Let’s face it – we’ve all been there. It is finally time to go on the trip you have been planning for months. You couldn’t be more ready! Except for packing. You realize that you have 1 suitcase, enough things to fit in 5 suitcases, and no organization. What do you do?! Well, I’m here to save you! I have put together the ultimate packing guide with my favorite tips and tricks for a simple and organized packing experience that will make packing for your trip quick and easy! From suitcase to carry-on, I’ve got you covered!

Suitcase Packing and Organization 

Roll vs. Fold

We are all in the habit of folding our clothes, but when it comes to packing, rolling is the way to go! Rolling will help to save space and also keep clothes from wrinkling. While rolling is perfect for jeans, shorts, tanks, tees, and casual clothes, you may not want to roll your best dress. Instead, you should…

Bring The Hangers Too!

Keep the clothes on their hangers, and bring the hangers too! If you have clothes that you know you need to hang upon arrival, just keep them on their hangers and lay them flat across the bottom of your suitcase. If they are too long, you can create a single fold. That way, you can easily hang them when you arrive.

You NEED Reusable Zipper Bags! 

This is where you will pack your toiletries, makeup, and jewelry. That way, they cannot spill onto your clothes. I recommend getting bags that are clear because you can find your items easily. With that being said, it is an absolute must that you put your toiletries in a bag. Your luggage will be thrown around a lot while traveling, so it is absolutely critical you separate them from your clothes to prevent spills and stains.

Travel Size Toiletries 

You will save room and help prevent your suitcase from being overweight by bringing travel-size toiletries. You can find these almost anywhere normal toiletries are found. So, instead of brining your value size shampoo – bring the mini one! This can be done with many things including but not limited to shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, mouthwash, toothpaste, perfume, makeup brushes, etc. Another option would be to get mini clear bottles, as seen in the above photo, and transfer your products from their original large container into these. 

Packing Cubes

Packing cubes are small bags that help to organize clothes inside your suitcase, as well as compressing clothing to ensure optimum use of space. You can create DIY packing cubes by using large zip-lock bags. You can also label them! Not only will this optimize space, it will help you to see everything you have and make unpacking so much easier. 

Plan Outfits Ahead 

The easiest way to avoid overpacking or under packing is to plan your outfits ahead of time. When I say plan your outfit, I mean everything from your top and pants down to the exact shoes and earrings you will be wearing. You should also specify when you will be wearing it. Then you can use your packing cubes to keep each outfit separate, or you can use zip lock bags and label them. 

For example: 

Beach Day 1

Night 1 

Hiking Day 2

Dinner Night 2 

Etc.

Identify your Luggage

You think you will be able to easily find your black suitcase when you get off the plane, but you will quickly realize that basically everyone on the plane has a black suitcase. Even if your suitcase is not black, I recommend using a luggage tag or tying a ribbon on it. This will help you recognize yours and help other people know it is not theirs.

Carry-On Bag 

When traveling on a plane, you usually get to bring one personal item and one carry-on bag on board with you. A personal item is something like a purse, whereas a carry-on is a little larger, like a book bag. When packing your carry-on, you want to keep in mind that there are restrictions as to what you can bring. Any liquids larger than 3.4 oz. are not allowed. There are no exceptions. You also want to remember that your carry-on is for essentials. I have made a list of things that you want to consider bringing in your carry-on. However, the bolded words are absolute musts.

ID and Boarding Pass

Cash and card

Chapstick 

Hand Sanitizer 

Mini Toothbrush and Mini Toothpaste

Face Mask 

Makeup Wipes 

Headphones 

Phone Charger 

Neck Pillow 

Sweatshirt (planes and airports are always cold)

Change of clothes incase of any luggage issues 

Most importantly, enjoy your trip! You deserve it!

Written By: Corrie McHone