that I print ahead of time and add anything special for a particular trip.  As things are packed, I cross them off and I can make sure nothing is left at home.

-Clothes take up less room in your suitcase if you roll them.

-I mostly use these for winter trips when I have a lot of bulky clothing items, but space saving or vacuum bags are AMAZING! (Here are some similar space saver bags)

-I'm always cold so I throw in a lightweight sweater in my carry on (usually a tote or backpack) for airports and planes, even on our last trip to Jamaica. (Here is one I LOVE)

-Unless it's snowing, flip flops or sandals tend to be the best shoes to travel in if you are going through airport security; easy to take off and out back on.

-Airports can charge a lot of money for food and drinks.  Obviously you can't take liquids through security, but you can prepare ahead of time with snacks.  I stash them in my carry on.  Things like nuts, crackers, freeze dried fruit, protein bars, etc. This is a good idea for road trips too.

-I try to pack travel-sized toiletries if possible.  This is one reason I love my Birchbox subscription!  It saves a lot of space and makes packing easier.  Ulta has a great selection of items (usually by the checkout), as well as Target.  

-Another thing I have started to do is check with the hotel ahead of time to find out what toiletries are provided and if they have blow dryers that are not attached to the wall (I have a lot of hair and those tend to take forever to get it dry!).  This saves some space in your suitcase.

-I have a pouch that I pack all of my accessories in with compartments.  It keeps it all together and untangled.  I also have a toiletry bag with most items in ziploc bags just in case anything happens to the items in transport there will be less of a mess.

-Even though I have leopard print luggage, I tie a ribbon on all of our bags.  It's one more step to help you identify your luggage from all of the others at the baggage claim.

What are your best packing tips and tricks??

xoxo Shannon