Four Tried and True Packing Tips

by Sunny

follow me on Twitter @Sunnylooksleaps

Throughout the years as my life has changed, my packing habits have, too.  However, there are some packing tips that hold true for nearly every situation. Whether you are in the Carry-On Camp or Team Checked Bag, here are four of my tried and true packing tips.

Make a list: I don’t usually make a list of every item I’m going to pack, although the Internet is full of packing lists like this if that’s your style.  I do like having a list of last minute, must-not-forget items.  Those commonly forgotten items that I wait until the last minute to pack like sunglasses, chargers, etc always go on a list that I put on the counter and check before I leave for the airport.

Lay it all Out: When packing my suitcase, I find that laying everything out on the floor or bed helps me to see and remember everything that I am considering before it ends up in the suitcase.  Once it is in the suitcase it is hard for me to remember what is in there and harder to eliminate pieces if I need to.  By seeing everything together at the same time, I can easily tell how practical my wardrobe is and can take that all important picture for a future capsule wardrobe blog post. Summer wardrobe

Simplify: Speaking of eliminating pieces, simplifying what I need is sometimes difficult but one of those great challenges in life!  I will never have EVERYTHING that I need/want, and that’s ok because I can usually get whatever I need at my destination or even *gasp* do without.  As soon as I get in the car to start my destination, I always check my purse for four things: my ID, my credit card, my phone, and charger.  I figure with these four small tools I can potentially get anything I would need during my travels.

Snacks: Never underestimate the necessity of having a snack at the ready.  Whether you are on a road trip and don’t want to make a hundred stops or sitting on the plane waiting for the rest of the crew to arrive so you can leave already, the snack is an important part of any traveler’s  routine.  Whether you bring your own granola bars from home, or you like to pick up peanut M&Ms at the airport like Wendy, snacks are a must have for avoiding becoming the hangry traveler!

What are your favorite packing tips?