Organized packing for summer travel
About 30 minutes before leaving for a trip - whether it’s a solo business trip, a weekend away, or a week-long family vacation - my husband packs his suitcase.
To his credit, he rarely forgets anything. I could pack last minute too if (1) I only used toothpaste, deodorant and contact solution in the bathroom, (2) I wasn't also packing for my two kids, and (3) I had a completely different personality that wasn’t driven by the paranoia of being away from home without my regular comforts, and my anxiety around needing to be ultra-prepared.
I actually love packing a suitcase. It is the ultimate test of efficiency and space planning. I take great pride in my ability to prepare for and execute several days, or more, away from home, and to be able to anticipate the likely scenarios my family will encounter.
Whether you’re traveling alone for work or taking a family vacation with the kids, you might stress over what and how much to pack. With summer well underway and vacation season in full swing, these are my tried and true steps for an organized pack
Step 1. Prep
The Boy Scouts had it right with their motto “Be Prepared.” Being able to anticipate an issue and circumvent a temper tantrum is a super power. That being said, the solution is not to pack MORE, but rather to pack smarter.
Consider the activities you have planned for your trip while choosing outfits: What pieces could be worn more than once between washes? If you don't have access to a washing machine, what can you wash in the sink? (Pro Tip: I use Earth Breeze laundry strips for ALL my laundry, but they’re especially travel friendly!) What accessories or toiletries can you get at your destination if you need them?
I (always) suggest starting with a list app, such as Anylist. It allows you to create multiple lists with a free account and categories for each list. Start your list early to avoid the stress of a last minute rush. You are bound to forget something (even as obvious as toothpaste!) if you’re feeling rushed. I have a standard “packing list” which includes all of the regular essentials I bring on any trip and I customize it as needed. As random items pop in my head, I add it to the list in real time so it's all written down in one place when it’s time to pack the suitcase.
In addition to a list, I also employ the “laundry basket” method in the days leading up to a trip. I stash a laundry basket in the corner of my room and toss in any items that I know need to be packed, but don’t get used to every day. Have the perfect beach read you’ve been meaning to start? Toss it in the basket. Don’t want to forget a deck of cards for a rainy day? Add it to the basket. Sometimes we think of things as we’re using them (“I should bring this on our trip!”) but when it comes time to consolidate everything into a suitcase, we’ve forgotten where we put it, or even what it was.
The laundry basket is also a great tool to empower kids to start packing independently. Tell them to put anything they want or need to bring in the basket, and you can help them get it in the suitcase (and review, if needed) when the time comes.
Step 2. Pack
It’s no secret that packing cubes are a game changer for saving space and keeping yourself organized. These multi-sized zipper bags keep clothing together and folded, and allow you to squeeze every inch out of your suitcase. I use a cube for each of my kids' things and keep them in my big suitcase. We only need to wrangle one suitcase en route, and when we arrive at our destination I move their entire cube to their space or room.
Zipper pouches are another travel essential. Smaller than packing cubes, these pockets carry items that are smaller and likely to get lost in a cavernous carry-on bag. With a kiddo still in diapers, I always have a pouch of diapering essentials, so I can grab the pouch (rather than bring my whole bag) into the bathroom. I also have a pouch for electronics, carry-on toiletries, entertainment, and kids toys. The best part? I can file each pouch vertically in my purse for easy access and visibility. No more digging to the depths of my mom-bag looking for chapstick!
Let the fun begin!
Vacations are meant to be restful and rejuvenating, and outer order means inner calm. I know for most, vacations mean a break from home keeping and tidying, so take a few minutes upon arrival to set yourself up for a relaxing stay.
If I am staying anywhere for more than one night, the first thing I do is unpack.
Now, do I KonMari file-fold all our t-shirts and underwear? No. But I empty the suitcase, hang up clothes in the closet, and transfer smaller items to a dresser or shelf. Clothes that remain tucked in a suitcase will be wrinkled and smelly. I place toiletries in the bathroom and stand up bottles and jars to avoid spills. Digging for what you need adds time to your morning and takes away from your leisure.
Next I create “zones.” Whether you’re in a tiny hotel room or a huge vacation home rental, you’re somewhere unfamiliar and that creates disorder. I designate a changing area for my toddler, a charging area for electronics, and place all the valuables (passports, extra cash) in a safe place. I make sure everyone knows where we will be collecting dirty laundry, and I line all the shoes up in one spot. By keeping items in their zone you’re cutting down your time searching for them throughout your stay, and also decreasing your chances of forgetting anything when it’s time to leave.
And now that your zipper pouches are empty, they can be repurposed for your daily adventures. Use one for snacks, one for kids things, (etc) and stash them in your day bag. My absolute favorite bag for day outings is my Aloha Day Tripper. These water resistant bags (think poolside!) are lightweight, can scrunch up tiny inside a suitcase, and hold a LOT. (Bonus: they sell zipper pouches in the most adorable patterns!)
Preparing for a trip can be stressful. Keep it all together (literally) by preparing and packing a smart suitcase. A little planning upfront ensures a relaxing break from reality, with all the comforts of home.