As with anything, when it comes to packing, practice makes perfect (or as perfect as you can get when you’re figuring out which of your belongings to throw in a bag). The more you do it, the easier it gets—but there’s no use suffering in the meantime. As a fashion writer who’s constantly traveling, if I’m an expert on anything, it’s packing, and I have a laundry list of lessons I’ve learned from traveling as someone who doesn’t want to sacrifice their style on a trip.
Nothing can put a damper on a trip as quickly as a horribly packed bag can, and after a whole lot of trial (and even more error), I have my packing system down pat. I’ve learned that with a little strategy, you don’t need to sacrifice great vacation outfits for the sake of luggage space. Over the years, I’ve managed to transform packing from something I dread into something I look forward to.
Ready to prepare for your next trip? These are my tried-and-true packing tips.
Make a packing list
A few days before you really have to buckle down and start packing, write everything you need in your notes divided by category: clothing, toiletries, technology, important documents, miscellaneous (random items specific to the trip). As you pack, check the items off one by one to avoid forgetting anything. That way, you can spare yourself any last-minute packing panic that might arise from being ill-prepared.
Invest in your luggage
When you travel constantly, your body feels tired and worn down, and the same goes for your suitcase. Rather than buying one you’ll need to replace in few years, choosing one that will last the inevitable wear and tear that comes with frequent travel will save you money in the long run. Pro tip: We all want the basic black, silver, or beige suitcase, but if you have the chance to get a color that’s more out-of-the-box, I highly recommend it. That way, you won’t spend an hour sifting through all of the black suitcases at the luggage carousel.
Roller Carry-On Luggage
4 colors available
Carry-On Roller Bag
10+ colors available
Utilize the magic of packing cubes
If you haven’t ever used packing cubes, you’re missing out on one of the simplest ways to make packing easier. Nowadays, they have cubes to pack your entire wardrobe, but in my experience, you only really need three cubes: a small, medium, and large. I pack my underwear, bras, and socks into the smallest one and it’s made it so much easier to find my intimates (which are easy to lose in a suitcase). I also use others to keep together similar categories: layering tanks, workout attire, and even remote working supplies.
Compression Packing Cubes (4 Pieces)
Packing Cubes (8 Pieces)
10+ colors available
Don’t fold your clothes, roll them
While it’s instinctual to fold your clothes into your bag, rolling them can actually save a ton of space in your bag and ward off unnecessary wrinkles. Section off your clothes by genre (shirts, pants, etc.) and organize them based on piece. To avoid unnecessary crushing of delicate pieces like straw bags and embellished shoes, make sure to put all the heavier clothing items toward the bottom (the wheel side) of your bag. That way, when you move your suitcase upright to roll it, your delicate items will stay safe.
Organize your jewelry
Packing jewelry requires extra precision, as it tends to be an expensive category that can get damaged easily. I have a small, hardshell jewelry case for my everyday jewelry (hoop earrings, rings, and my everyday watch). Then, I have another for the larger, fun pieces I want to bring on the trip. Dividing them into each category has allowed me to carry my more valuable pieces with me in my personal item so I don’t have to fear losing them should my luggage get lost.
Travel Jewelry Case
9 colors available
Neoprene Jewelry Case
6 colors available
Consider a clear cosmetic case
Once I became a clear cosmetic case convert, I don’t know how I ever traveled without one. Not only does it allow you to see everything you have in your bag so you can easily grab what you’re looking for, but it also makes security far more seamless. A clear case will also help curb the damage of any leakage or spillage that might happen, since it can easily be rinsed out with no evidence left behind.
Clear Toiletry Bags
Clear Cosmetics Case
10+ colors available
Wear slip-on shoes
When heading to the airport, I always travel in a pair of shoes that are an easy “get on, get off” situation. While sandals would technically be the easiest to take on and off, you probably don’t want open toes in an airport. Instead, opt for a slip-on pair of shoes that you don’t have to tie for the most efficient footwear option.
Boston Clogs
6 colors available
Linen Clogs
2 colors available
Don’t forget a laundry bag
The last thing you want is to mix up your clean pieces with your dirty ones. Bring a laundry bag to keep your sweaty, dirty clothes separate from your clean ones (and so you know what you need to throw in the wash when you get home).
Waterproof Laundry Bag
6 colors available
Striped Laundry Bag
10+ colors available
Rachel Bogo, Contributing Fashion Writer
Rachel Bogo is a former fashion editor at Cosmopolitan Magazine and loves all things fashion and travel. Some of her recent visits include: France, Ireland, and Italy. She lived in New York City off and on for the past 7 years, but is excited to be back in Chicago.
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