Your Trip Starts Here: Pro Packing Tips for Real Life

I recently gave a presentation and the program schedule was running a little short so I had to cut my presentation short to help get the schedule back on track. I promised my attendees then that I would do a special article and podcast for them on what I didn’t get to, and that was packing, so here we are!  And, early summer is a good time to talk about packing, too!

Even if you don’t travel often, some of today’s tips will resonate. For example, leaving items clean and packed and ready to go for your work bag or gym bag is great advice. These ideas are for everyone!

As an organizer and an organizational coach, I help people pack. And, personally for myself, I have refined the process over the years. I am not one to overpack. But I also don’t want to underpack because I highly value feeling and being prepared.  We want to strike a happy balance at “just right”, between too much and not enough.

Let’s do this!  First we plan, and then we pack. Put down the luggage, the shoes, the swimsuit. Even before we start the first load of laundry, we plan. And when we plan our packing we start with needs. What are your NEEDS? 

PRO TIP: Craft a standard packing list.

There are some things that go with us anywhere we go. There are things we NEED, no matter if we are going away for the day or overnight, or for a month or more.

In recent episodes and articles, I have talked about the hierarchy of needs; food, clothing, shelter, warmth, safety, health.  Packing needs are along that same line. Maybe it’s medication, maybe it’s a sweater no matter where you go (that’s me), maybe it’s a CPap machine that you need to use as you sleep. Perhaps an extra pair of glasses, phone chargers, sunscreen (also me), etc.  NEEDS.  I have also said in recent episodes and articles that our basic and routine Needs don’t change. If I need a CPap at home, I will need one when I travel.

Also on your standard packing list are the things that you really WANT. I have a few things that I WANT to make life easier and better no matter where I am.  If I’m staying overnight, I bring my supplements, a go-mug, the tea that helps me sleep at night and my favorite instant coffee just in case wherever I am staying doesn’t have coffee (Oh, the horror!).  Of course I can survive without them, but I want to do more than survive!  Add in the items that make you happy. 

PRO TIP: Keep An Actual List

When I mention a standard packing list, I mean an actual list, either paper or digital.  If you don’t know where to start, google packing lists, and the options are endless. There are digital packing lists that you can personalize, or printable or printed packing lists where you can add your own ideas at the bottom.

PRO TIP: Add Sub-categories to your Packing List:

For example, if you are traveling and need specifics for your destination, you can google “Packing List for Alaska in June” or “Packing list for Florida in June” for suggestions.  And the results were vastly different, trust me!

I have subcategories for warm weather travel (swimming suit, sun hats, waterproof sandals, SPF shirts, waterproof sunscreen, etc.) or flights (power bank, reading material, flight snacks, etc.).  When my kids were little, I had sub lists for them, too, but now their packing is up to them!  I set that habit with them when they were little so they could learn packing skills, too! 

Now that we have a list started, and have identified needs, let’s look at Parameters, Logistics and Expectations. 

PRO TIP: Check the Weather

Consider your destination and local weather, etc., as you pack. Look at average temps and precipitation for your destination during the time you will be there. Always pack a rain coat and an umbrella.

PRO TIP: Get on the same page with your traveling companions.

Discuss with any travel partners expectations for your travels, excursions or adventures planned? Formal dinners or dressy clothes, or more casual? 

PRO TIP: Pack along a color scheme. 

Most of my pants, shorts, skirts, etc., are neutral, so I can mix and match with more colorful tops.  I can pack a handful of each, and mix and match them up. If I stick with neutral colors, I can pack fewer items overall, plus fewer shoes and other accessory items, too.

A reminder, many people you see on vacation are also on vacation. In addition, you may never see them again. The point? You don’t need to pack to impress. Of course, we do not abandon personal hygiene or self respect, we still want to be well dressed, whatever that means for you, but we don’t need to be fashion plates. Unless that is what you want, and in all things, you do you. Just give it some thought. 

PRO TIP: Keep some things always packed.

For example, consider keeping your Dopp kit or toiletries kit, whatever you want to call it, packed and ready.  We travel often on weekends, typically to drive to Michigan to spend time with family, and sometimes farther afield. When I packed my bag for the presentation on Lessons from Summer Camp, it was a simple step to grab my Dopp kit as a visual and pop it in my bag for a visual because it is always ready to go.

I keep other items always packed, too. I always have a packing cube packed with swimming stuff. As soon as it's washed and completely dried after a use, it’s repacked in that packing cube so I can just grab the cube and pop it in my bag if we have an opportunity to visit my friend’s condo pool or head to the beach.  Another always packed item is my bag of chargers.

PRO TIP: Plan your toiletries.

Buy the full size of some items you use daily (for example, my deodorant and daily spf face lotion) if they’re small, or use refillable containers (for example, for shampoo and conditioner) instead of splurging again and again for travel sizes. I don’t often recommend duplicates, but travel toiletries are one instance when duplicates are understandable and even encouraged.

PRO TIP: Use packing cubes. 

Packing cubes are truly life changing. It’s funny to me -  whenever I'm in a group and mention packing cubes, I may hear “what are those, I’ve never heard of those” and then there are the people who gush, “I don't know what I ever did without packing cubes, they're the best!” A packing cube is a zippered pouch, and they typically come in sets with different sizes.

Features: 

• Packing cubes help you fit more in your luggage. All cubes have some compression, and some have A LOT.  Fill your cube, zip it half way up, and fill it some more (with things that won’t wrinkle).

• Conversely, I  also use my large cubes to hold delicate items to lay flat on top of my other cubes. 

• Packing cubes help you categorize your packed items.

• Packing cubes helps to keep things organized if you are sharing a suitcase.

• Packing cubes keep items from falling out of your luggage if you have to open your luggage or carry on along the way (like an airport, etc.).

• Packing cubes make unpacking super easy, you can place a cube in a drawer as is and use your items from there.

• Look for features that make sense for you. Some include color coded, a range of sizes in the set, waterproof or breathable, washable, etc.

PRO TIP: Roll your clothes.

Especially great for kids, but adults, too, are rolling your outfits or your clothes. (Unless they easily wrinkle, but we’re talking summer here!)  Roll your PJs together, and shorts / shirt / underwear and socks for kids (and adults). Rolling takes up less space in your luggage, ensures that you have items in your bag that go together and saves on decision making later.

PRO TIP: Use shoe bags. 

Shoe bags keep dirt and germ transference down. Pack shoes separately, and use shoe bags. You can use a plastic grocery bag, or you can purchase shoe bags for just this purpose. I use shower caps. They work for my shoe size. I can wash them, they store flat, and they are very easy to use. 

Thanks for listening in or reading!  Safe Travels this Summer!