8 Tips To Take the Stress Out of Packing
You could love exploring more than anything, you could have a true wanderer’s soul in you, but travelling still manages to be a somewhat stressful experience. From passports and other documents, to schedules, finances, plane rides, and, of course, the packing. How do you shove all you need in a suitcase without punching the clothes in so you could actually close the lid? It seems that you’re doomed to end up either carrying multiple heavy suitcases and paying more for the extra luggage, or being restricted to one boring outfit to last you through the trip.
Well, don’t worry; packing doesn’t actually need to be all that stressful if you develop a good system. It’s all about a few clever tricks, so if you want to know more, read on.
Pick a color scheme
Monochromatic clothing always works, but you can also go for neutral earthy tones, or hell, exclusively colorful bright garments if that’s your thing. The point is, bring the wardrobe that can easily be mixed and matched with each other. You don’t want to be forced to take an extra shirt just so you’d have something that could be worn with your mustard-colored pants.
Find a good suitcase
A good suitcase is essential, and you want to pick something that’s light, firm, and compact. A few pockets inside are also a nice bonus, so be on the lookout for a something that gives you enough storage space without being too heavy or too big.
Pick non-wrinkly fabrics
Unless you plan on ironing your clothes somehow, try to minimize the amount of wrinkly fabrics you put in your suitcase. If something does wrinkle up, you can spritz it lightly with water and leave it over a chair when you get to your hotel. Eventually, the garment will straighten out. Another thing you can do is hang it up in the bathroom while you’re taking a hot shower and let the steam do its magic.
Pack light layers
Layered wardrobe always looks more visually interesting, and it’s easy to mix around and keep your outfits looking fresh every day. Cute tank tops, light button-ups that can be worn on their own or as a cover up, thin cardigans, and best of all, a good bathing suit. If you pick out beautiful luxury swimwear not only will you look spectacular at the beach, but you’ll be able to wear it underneath a blouse as you’re lounging in a coffee shop, sipping a cocktail. You can combine it with your other garments, too. So, pick versatile things made from light fabrics, and you’ll get plenty of variety.
Forget about the “just in case” garments
Let’s face it, when was the last time you really needed any of your “just in case” items, and even if you did, how many of them were items that you really couldn’t have bought anywhere around you? It’s good to plan in advance, but you don’t need to account for every single possibility, and if you do find yourself missing something, don’t worry. You’ll manage. The only things that are really essential are the money and documents.
Don’t bring heels
They take up a lot of space in the suitcase and they usually aren’t very comfortable to walk in. Kitten heels and wedged heels are a slightly better choice, but make sure you pick the shoes that you can wear with everything so you wouldn’t have to pack more than two pairs.
Fold smartly
If you really want to save space, try folding your garments in a military roll. It makes it easier to deal with all your t-shirts, and it’s very easy to do once you learn how. Another trick would be to stuff your folded underwear and socks into your shoes or hats. The same thing goes for scarves. If you’re worried about hygiene, you can put them inside a plastic bag first, and then place them inside your shoes.
Minimize the products you bring
Instead of six or seven face products for your skincare, try to stick to those that do double duty. A moisturizer that has SPF in it and can also serve as a makeup primer is a good idea, for example.
Make a packing list, keep items to a minimum, and pack way ahead of time. That way you won’t have to worry about anything and you can focus on your trip.
