I love traveling. I love packing. But, what I don’t love is the unpacking due to packing way too much. My husband and I for a week trip can fit into a standard size suitcase dressed from head to toe, and I have plenty to choose from! So here are a few tips and tricks on how to minimize space but maximize outfit options!
- First and foremost I’ve learned not to pack unnecessary clothing/items. If I’m not actually planning a time to wear it, or it’s just a maybe, I probably won’t. So I skip it.
2. Put your outfits together. Not only does it minimize my space, but the night before I can easily put my outfit out so in the morning I’m not scrambling through the suitcase trying to find what to wear that day. How to do it, is whether it’s jeans, a skirt, or a jumper I’ll usually fold it up with my larger accessories inside a pocket or little baggie. If it’s a scarf I’ll fold it in, and even a belt- rolled up. Put it all together so it’s an easy pull-out and put on.
a. The other aspect is that I’ll wear pants/jeans usually 2 times. So I’ll put 2 different outfit options folded into the pants- whether it’s from day to night look or even 2 outfit days worth. You can completely have a new look but wear the same jeans more than once. And if its a dress, the same goes as well! How to do it? Dress down for one day with a belt and sneakers and dress up with a blazer and flats for the next. Accessories are so much easier, lighter, and practical to bring rather than more outfits that take up extra space.
“My husband and I for a week trip can fit into a standard size suitcase dressed from head to toe, and I have plenty to choose from!“
3. Next, have things organized. This part is just as essential as not overpacking. It’s great if you don’t bring to much, and your outfits are put together. But if everything else is thrown in it’ll be just as big a pain unpacking with it strewn about. The best thing I’ve found to help are duffel bags, packing capsules, and little clear bags. These all are travel savers. I find keeping little clear bags are great for jewelry and little items. Duffel bags are great for toiletries and hair items. Keeping underclothes all together in either a zipped section of your suitcase or a packing capsule is very helpful to get to it in a pinch. The last clothing holder is a laundry bag! Whether it’s a simple trash bag or a cute one from amazon, it’s a HUGE help when you get home to do laundry.
4. The last little tip I have is unloading as soon as you can when you get home. Yes, I know its the last thing you want to do after just getting back from a trip, but for me the sooner I get unpacked the sooner I’ll be able to get back into my home routine again.
I hope this is a help to you when you travel next. That way you enjoy your trip and only pack a tiny part of the house, not everything plus the kitchen sink! LOL. But also, to have awesome outfit options that can be easily put together and loved!
xoxo, Shantel
