Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Packing for a Short Trip

I used to be one of those people who brought everything I owned every time I went on even a short trip, yet still forgot stuff.  I once stopped at my parents' house on the way out for the weekend, and ended up raiding their linen closet because I had forgotten a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and face lotion.  Now I have packing down to a science so I always have what I need but don't lug a ton of extra stuff with me.

For clothes, I like to think about what I want to wear a week or so in advance so I can either plan not to wear those items before the trip or so that I can plan on leaving enough time to do laundry before I leave.  For shorter trips, I try to stick to one color palette so that everything can be mixed and matched.  That way, if I happen to drip chocolate ice cream on my white jeans (it happens every time), I have another option, but I'm not bringing a crazy amount of clothes..


Once I put everything in my suitcase, I'll see if there's any extra space.  If that has somehow happened, I'll throw in a couple of items that may have seemed superfluous but could come in handy - a nicer dress, an extra pair of shorts, or another swimsuit (or three).

To make sure I never have another toiletry disaster (since my mom can't help me out every time), I tend to keep my toiletry bag packed all of the time.  There's always at least a toothbrush, face lotion, toothpaste, deodorant, conditioner, a comb, a razor, contact solution, an extra pair of contacts, bobby pins, and hair bands in there.  That way I can just toss in my glasses and be ready to go without having to think about it.  When I get home from a trip, I just replace any items that may have run out and I'm good to go.


Do you have any packing tips you swear by?




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7 comments :

  1. These are great packing tips! I totally used to be that over-packer (and still am sometimes...) But I've gotten better. The one color palette idea is great, because I usually pick my outfits, then for whatever reason, decide I don't want to wear what I packed once I'm there. *sign* problems.

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  2. I definitely roll my clothes when packing! I always pack extra undergarments (you never know when you'll be getting ready for a night event and taking an extra shower, or what if you end up in and out of your bathing suit multiple times everyyyy day? You can never over pack and essentials.) and I try my best to wear any bulky items on the day of travel so I don't have worry about fitting them in a suitcase. For example. I HATE packing sweatshirts for some reason and sneakers are always better to wear than pack.

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  3. and I love that bathing suit !

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  4. Oh I'm a chronic overpacker. Actually, I tend to overpack for short trips and underpack for long trips. I clearly don't have the balance down yet. I have some trips planned for this upcoming year and I'm thinking it will be a lot of neutral items with lots of jewelry. I also find warm-weather trips easier for packing because I don't need to pack boots!


    Kaitlin
    www.teaandsequins.com

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  5. Wow, this is really smart! Definitely using the one palette tip next time I travel! Also, love your toiletry bags.

    xo, Hima

    Hima Hearts

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  6. I'm not great at packing, but I'm trying to get better at it...if only I had a vacation coming up to get some practice! ;) I really like your color palette - so fresh and beachy :) I LOVE your suit, too.

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