My top packing tips

The thought of packing gives me anxiety. So much so that I can feel it as I type. But, I find that if I follow the following tips, it can be stress free!

The first and my most important things is a packing list that I write out about a week before. To reduce overwhelm, I’ll usually start pulling items and setting them aside about a week prior as well. I will also plan the gear I’ll wear during travel and put on my list.

To fold or to roll? Rolling works best, helps with wrinkles and saves space. I’ll then put like items in packing cubes - one for tops, one for bottoms, etc. I’ll also pack one cube with a change of clothes and other items I might want immediate access to and place on top (or in your carry on).

Now that airlines are strictly enforcing weight limits I suggest you purchase a luggage scale and bring it with you. Weigh before you leave, remember you’ll pick up souvenirs during your travels and leave extra room. Weigh again before departure.Don’t be that person at the ticket counter frantically trying to shuffle items between suitcases because you’re over the weight limit.

In the event that your luggage tag gets removed, place a business card, or note with contact info on the inside of your bag. As an extra security measure I do NOT include my home address on my luggage tag or in my contact info inside.

There are a few things I also like to do in the event my luggage gets lost. The first is to take a picture of the inside and outside with my cell phone. This could help with item descriptions, if needed. The second is to cross pack - if there are two people traveling each with one suitcase, split items across the two. My last tip is a quick one - as the ticketing agent is handling your bag, take a quick glance at the tag, make sure it’s going to the right place, and it’s put on the conveyor.

Try these tips and let me know how they work out! If you have a tip of your own send it on over and I’ll try it!