Last updated on October 22nd, 2021 at 09:47 pm
Usually when we’re going on a trip, I’m packing for myself and my daughter. But now I’m going on an adult trip, and my suitcase is just for me! So here’s what I do, and the best way to pack a suitcase!
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Step 1: The List
I have a running list of the things I pack on trips, so this is where I start. Making a copy of the list, I’ll start adding things I need specifically for this trip. Like a dress and shoes if it’s a wedding, or specific outfits I know I want to wear.
I start this list a week or so before the trip, and keep the tab open on my computer so I can keep coming back to it and add things as I remember them. I like to print out this list too, to keep adding more, and for when I start packing!
Try to include how many tops, bottoms, shoes and pairs of underwear you need. Plus, take a look at the weather where you’re going to make sure you’ll be dressed appropriately.
Another good thing to include is what you plan on doing on your trip, so you have outfits to meet all your needs. Think sightseeing vs. a nice dinner!
The categories I fill out are:
- Tops
- Bottoms
- Dresses
- Underwear
- Sleep
- Shoes
- Swim
- Bathroom
- Beauty/Makeup
- Hair
- Other
Step 2: Pick Out Your Clothes
Now that I have an idea of what I need to bring, I can start pulling out some clothes to start making outfits. I’ll edit down later, but for now I’ll grab anything I might want to take.
I put everything in the same spot in my closet, so I can look at what I have side-by-side.
Step 3: Put Together Outfits
I’ve found having a general idea of what I want to wear on my trips helps me make sure I really have what I need. I don’t want to get to my destination and realize I have a top I want to wear, and no bottoms that look good together!
If you want to be a little extra, try on all your outfits and take a photo. When you’re on your trip, all you have to do is take a look at the photo and grab the pieces you need. No thinking required!
Even more so when we’re on a family vacation, the less thinking I have to do, the better.
Step 4: Organize Your Packing Cubes
I got a set of packing cubes a couple years ago, and I haven’t looked back since!
Based on the number of packing cubes you have, decide how you want to organize your clothes. You could pack each of your outfits together, so it’s easy to grab a new outfit each day. Or you could pack each cube by clothes type.
Personally, I pack according to clothes type for the most part. I have a packing cube for tops, one for bottoms, one for sleep/lounge and another for underwear.
Step 5: Pack!
Now it’s time to pack a suitcase!
How you want to fold your clothes in your packing cubes is totally up to you. Want to fold your clothes smaller and stand on their sides to see everything together? Or traditionally, with one shirt on top of the other?
Don’t forget to pack your jewelry, makeup and any toiletries you need.
I like to think through my morning and nighttime routines as I’m packing toiletries. And I do the same thing with my makeup. Either I’ll go through it in my head, or if I want to do my makeup before leaving, I’ll pack everything as I go.
Step 6: After the Fact
One trick I like to use to make things easier coming home, is while on my trip I end up designating one of my packing cubes as dirty clothes.
I put all my dirty clothes together in one packing cube, and any remaining clean clothes can go back into their respective packing cubes, or can be combined if space is an issue.
When I get home, all I have to do is grab the one packing cube and dump it in the washing machine (pending any items that need to be washed differently).
I don’t know about you, but the less thinking I need to do when I get home after vacation, the better.
What about you? How do you pack a suitcase when going on a trip? Share your tips below!
And if you’re thinking about a trip to Walt Disney World, check out my comprehensive planning guide!
