Travel Tips: Efficient Packing
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February 13, 2015
{ bathing suit & blue maxi: ℅ L*space Swimwear // jewelry organizer: ℅ Lori Leigh // bag: ℅ Brahmin // hat: Free People via Lenox Square Mall ℅ // sunglasses: ℅ Proof Eyewear // sandals: ℅ Riffraff }
It’s safe to say that I tend to overpack. Like every time I go somewhere. But my past few trips have ended up being stressful and chaotic because of this bad habit, so I’ve decided to reform my ways this time. Tomorrow, I will be heading to Los Angeles with my photographer boyfriend, Johnny, and blogging buddy, Lauren. I am so super excited because not only will I get to see my sister who recently moved there, but I’ll also be attending Lucky FABB where freaking NICOLE RICHIE will be speaking! I am beyond thrilled to learn from the panelists and breakout sessions, connect with fellow bloggers, and network with brand reps. And since this trip is a business/pleasure combo, I want to make sure that everything is as easy and smooth as possible. These are the tips that I have found to work the best for packing:
1. Plan ahead
Planning your outfits–from head to toe–ensures you don’t pack anything you don’t need. Plus it cuts getting ready time in half. If you’re afraid you won’t remember what you originally planned to wear, take photos of the looks as you’re planning.
2. Organize
Another important key to avoid overpacking is organization. If you just throw everything in your suitcase, you won’t be able to fit as much, resulting in adding more bags to fit all your stuff. Instead, carefully fold and pack your items as tightly as you can. A great method for this is rolling your clothes into cylinder shapes. This will give you more space and your clothes won’t be wrinkled when you get to your destination. Another thing that helps is organizing your smaller items, like jewelry. I use my Lori Leigh jewelry organizer and it has been super helpful so far!
3. Minimize
Ok, it’s time to face the facts: you don’t need options the day of. Just pick what you want to wear when you’re packing (I am so guilty of doing this!). Things like pajamas and jeans can be worn more than once, so there’s no need to pack more than one of those if you won’t be gone for too long. It’s also important pick items that can be worn multiple ways and with different pieces. Versatility is key when traveling!
What packing tips would you add?
Photo by Johnny Cheng.
Christina Storm
April 1, 2014 @ 8:50 am
Great tips! I am so bad at over packing!
The Style Storm
<3, Christina
Megan
April 3, 2014 @ 2:51 pm
Thanks!
Chantal
April 1, 2014 @ 9:04 am
Great tips!!! I am terrible when it comes to packing!! I practically bring my whole closet!!! Lol!! Have fun on your trip!!’ Take pics!!! Xo Chantal, Behind Blue Eyes
Megan
April 3, 2014 @ 2:50 pm
Haha! I have definitely done that too! Thank you 🙂
Belen Baquerizo
April 1, 2014 @ 10:04 am
good tips!! I actually always plan my outfits before and always try to use jeans with 2 or 3 different outfits and 1 pjs! AND SHOES!! they take so much space. I always go for neutrals when traveling. 1 or 2 pairs are good enough!
have fun in cali!!
Xo,
Belen
Androbel
Megan
April 3, 2014 @ 2:50 pm
Thank you!! That is the best way to pack – good job!!
Brittney
April 1, 2014 @ 10:33 am
I am sooo guilty of just throwing (stuffing) what I think are versatile pieces in my suitcase and assuming I’ll “figure it out” when I get there. A million “I packed nothing to wear” meltdowns later, and I’m finally starting to get that maybe — just maybe — I’m not the best packer… 🙂 Thanks for the tips!
Brittney
quirkybritches.wordpress.com
Megan
April 3, 2014 @ 2:49 pm
Haha I have SO been there!!
Emma
April 1, 2014 @ 11:04 am
This is so helpful! Thank you for sharing
Emma| With A City Dream
Megan
April 3, 2014 @ 2:49 pm
No problem! Glad I could help out 🙂
Kelly
April 1, 2014 @ 2:32 pm
Such great tips! I hate packing because #3 never seems to happen haha. I would add that space is of importance. When I put my clothes in the suitcase there’s always a small gap between the clothes or the clothes and the suitcase. I fill those spaces with small items like socks, scarves, jewelery, makeup bag, etc. Utilizing every ounce of space is important when I pack!
Megan
April 3, 2014 @ 2:48 pm
So true!! I had some extra space this time, because I have a feeling I’ll be going home with a lot more than what I came with! #shoppingaddict hehe
Jessie
April 1, 2014 @ 2:34 pm
Ok I definitely needed to read this… I’m the WORST packer! I bring about 5 times as much as I actually need but I somehow always end up forgetting something really important! See you at FABB 🙂
Jessie at Blush and Blonde
Megan
April 3, 2014 @ 1:42 pm
Hah! Hopefully these tips will help then! See you tomorrow! xo
Janeen
April 1, 2014 @ 2:55 pm
Great tips! I have learned to stop overpacking too! I pick out all my outfits, then try them all on! If it’s a go…it’s in the suitcase. That way I know exactly what I’m wearing each day. Takes me a whole night but it’s better than throwing stuff together and having “nothing” to wear when you get to your destination! Have a great time in LA!
Megan
April 3, 2014 @ 1:41 pm
Yep, it’s such a great method! Definitely worth it in the end. Thank you!!
Maru
April 1, 2014 @ 3:39 pm
These are great tips! I hate packing because I always feel like I’m forgetting something, but it really helps to plan every outfit I’m going to wear so I don’t overpack
Megan
April 3, 2014 @ 1:41 pm
Yes! I’m the same! I haven’t found anything that I forgot…yet!
Allyssa
April 1, 2014 @ 4:07 pm
Have so much fun in LA! I look forward to hearing all about it in a future post 🙂
Megan
April 3, 2014 @ 1:40 pm
Thank you!! I’ll definitely be posting more about my trip!!
Kayla Hollatz
April 1, 2014 @ 4:47 pm
I need that swimsuit. Obsessed!
Megan
April 3, 2014 @ 1:39 pm
I’ll be posting more photos on the blog soon!! 🙂
Bekka Geldbart
April 4, 2014 @ 8:24 pm
This is sooo, so helpful! Great post! I am the queen of overpacking no matter how hard I try to pack effectively 🙂 I will definitely be putting these tips to good use!
XO, Bekka
Palm and Peachtree, A Fashion and Lifestyle Blog
Megan
April 6, 2014 @ 12:56 pm
Yay! So glad I could help. Packing efficiently makes all the difference when traveling!
Marietta DeGrant
April 6, 2014 @ 4:58 am
like wow, i really need these. Like, really really need these tips. I am someone who carries the whole bedroom to where i’m trying. I think I’ll just have to try and follow these this year.
Megan
April 6, 2014 @ 12:56 pm
Haha!! Definitely try it – it really helps!!
Gina
April 16, 2014 @ 2:19 pm
Ahh! I lost track of Lush to Blush and now I’m going to catch up. I always love your posts.
Great packing tips… organization and versatility are key. I usually start with a list way ahead of time so I can carefully decide on coordinating options for attire, shoes, and accessories.
XO, Gina
http://classyeverafter.blogspot.com
Megan
April 16, 2014 @ 2:50 pm
Aw, thank you! Yes, lists always help with everything! I love lists 🙂
Shannon
May 24, 2014 @ 11:38 am
These are all great tips, I don’t think that you left anything out.
Megan
May 24, 2014 @ 12:09 pm
Thanks! 🙂