Avoid These Vacation Packing Mistakes

Are you the type of person that brings three suitcases for a weekend getaway? Do you overpack and get to your destination and find you’ve forgotten some important items? Vacations are for decompressing, relaxing and are meant to be stress-free. Don’t let the process of packing for your next getaway become an overwhelming task.

Planning to go away soon? Here are seven things NOT to do when packing for your next getaway: 

Don’t wing it. Plan and prepare. Start making a list of things you want to pack. Coordinate outfits and write down all the toiletries you need to bring. Clear the mental clutter and put everything onto paper. Do this a week or two before you go away. Take 15 minutes to write out your list. Use this as a guide when you’re getting ready to pack. If you wing it, you’ll over pack and you’ll also forget to pack items. If you find that you pack standard items each time you travel, type your list, laminate it, and refer to it each time you travel. This will save you precious time. 

Don’t pack like you are going away for a month. Overpacking is the biggest mistake people make. Coordinate outfits ahead of time. Mix and match pieces. Choose only a couple of pairs of shoes that can match the outfits you are bringing. Streamline your wardrobe. 

Don’t leave any empty space in your suitcase. Fill every inch of your suitcase. Stuff socks into shoes. Place underwear, bras, and other small items in between crevices in the suitcase. Maximize the space in your suitcase.

Don’t throw your clothes in the suitcase. Fold items as small as you can. There is a process to pack a suitcase and the smaller you fold the clothes and the tighter you pack them, the more you will be able to fit in the suitcase. 

Don’t bring your entire shoe closet. Choose one or two pairs of dressy shoes, a pair of beach shoes and a pair of running shoes. Wear one of these on the day of your trip. Don’t fill up your suitcase with shoes. 

Don’t bring full-size toiletries. Purchase trial-size items or transfer liquids into carry-on containers. You may even use the entire product by the end of the trip and then you will create more space in your suitcase for souvenirs or other items. Full-size toiletries use prime real estate in a suitcase, plus if they leak, they will cause more of a mess for you. 

Don’t pack an hour before you have to leave. We have enough stress today relating to travel. Don’t let the packing process overwhelm and stress you out. A few nights before you leave, lay out your clothes and everything you want to pack. Have everything folded and ready to go. The night before you can pack everything into your suitcase in an organized fashion. Pack your travel toiletries and anything else you won’t be using. The morning of your trip pack your daily items after you use them. 

Remember, this process doesn’t have to be stressful and overwhelming unless you allow it to be. Planning and preparing is the key to success. Have a great trip!