Is packing for a trip an art or a science? Actually it’s a little bit of both and although great packing feels more like voodoo to some, it is a skill which can be mastered. All it take is a little bit of planning, organization and effort. With a little investment, and our cheat sheet, you too can pack it away with ease and finesse.
The goal is to always pack everything you need but to not over pack and bring things you won’t use. Remember you have to carry everything you bring so be selective.
Pack Smart According to The Destination
Pack everything you need, according to your destination. It can be really upsetting to forget an important item. And, it could potentially cost you money. First, make a list of what you need. Then, make a list of what the children need. Lastly, make a list of what the entire family will need. To help, here are some essential items to pack you might forget:
- Umbrella or rain gear
- Phone chargers
- Laptop power cords
- Prescriptions
- Over-the-counter painkillers, hydrocortisone, etc.
- Bug spray with Deet
- Sunglasses
- Long sleeve shirts
- Bathing suits
- Belt
- Personal hygiene products for entire family, including toiletries, razors, deodorant, hair products, etc.
- First aid kit
- Driver’s license or passport
- A book or magazines
- Hand sanitizer
- Snacks
- Cash and credit card
- Kids’ toys for car, beach and evenings
Use Packing Cubes
Packing Cubes can be great for organization. They are fairly small, fabric containers, often in a rectangular shape, used for packing clothing and other belongings. They zip closed and are small enough that you can fit several into a suitcase, carry-on luggage or a backpack.
You can use packing cubes to keep everything separated and organized within your luggage, making finding things much easier. You can even pack outfits or certain types of clothes that are bulkier than the rest, such as sweatshirts and hoodies, in these flexible cubes.
Packing is an important part of preparing for a trip. Rather than dreading the process, packing can be fun if you’re organized. Planning before you pack is essential and it can help you get in the right frame of mind for your trip. So go ahead and pack it away and enjoy.
About the Writer
Brenda Kimble is a writer and travel blogger from Austin, TX. She is also a mother of 2 daughters and a son. Her life’s journey has taken her to 5 continents, 25+ countries, and all 50 United States. When she is not traveling, she is typically doing yoga, crafting with her kids, or writing for The Talkin’ T-Shirts Blog, where she is a frequent contributor.
