So now it's time to actually pack that suitcase- without stress and no panic attacks - truly! Here's my strategy for a less-is-more approach to packing - leave the headaches at home (with those extra outfits, shoes etc).
A few days before you go:
1.Check that you have the appropriate luggage-
This may strike you as silly - but trust me - if you have teenage/college age or older children who travel to school or don't live nearby- the luggage disappears. If you wait for the night before to pack for your trip you may not find that duffle/suitcase you know you own and have somewhere in the house but just can't seem to find- its probably out in California at your daughters apartment..
And don't forget that unique luggage tag - the giant plaid bow you can see out of the corner of your eye.. beats elbowing people out of your way to check every non-descript black bag that goes by on the baggage carousel.
A few days before you go:
1.Check that you have the appropriate luggage-
This may strike you as silly - but trust me - if you have teenage/college age or older children who travel to school or don't live nearby- the luggage disappears. If you wait for the night before to pack for your trip you may not find that duffle/suitcase you know you own and have somewhere in the house but just can't seem to find- its probably out in California at your daughters apartment..
And don't forget that unique luggage tag - the giant plaid bow you can see out of the corner of your eye.. beats elbowing people out of your way to check every non-descript black bag that goes by on the baggage carousel.
2.Honesty is the best policy..
Are you really going to wear that fancy dress on your family vacation to your parents house in Boca? Do you really need to pack that extra( bulky) coat on your ski trip? How many pair of pants are you bring for your week away- not one for every night I hope.. Before packing each and every item ask yourself if you absolutely must have it. If the answer is "maybe" then my advise is "leave it". Another must do especially when it comes to pants-try them on and make sure they still fit the way you want them to - you know what I mean..
Are you really going to wear that fancy dress on your family vacation to your parents house in Boca? Do you really need to pack that extra( bulky) coat on your ski trip? How many pair of pants are you bring for your week away- not one for every night I hope.. Before packing each and every item ask yourself if you absolutely must have it. If the answer is "maybe" then my advise is "leave it". Another must do especially when it comes to pants-try them on and make sure they still fit the way you want them to - you know what I mean..
3. Leave the real valuables at home..
I like to take whatever I can wear on the plane and leave the rest behind.. Odds and ends tend to get lost while traveling especially if you are staying in more than one place , traveling with kids etc. There are enough little details to think about when traveling.. a few costume pieces are cool to throw in and fun to wear..
4.Modify your beauty routine
Take the essentials - leave the masks, exfoliaters, gels, scrubs, special conditioners, five shades of lipstick etc at home - just too much clutter for that hotel bathroom counter space (and you won't look any different - really).
5.To roll or to fold?
I personally don't roll even though it's supposed to save the most space. It just seems weird to me - I fold and use plastic from the dry cleaners to protect anything that can wrinkle. I pack my shoes and anything bulky first then layer with clothing the most delicate things go on the top. toiletries go in big plastic baggies on the very top.
6.1. Make a list...and check it twice.
Using a packing list will make sure you not only cut down on items to bring, but also remember to bring underwear. (you'll never forget to bring underwear twice by the way).
Here are two easy and cute travel outfits - one for warm and one for chilly trips.. Be comfy but always look nice - my motto-
I like to take whatever I can wear on the plane and leave the rest behind.. Odds and ends tend to get lost while traveling especially if you are staying in more than one place , traveling with kids etc. There are enough little details to think about when traveling.. a few costume pieces are cool to throw in and fun to wear..
4.Modify your beauty routine
Take the essentials - leave the masks, exfoliaters, gels, scrubs, special conditioners, five shades of lipstick etc at home - just too much clutter for that hotel bathroom counter space (and you won't look any different - really).
5.To roll or to fold?
I personally don't roll even though it's supposed to save the most space. It just seems weird to me - I fold and use plastic from the dry cleaners to protect anything that can wrinkle. I pack my shoes and anything bulky first then layer with clothing the most delicate things go on the top. toiletries go in big plastic baggies on the very top.
6.1. Make a list...and check it twice.
Using a packing list will make sure you not only cut down on items to bring, but also remember to bring underwear. (you'll never forget to bring underwear twice by the way).
Here are two easy and cute travel outfits - one for warm and one for chilly trips.. Be comfy but always look nice - my motto-
Happy travels! If you forget something chances are you can buy it once you get where you're going - relax and enjoy! Life is too short to worry about the little things. Have a great week and thank you for reading, Lori
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