How to Pack Smarter and Lighter for Every Trip

Packing for a trip might seem like a simple task. However, if you have travelled severally, then you know packing mistakes can leave you with some dicey travel lessons. From forgetting some essentials for your trip to packing too much, there is so much that can go wrong when packing.

Here are some tips that will help you pack smarter so you have everything you need and lighter so you don’t have to haul heavy luggage with you on your trip.

1. Check the weather

Before you start packing, know the weather of your destination. If you pack warm clothes only to find the weather is cold, you might spend money purchasing overpriced clothes to keep you warm. Knowing the weather for the entire duration you are hoping to stay will go a long way to ensure you are packing the right clothes.

2. Lay out everything you want to pack first

You might be tempted to pick stuff as you throw into the suitcase but that will only lead to over-packing or leaving out some important essentials. Lay out everything you want to pack besides first so you have time to scrutinize and think about the role it will play in your trip. Pack only what you are sure you need and avoid the “just in case I need it” items.

3. Coordinate your clothes

Clothes are the most important items you can carry with you on your trip. You want to look good, be comfortable and have enough clothes for your trip without carrying everything in your closet.

To ensure you only have the clothes you need, pack complete outfits and not individual items. For instance, if you are packing a shirt, make sure it is one you can wear with the trousers you are carrying. It is also recommended that you pack more tops than bottoms with only two pairs of shoes. Make sure you pack shoes that you can wear with different outfits.

4. Roll your clothes when packing

Rolling the clothes when placing them in the suitcase will save space and prevent creasing. It also makes it easy to arrange them in the suitcase occupying all available spaces with ease. Also, put your socks inside shoes to save space in the suitcase.

5. Visualize your Vacation before packing

It is important that you have a clear picture of what your trip will be like before you start packing. Are you for instance going to attend any special events? Will you be dining out or attending conferences? Having a clear picture of what you will be doing will help you choose relevant attire and must have items you need to pack.

6. Buy a small suitcase

The bigger the suitcase, the more you will be able to carry. Having a small suitcase ensures that you only pack what is essential rather than things you will not use in the entire trip.

7. Use Packing Cubes

Packing cubes keep your things organized and intact inside the suitcase. You can use color coded cubes to easily find your things without disorganizing the entire suitcase.

Give yourself enough time to pack so you don’t forget essential items. Try using these tips to pack light for your next trip or vacation.